Climate change has made the growing season in the Dolpo unpredictable, and the vegetables that can be grown in greenhouses – greens, carrots, cucumber, cauliflower, cabbage and squash – dramatically improve nutrition and food security. Field crops here are basic, barley, buckwheat and potatoes. Erratic seasonal precipitation patterns are having a detrimental impact on crop productivity. Heavy rains, formerly unheard of in this high altitude desert, are also washing away their terraces of grain.

When I first traveled to Dolpo in 2015, I saw very few greenhouses, maybe five or six. We have since supplied materials for 100 greenhouses. When I traveled to Dolpo in 2024 I was delighted to see that the greenhouse materials have been put to excellent use. Some people have become proficient gardeners, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, chili peppers, zucchini, cauliflower and more, and they are teaching others. The greenhouses are used as a warm room in winter for spinning wool and weaving blankets. They are truly grateful for these simple additions to their homes and we have received many new requests.