Development projects in Nepal

Project’s Goal: Reduction in poverty in Nepal's remote and rural areas, particularly hill and mountain communities in Nepal through sustainable access to finance, appropriate livelihood opportunities and local institution strengthening. Project’s Outcome: Sustainable increase in income and access to finance opportunities of those living in Nepal's rural and remote areas, particularly the hill and mountain communities, bringing about a systemic transformation in the delivery and access of financial services. This is expected to be reached through three outputs: - Output 1: Capacity building of formal and informal community institutions (SACCOS, Agri Coops, CFUGs, etc) for improved access to financial services, livelihood opportunities, and market linkages. - Output 2: Improved access to microfinance services (credit, savings, micro-insurance, and remittance) and livelihoods support for rural and remote clients through catalytic support to MFIs for establishing new branches in financially excluded areas. - Output 3: Piloting and targeted scale-up of innovative practices and technology (guarantee fund, mobile money) to provide financial services through participating financial institutions.

Organization

Prosper Global (UK)

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Aug 1, 2013 → Jan 31, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

Over fifty-five percent of Nepalese live below the $1.25/£0.78 daily poverty line clustered by geography, caste, and gender. Some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged, in terms of access to education, social and economic life opportunities, are Dalit and Janajati girls and their subcastes living in the Kailali District of the Far West Region. These subcastes include the Tharu people who were previously indentured servants to higher castes , and the Badi people who are the most marginalised of the ‘untouchables’ with adolescent Badi girls socialised and defined by their caste as commercial sex workers at puberty. Dalit and Janajati girls in Kailali District face a triple disadvantage of (1) living in a rural location where education is a low priority, (2) belonging to the lowest of castes and therefore forced to perform undesirable work and social tasks, and (3) being devalued by society for being female. Supporting The Education of Marginalised Girls of Kailali (STEM) will begin to erode the cultural and financial barriers to education and work these marginalised girls face by supporting them to Enrol in school, Learn and pass exams, and begin to Earn their way from school to work. ;

Organization

Prosper Global (UK)

Budget

USD 2.5M

Timeline

Aug 1, 2013 → Mar 31, 2017

Coverage

Kailali, Sudurpashchim

Research and development activity contributing to the UK’s strategy to address key development challenges.

Organization

Department For Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Budget

USD 5K

Timeline

Jul 1, 2020 → Sep 30, 2021

Coverage

Nepal

One quarter of Nepal’s population lives on less than £0.16 per day, and a further 55% lives on less than £0.80. 96.2% of Nepal’s workforce is employed in the ‘informal sector’ – primarily smallholder farmers and landless wage labourers - which means that around 11.3 million workers are deprived of access to formal social protection measures, directly impacting on working conditions, wages, and safety nets such as insurance and access to legal, technical and financial services that guard against times of low economic demand and offset hard times. The proposed project fully contributes towards MDG 1b, ‘Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all, including women and young people’ by increasing the capacity of workers in the informal economy to escape from poverty and better manage risks and shocks. In many of the poorest, most geographically isolated hill and mountain regions of Nepal, residents rely on “self-help groups” known as Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) for support. VSLAs help marginalised households to access information, peer support and services, as well as creating group-based savings and loan funds, which can then be used as insurance, working capital for self-employment activities, emergency funds, and savings. An estimated 300,000 of these informal VSLAs exist in Nepal, but they often suffer from poor governance and embezzlement and end up failing to carry out the role for which they were created. As a result, many Nepali people often depend heavily on high-risk informal loans to cover consumption and emergency needs, with many families taking annual loans averaging £350 at interest rates exceeding 60% per annum. Many are unable to repay these loans in cash, and therefore often make repayments with crops or take out a second or third loan to repay the first loan, resulting in a cycle of debt from which it is almost impossible to emerge. Facilitating access to formal Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) for informal VSLAs therefore serves as in important intermediary step that allows vulnerable groups to benefit from formal financial services, technical services, and social protection mechanisms. However, to expand access to such formal SACCOs effectively, qualified intermediary organisations like NEFSCUN must be capable of forming and expanding their networks while at the same time enforcing minimum standards of governance and extending legal protection. Whilst NEFSCUN’s activities have proven effective the organisation has yet to reach some of Nepal’s poorest and most underserved districts due to remoteness and the costliness of operating in these areas. Furthermore, given that their Cooperative Development Process remains costly to implement and is not outreach-based, the reach of their network remains constrained. As such, Mercy Corps and NEFSCUN will partner to develop a cost-effective, outreach-based model to reach the vast array of informal, community-based VSLAs already in existence.

