Development projects in Nepal

The project addresses gender equality and discrimination through improving child rights, especially of vulnerable girls, whose rights are often undermined through harmful discriminatory practices, leading to school dropouts, child marriage and trafficking. The project takes a human rights progressive approach, creating systems-level dialogue between rights-holders and duty bearers, raising their capacity, empowering the girls themselves as well as improving child protection mechanisms and school environments. With this project, Interpedia and CWISH wish to see that vulnerable girls in Nepal are empowered to be active advocates of their rights, with their agenda recognized and supported by communities and authorities. To achieve this long-term impact, the project aims, in four years (2023-26) to ensure that: 1) Ward and Rural Municipal -level policies & structures enhance gender equality, non-discrimination and child rights to protection and participation 2) Communities and schools in two project Rural Municipalities better safeguard child rights, as well as non-discrimination, gender equality and inclusion 3) Girls in project RMs are better able to safeguard their rights, non-discrimination and gender equality Project will take place in all 8 wards of Balefi and 7 wards of Sunkoshi, covering all 31 schools with classes above 5th grade. Final beneficiaries are 1600 school-going and 200 out-of-school girls, especially vulnerable like Dalits or girls with disabilities. In most activities, the leading role is given to girls and women. Project works with elected women representatives of wards and rural municipalities, officials in Rural Municipal Education and Social Affairs Offices, teachers, School Management Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, parents, community leaders and CBOs active in the areas. Interpedia's implementing partner CWISH is an expert organization on child rights and child protection. CWISH has completed a previous project in parts of Balefi RM, which increased community awareness on trafficking. This project supports finding sustainable solutions to tackling discriminatory practices.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

Prevalence of mental health conditions is high in Nepal but access to mental health services is very limited especially in rural parts of Nepal. Access to mental health services can be very limited due to challenges in awareness, deeply rooted stigma, recognition and treatment options, lack of health care professionals and financing services. The project aims to promote mental health in public and increase access to mental health services in public health networks within the districts of Okhaldunga and Sindhuli. Specific aims are to 1) promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma related to mental health conditions, 2) increase accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services in government health facilities and 3) to participate communities and people with mental health conditions to advocate for their rights and better access to treatment. The focus is on strengthening primary level outpatient treatment in line with WHO's Special Initiative for Mental Health recommendations and Nepal's new Mental Health Policy and Mental Health Plan 2020. The project utilizes TPO and PSR’s previous experience and mental health model used in their projects. The model is based on strengthening already existing public health structures, from health posts to specialised psychiatric hospitals, by training health workers already publicly employed to recognize, refer and treat mental health conditions, as well as raising citizens’ awareness through workshops and advocacy. Local and district level mental health groups are established to promote the rights of people with mental health conditions and enable citizens participation in decision making. Public health networks and governance are involved in project activities and meetings to ensure continuity of mental health services after the end of the project. Lastly, migrant workers' mental health awareness and mental health is improved in collaboration with SASK. A qualitative study will be conducted to understand factors impacting migrant workers’ mental health in times of Covid-19.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Sindhuli, Bagmati

Nepal School Education Sector Plan (SESP) is funded jointly by the Government of Nepal and donors covering the whole school sector education in Nepal. The programme was launched in 2021 and extends until 2030. The costed plan is for the first five years. SESP is a continuation to the previous education sector programs SSDP (2016-2021) and SSRP (2009-2016), which Finland also supported. The SSRP achieved significant results, especially in access to school education. In the SSDP, the number of out of school children decreased further, participation particularly in secondary education increased and the focus was increasingly shifted towards improving quality of education. The new School Education Sector Plan SESP is designed based on Nepal’s new federal model. SESP focuses in further ensuring equitable access to and participation in school education for all children; enhancing the relevance and improving the quality of school education; and improving the governance and management of school education. The final beneficiaries and rightsholders are the approximately 8.2 million pupils in Nepal from pre-school school to 12th grade. In addition, the direct beneficiaries are teachers working in schools (320 576) and education sector officials at different levels. Nepal is one of Finland's long-term partner countries for bilateral development cooperation and continues to be one of the least developed countries in the world. Teaching is one of Finland's three main cooperation sectors in Nepal. Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) is responsible for the implementation the plan. Local Governments and Provinces are responsible for the actual means by which many of the activities of the plan are implemented. Joint Financing Arrangement of Joint Financing Partners as well as Finland’s bilateral agreement will be signed with the Ministry of Finance of Nepal. The total estimated budget of the SESP for the first five years is around EUR 7.2 billion. Nepal will cover around 90% of the costs of the programme, while the estimated share of all donors is under 10%. The funding of Finland will be a maximum of 19 million euros for the period 2022-2026.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

