Corporate Political Activity in Nepal: A Qualitative Analysis of Food Industry Strategies on Nutritional Policies

The project “Corporate Political Activity in Nepal: A Qualitative Analysis of Food Industry Strategies on Nutritional Policies” examines how the food and beverage industry (F&BI) in Nepal influences public health through corporate political activities (CPA). This research is funded by the Stanford King Center on Global Development and spans from June 2024 to December 2025.

The objective of this study is to systematically examine the CPA strategies employed by major F&BI actors in Nepal. This study will shed light on the F&BI’s role in shaping Nepal’s nutritional landscape through document analysis of publicly available information of Key F & BI along with parallel conduction of In-depth interviews of Key stakeholders who have been involved in the development and implementation of nutrition and public health policies in Nepal providing a critical perspective on the corporate impact on nutrition policies in Nepal and its implications for the nation’s health and economic development.

Based in Kathmandu, the research involves analyzing publicly available documents and conducting 20 key informant interviews (KIIs) with policymakers, consumer group representatives, public health experts, and industry insiders. By systematically documenting and analyzing these strategies, the study seeks to provide insights to safeguard public policies from undue corporate influence.

This initiative aspires to contribute significantly to addressing malnutrition and promoting sustainable development in Nepal. Ethical considerations are a core component, ensuring confidentiality and informed consent from all participants. The findings aim to support the development of evidence-based strategies that prioritize public health over corporate interests.