Organization

Prosper Global (UK)

Budget

USD 481K

Timeline

Jan 1, 2012 → May 31, 2014

Coverage

Nepal

To improve quality of healthcarecomma enhance health insurance coverage for poorcomma and strengthen health emergency preparedness in the Selected Provinces.

Organization

World Bank Trust Funds

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jul 15, 2023 → Mar 16, 2027

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity provides Nepalese authorities with training in detailed assessment of seismic resilience; seismic damage assessment; seismic analysis including design of repair and retro-fit solutions; training in barricading, shoring, temporary works, de-construction and demolition; and to develop, in conjunction with local engineers, a culturally and economically acceptable substitute for the unreinforced brick walls used in a majority of new high-rise residential and commercial buildings.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Aug 21, 2015 → Nov 30, 2015

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity supports the procurement and distribution of shelter material (mainly tin/iron) used to build temporary shelters in the remote Sankhuwasabha District of Eastern Nepal following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the region in April 2015.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 18, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Sankhuwasabha, Koshi

Working with the Himalyan Trust to support quality education and economic development by providing teacher training, scholarships and improved physical facilities of schools in the Everest region of Nepal, particularly Solukhumbu.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jul 13, 2015 → Jan 16, 2020

Coverage

Solukhumbu, Koshi

This Activity will support the Government of Nepal's Department of Urban Development and Building Construction with technical advice on scoping in-depth assessments of earthquake damage to critical public infrastructure following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 25 April 2015.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 31, 2015 → Jan 8, 2018

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity supports the deployment of essential relief supplies from NZ to Kathmandu in response to the earthquake which occurred in April 2015 which led to over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure and led to great humanitarian need.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 29, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Kathmandu, Bagmati

This Activity supports the distribution of essential relief supplies inlcuding juckets, thermal clothing, sleeping bags, camp beds, rainwear and tents in Nepal, in response to the earthquake which occurred in April 2015 and which led to over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure, and led to great humanitarian need.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 26, 2015 → Jan 8, 2018

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity supports the provision of school repair and rebuilding in the Solukhumbu area of Nepal. The activity is in response to the earthquake which occurred in April 2015 which led to over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure and led to great humanitarian need in Nepal.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 30, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Solukhumbu, Koshi

This Activity supports the team which is tasked with repairing and re-establishing local communication networks and links in Nepal, to help ensure a smooth flow of information for the relief operation. This deployment is in response to the earthquakes which occurred in April and May 2015 which led to over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure, and led to great humanitarian need.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 30, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity supports early recovery efforts in response to the earthquake in Nepal which occurred on 25 April 2015 that caused over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure and led to great humanitarian need.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 29, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

The Activity is in response to initial humanitarian relief and early recovery efforts in response to the April 2015 earthquakes in Nepal which caused over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure and led to great humanitarian need. This Activity willl fund seven NGOs to provide food security, liveilhoods, education, resilience, water, sanitation and hygeine, and shelter activities.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

May 26, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

Ensuring children of Solukhumbu region in Nepal receive an improved quality of education through teacher training, the provision of educational materials and resources, school management training, infrastructure improvements and the provision of scholarships.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Oct 13, 2014 → Feb 27, 2015

Coverage

Solukhumbu, Koshi

This Activity supports the provision of emergency health care, shelter, livelihoods, restoring family links (RFL), safe and dignified burials, institutional preparedness and capacity development, community preparedness and risk reduction. This appeal in response to the earthquake which occurred in April 2015 which led to over 8,600 fatalities, destroyed housing and crucial infrastructure and led to great humanitarian need.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 30, 2015 → May 9, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

Working with Caritas New Zealand to increase the economic sustainability and social well-being of communities in Western Nepal through: micro-credit to support agricultural and livestock enterprises; technical training; environmentally safe inputs to improve food security and income; and strengthening of cooperatives. This activity will also focus on women's leadership and rights, and access to healthcare for women and children.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jul 9, 2019 → Jul 9, 2019

Coverage

Nepal

Working with Save the Children New Zealand (SCNZ) to improve education, protection (against exploitation), health and nutrition for children in the Udayapur district of Nepal.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jun 30, 2014 → Dec 13, 2021