Bajhang is one of the least developed districts of Nepal where almost 50 % of people live below poverty line and suffer from food insecurity. Agricultural productivity is low due to lack of technical knowledge and unavailability of quality inputs and irrigation facilities. There are natural resources available but due to limited knowhow and poor market access people are not able to use them for livelihood improvement purpose. Masta Rural Municipality has patriarchal social structures where women are suffering from gender discrimination and violence and are excluded from decision-making. There are also other marginalized groups such as Dalits and persons with disabilities who are suffering from multiple discrimination and are excluded from decision making process both at home and other public domain. So, efforts are needed to provide women with equal rights and empowerment opportunities for their greater participation and access to resources. The objective of this project is to uplift the livelihoods and food security of the socially and economically marginalized communities of Masta Rural Municipality through improved organic farming practices, value addition and better access to markets, empower women through capacity development and leadership trainings and build more resilient communities through sustainable animal husbandry and developing NTFP-based and other new livelihood opportunities. The project will also promote better hygiene practices and food diversification for improved health and nutrition of the target communities. The project implemented by Sahara Nepal and supported by Swallows supports Finland's development objectives by increasing food security and promoting sustainable use of natural resources and enhancing the rights and status of women and girls. The project will strengthen local partner organization's capacity and role in community capacity building and establishing linkages between communities and local government. The project is expected to benefit directly about 700 poor households. More than half of the direct beneficiaries will be women.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Bajhang, Sudurpashchim

The Technical Support Cooperation to Education Sector in Nepal (TECSES) project supports the development of teacher education (pre and in-service training) at different levels of administration in Nepal. The aim of the technical assistance is to improve Nepal’s inclusive teaching and learning practices in schools, teacher training centers and participating universities and their faculties by developing learner-centered methods, inclusion, student assessment methods, soft skills and reflective practices. The objectives of the TECSES project are fully in line with the Nepal Education Program Development Plan (SESP, 2021-2030). In particular, TECSES supports the SESP targets 1. equal access to education, and 2. quality education and learning outcomes for every child. TECSES project is based on previous co-operation between Finland and Nepal in the field of education. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) and all key stakeholders in teacher education. The final beneficiaries of the project are Nepalese students. Finland's funding for the project is EUR 5 million for years 2022-2025. The project will be implemented in different phases and in the later stage there is an option to scale the activities with additional EU funding.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

Sustainable WASH for all in Nepal (SUSWA) strengthens the federalized governance system to guarantee the access to basic, safe and sustainable drinking water, sanitation services and improved hygiene practices at households, schools, public institutions and all people in general, including marginalized groups. The project is a bilateral project between the governments of Finland and Nepal. The Finnish funding is 9 million euros and it will run between 2021-2025. SUSWA has three Result Areas: 1) WASH governance at local level, 2) Water Supply, 3) Sanitation and hygiene and

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

Implementing development cooperation in Nepal requires the identification and preparation of new projects as well as managing, monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects. An important part of the Embassy's work is also cooperation and coordination between donors. In addition, the successful management of development cooperation funds requires the staff to regularly participate in trainings relating to Finnish development cooperation and policy. Planning funds are annually made available to the Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu to address the above mentioned needs. The funds may thus be used for preparing, planning, monitoring and evaluating development cooperation projects and programs as well as reviews and studies related to future funding. In addition, training needs of the staff may also be covered from these funds. Funding for the year 2023 is 30 000 Euros.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Kathmandu, Bagmati

