Nepal

In the vicinity of urban centres, intensive commercial farming has resulted in soil degradation and an overreliance on chemical fertilizers and machinery. Simultaneously, traditional farming in challenging, remote areas proves to be economically unfeasible, leading to emigration, predominantly among men seeking opportunities in urban settings or abroad.

Practical Action’s commitment is to pursue sustainable agriculture that benefits both people and the planet. We aspire to enhance the livelihoods of 400,000 smallholder farmers in the coming years, focusing on empowering women and aiming for a target of 60%. Drawing upon our expertise in environmentally sustainable farming practices and renewable energy, we are also dedicated to refining climate information services and strengthening collaborations with businesses.

Our impact extends beyond individual farmers; we actively advocate for positive societal change and broaden the scope of our projects to support thriving lives and livelihoods. This includes supporting government authorities in shaping agricultural policies and demonstrating the value of nature-friendly farming approaches to the private sector. Our vision is to help build prosperous, sustainable futures for communities on the frontlines of climate change in Nepal.

In rural Nepal, the reliance on traditional stoves and fuels poses a significant risk of indoor pollution, especially for women and children, leading to around 24k premature deaths yearly. And, despite widespread electricity access, remote areas, where 28% of households face economic hardship, remain left behind.

Electricity plays a crucial role in job creation, productivity, product quality, and living conditions. However, off-grid power generation faces obstacles due to previous models struggling with the complexities of these regions.

In Nepal, we address these challenges by improving cooking methods and enhancing the efficient use of clean energy to transform lives. Collaborating with local stakeholders on both the demand and supply sides, we activate and strengthen markets, providing better access to clean cooking appliances. Moreover, we encourage communities, including entrepreneurs and businesses, to utilize productive energy for increased efficiency, income, and savings.

Additionally, we work with regional and national decision-makers to advise on energy planning and policy. Simultaneously, we support private companies in developing effective, sustainable energy generation and distribution business models. Through these efforts, we aim to bring positive change to Nepal’s energy landscape and enhance community well-being.

Nepal is highly vulnerable to hazards made worse by climate change, with a potential doubling of the annual impact of river flooding on people by 2030. At the same time, the economic impact of river flooding could triple. Reducing the vulnerability of communities is vital for their safety and future prosperity, particularly those living in poverty and farming in remote areas.

Practical Action improves community resilience to hazards through education, strengthening information networks, and planning for emergencies. Putting people’s voices, needs and experiences at the centre of any disaster resilience plan ensures that early warning systems are inclusive and minimises losses and damage. We work closely with communities, monitoring weather patterns and river water levels, formulating contingency plans, and maximising the lead time for potential disaster warnings through text messages and other communication systems.

To extend the impact of our resilience-building insights and best practices in early warning systems, we collaborate with government entities at various levels, advocating for the implementation of appropriate policies. Our commitment is to empower communities and contribute to creating a safer and more prosperous future for all.