Local news

We hiked over a hill ravaged by monsoon-triggered landslides in Helambu Rural Municipality, located in central Nepal, making our way to Dalit Basti.

On June 15, 2021, 57-year-old Gyanendra Kakshapati received urgent calls from an upstream community member warning him about possible flooding in the Melamchi River. Gyanendra lived in Chanaute Bazaar, Helambu Rural Municipality-6, midstream along the Melamchi in Bagmati Province of Central Nepal. Concerned about the situation, he and his son travelled to his Rainbow Trout farm and hotel in Timbu, four kilometers upstream from their home.

Practical Action Nepal launches a new report which establishes rainfall intensity-duration (ID) thresholds that can predict landslides in the Helambu-Panchpokhari region with high accuracy. The research involved collecting and analysing historical landslide inventory data spanning multiple years to identify trends and patterns of landslides in terms of rainfall. The correlation between rainfall intensity, time and duration with landslide occurrences was examined to determine the rainfall thresholds. To ensure the reliability of these thresholds, validation was carried out using real-time and past rainfall events, strengthening their predictive capability.

At Practical Action, we are committed to fostering young women professionals by providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in specialised fields. Our Women Traineeship programme in Nepal is proof of this commitment. By offering a year-long traineeship, we aim to empower young women, enhance their professional skills, and prepare them for impactful careers. This initiative not only supports individual growth but also contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Rekha Nepal, environmental student and our first trainee on this programme, has documented her enriching journey and its significant impact on her personal and professional development.

The Local Adaptation Programme of Action (LAPA): A national innovation In 2011, Nepal pioneered an innovative strategy to localise climate adaptation action and finance by formulating the national framework for Local Adaptation Plans of Action (LAPA).

In rural Nepal, where traditional gender roles prevail, a transformative initiative is underway. Through Practical Action’s “Empowering Women Farmers with Digital Finance” project, Women Digital Champions like Sunita KC in Dang are challenging stereotypes and leading households toward digital and financial literacy. Subina Shrestha, Programme Associate in Nepal, engaged with male family members across villages, witnessing a profound shift: these initiatives not only empower women economically but also foster inclusive communities, paving the way for a thriving future for all.