The Community Leadership on Education and Protection (CLEAP) project strengthens local child rights protection and education systems and school management, empowering parents and children to claim their right to education and protection in Sudurpaschim (Far West) province of Nepal. The project addresses problem like school dropouts and discrimination in communities, strengthening civil society engagement for promoting accountability and good governance in schools and local governments. Gender-, caste- and disability-based discrimination are still deeply rooted and widely accepted in Far West Nepal. Dalit communities and children with disabilities are discriminated against in private and public spheres. Vulnerable girls face multiple discriminatory practices including early marriages, high responsibility of household chores, son preference, domestic violence and being considered impure during menstruation. Considering learning from past projects and feedback from community, officials and government authorities, project aims at strengthening right to education and protection for vulnerable children with three major results: 1) Strengthened and functional child protection systems and education management 2) Children, parents, media, and civil society actors are actively engaged to promote right to education and protection for vulnerable children 3) Improved Right to Education through increased enrollment, reduced drop out, improved learning outcomes and inclusion The project reaches about 2 000 vulnerable children (girls, Dalits and children with disabilities) and parents, civil society actors and 125 public and elected officials at local and provincial levels. The direct beneficiaries are children, parents and teachers (72) of four wards in Nawadurga and Bhageshwor Rural Municipalities of Dadeldhura District. In addition, stakeholders include civil society activists as well as media (40+). The project is jointly implemented by child rights expert organizations Interpedia and Loo Niva Child Concern Group.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Dadeldhura, Sudurpashchim

The purpose of the funding is to strengthen school meals in Nepal by developing a model for locally produced, nutritious and climate-friendly school meals in 10 municipalities in the provinces of Sudurpashchim and Karnali. The objectives are children's right to healthy food and better learning outcomes, improved income for small farmers and the introduction of climate-sustainable and energy-efficient solutions in school kitchens. They support Nepal's national development policy for locally produced school meals and the priorities of Finland's development policy. At the moment many school meals are unhealthy and dependent on long supply chains. Local governments lack the competence and resources to organise meals in a way that supports the local economy and the nutrition of schoolchildren. Finland's funding will strengthen the capacity of municipalities, create effective supply chains and introduce climate-friendly school kitchen solutions, such as energy-efficient stoves and renewable energy applications. As immediate results, 427 schools will move to a home-made school meal model, 10 climate resilient school kitchens will be built, 50 improved cooking stoves will be installed and teachers, cooks and other local actors will be trained. In addition, 85 mothers' groups and 40 farmer groups will be strengthened, agreement models will be created between schools and cooperatives, and nutrition communications will be introduced. The cooperation municipalities have been selected to overlap with the municipalities of Finland's bilateral Climate change in municipalities project. In this way, the Reras project can benefit from the synergies created by the bilateral project, especially in connection with value chains related to municipal cooperation and school meals. About 30,000 pupils, their families, local small farmers (70% of whom are women) and school communities benefit from the project. At the national level, Finland strengthens its profile as a global advocate of the school meals theme and makes use of the new thematic task of the school meal ambassador to increase visibility. The project also supports Finland's climate and equality objectives. UNDP and WFP are responsible for the implementation in cooperation with the local governments. Finland participates in the project's steering group and policy dialogue within the framework of sector support of education (SESP). The planned funding period is 2026-2027, and Finland's share is EUR 620 000.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

USD 726K

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Karnali, Sudurpashchim

The aim of the NEAS project (2026-2029, phase 2) is to enhance the sustainable management of groundwater and improve water supply services in Nepal through comprehensive hydrogeological studies, effective monitoring systems and initiatives drawing on the results of the previous NEAS project. As a result of the project, the systematic knowledge-based approach and effectiveness of the Department of water supply and sewerage management (DWSSM) operating under the Ministry of water supply and sewerage will be strengthened in the steering of the water supply sector. The project will develop and implement national guidelines that will lead to more consistent and uniform practices at the national and local levels. This project is based on the NEAS project (2020-2024, phase 1), in which THE water supply and sewerage Department DWSSM, Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) worked together to reduce the use of groundwater arsenic in Nepal. The NEAS project improved information management and field practices, strengthened laboratory capacity and improved understanding of arsenic. One of the key findings of the project was the need for a more comprehensive research project to find optimal wells. The project also identified the need for national guidelines on well installation and proposed piloting in future DWSSM projects to support their development. The project also underlined the importance of setting up specific observation wells and strengthening groundwater monitoring practices to support evidence-based planning and sustainable management of water resources. This approach has supported the implementation of clean drinking water by ensuring that service development is based on sound scientific evidence and long-term sustainability. This is a mandate for two government agencies/institutions in the form of an ICI project. A memorandum of understanding is written between the agencies and the ICI manual is applied. Funding for 2025-28 is EUR 1,499,997.