Coverage

Udayapur, Koshi

Working with the Lincoln University Seed Research Centre on making improvements to the national agriculture seed distribution and supply chain as a part of a solution to solve rural poverty, attain greater food security and enhance disaster preparedness in Nepal.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Aug 27, 2015 → Dec 12, 2019

Coverage

Nepal

Working with Adventist Development and Relief Agency to support access to education and health services, construct latrines and provide training on hygiene and food security in mid-western Nepal.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 8, 2011 → Jan 18, 2013

Coverage

Karnali, Nepal

Working with Save the Children to increase access to early childhood and primary education for 39,400 children in eastern Nepal by: implementing a community-based education management information system and school enrolment campaign for accessing marginalised children; providing education opportunities to out-of-school over-aged children; and establishing functional child protection structures and measures.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 15, 2011 → May 8, 2014

Coverage

Nepal

The main objective of blanket supplementary feeding is to prevent further deterioration of the nutrition status among children 6 to 23 months and pregnant and lactating women. In addition, all children discharged from SAM treatment will be admitted for supplementary feeding thereby preventing these children to relapse. Under the CERF funds a total of 46,421 individuals (15,961 children 6-23 months and 30,460 PLW) will be assisted with a monthly ration of 3kg of nutritious supplementary food.

Organization

UNOCHA - Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Aug 5, 2016 → Feb 4, 2017

Coverage

Karnali, Nepal

Investment Project Financing. Implementing agency: Ministry of Forests and Environment

Organization

World Bank Nepal

Budget

USD 24.0M

Timeline

Start not reported → Sep 30, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

Pahunch is an innovative 4-year implemented by Search for Common Ground (SFCG), in partnership with the Centre for Legal Research Resource Development (CeLRRd), Human Rights and Community Development Academy Nepal (HUCODAN), and Centre for Security and Justice Studies (CSJS). The program aims to improve security and access to justice for poor and marginalised communities, specifically women, in Nepal.

Organization

Search for Common Ground

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2015 → Dec 31, 2018

Coverage

Nepal

Tertiary scholarships are offered to 'Other Asia' to progress development and workforce planning objectives. Anticipated outcomes: <ul> <li>The capability of scholars is increased</li> <li>Scholars develop personal & professional connections to each other</li> <li>Affinity is increased between New Zealand & scholars through a positive scholarship experience</li> <li>Bilateral & regional objectives are supported by the Scholarships Programme</li> </ul> For 2025 the budget is allocated for 2 scholars and be fully disbursed by December 2032.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Oct 31, 2025 → Dec 1, 2032

Coverage

Nepal

This Activity aims to deliver Trade Policy course to 14 participants in the South Asia region. Course to cover a range of topics relating to trade policy. The course will be delivered in NZ, over 3 weeks, commencing in May 2026.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Dec 10, 2025 → Dec 21, 2026

Coverage

Nepal

Working with Himalayan Trust New Zealand to strengthen local education systems in the Everest region of Nepal, by providing teacher training, scholarships, improved school facilities and better coordination with local education authorities. Work is focussed in Solukhumbu District and delivered in partnership with the local Nepali organisation - Himalayan Trust Nepal. An external evaluation will be conducted as part of the programme monitoring.

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

USD 626K

Timeline

Jul 14, 2025 → Feb 28, 2031

Coverage

Solukhumbu, Koshi

Tertiary scholarships are offered to 'Other Asia' to progress development and workforce planning objectives. Anticipated outcomes: <ul> <li>The capability of scholars is increased</li> <li>Scholars develop personal and professional connections to each other</li> <li>Affinity is increased between New Zealand and scholars through a positive scholarship experience</li> <li>Bilateral and regional objectives are supported by the Scholarships Programme</li> </ul>

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Nov 24, 2023 → Dec 1, 2029

Coverage

Nepal

Tertiary scholarships are offered to Asia & Middle East to progress development and workforce planning objectives. Anticipated outcomes include: <ul> <li>Scholar capability is increased</li> <li>Scholars develop personal and professional connections to each other</li> <li>Affinity is increased between New Zealand and scholars through a positive scholarship experience</li> <li>Bilateral and regional objectives are supported by the Scholarships Programme</li> </ul>

Organization

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jun 29, 2023 → Jun 30, 2028

Coverage

Nepal