Organization

Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

Budget

USD 1.8M

Timeline

Jan 1, 2025 → Dec 31, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

To increase security and access to justice by providing skills, facilities, equipment and systems for better crime prevention and response. This will benefit at least 1.5 million people in Nepal and, in particular, will change the ways that police and other agencies engage with poor and traditionally marginalised people . Greater security and access to justice are foundations for progress on all of MDGs (Millennium Development Goals), giving people confidence that they will be better protected from crime and abuses of power. DFID will provide support over five years until 2018.

Organization

Palladium International Nepal

Budget

USD 1.5M

Timeline

Nov 15, 2014 → Dec 31, 2021

Coverage

Nepal

EPI’s objectives are to support the Government of Nepal develop better policies to attract investment, to create quality jobs and to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth. To achieve this, EPI uses a politically smart and adaptive approach. It builds partnerships with and provides flexible, tailored support to government agencies, civil society and the private sector. EPI is currently working with these partners to address the constraints to investing and doing business in Nepal, to improve opportunities for manufacturing, and to improve the effectiveness and inclusiveness of sub-national planning and budgeting processes.

Organization

Palladium International Nepal

Budget

USD 7.2M

Timeline

Mar 8, 2016 → Mar 31, 2022

Coverage

Nepal

To provide the current head of accident investigation for Nepal, Joint Secretary Suresh Acharya, with the training he requires to be able to competently lead accident investigation within Nepal. The project will provide air accident investigator manager to the head of the department to be able to effectively manage the investigation of air accident.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 1, 2016 → Mar 31, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

The project aims to train a cohort of young individuals to become assistants, who will support young leaders across different political parties on policy research. This is to encourage political leaders/parties to invest in institutionalizing a research division within their operational structures to ensure evidence-based economic policy making in Nepal.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 1, 2016 → Mar 31, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

This project will continue the restoration of the Visvesvara Temple in Patan Durbar Square, which was started in a previous bilateral project.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 1, 2016 → Mar 31, 2017

Coverage

Lalitpur, Bagmati

This project aims to improve the capacity of local authorities to deliver air accident investigations and thereby air safety through training and experience sharing.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Mar 17, 2016 → Mar 20, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

The project aims to invite speakers from the UK to engage with various stakeholders, including political leaders, government officials and media, to discuss economic issues and share their experiences from the UK and overseas.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Feb 15, 2016 → Feb 17, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

This project aims to combat the illegal wildlife trade by providing an inventory of animal parts stockpiles in Nepal and raising awareness against illegal practices.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Dec 1, 2015 → Mar 31, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

This project aims to create links between the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh and Nepal in order to develop local capacity in protecting and improving biodiversity.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jul 27, 2015 → Mar 25, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

Scoping study to define longer-term track two efforts to build consensus for a transitional justice process that ensures the dignity of victims is respected

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 1, 2016 → Jun 2, 2017

Coverage

Nepal

This project aims to increase public awareness of sexual violence against women and possible means of support through producing radio dramas.

Organization

FCDO Nepal

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Apr 1, 2015 → Mar 31, 2016

Coverage

Nepal

NPL 2021 - Supporting a Cohesive Response to Local Governance in Nepal

Organization

International IDEA

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2021 → Dec 31, 2021

Coverage

Nepal

(Coherence) Support to emerging democratic governance and PLGSP effectiveness in Nepal

Organization

International IDEA

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2023 → Jun 30, 2023

Coverage

Nepal

Support to emerging democratic governance and PLGSP effectiveness

Organization

International IDEA

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Jan 1, 2020 → Dec 31, 2020

Coverage

Nepal

Food assistance for the flood affected population in Nepal

Organization

UNOCHA - Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Sep 20, 2014 → Mar 20, 2015

Coverage

Nepal

With CERF funds, UNICEF and UNFPA will procure and distribute specialized NFIs for women and children affected by floods in Nepal. The joint project complements the distribution of standard NFIs by the Nepalese Red Cross with UNICEF and UNFPA providing clothing for children and dignity kits for women who have lost their belongings. The project will benefit some 4,000 women and nearly 13,000 children between 5 and 18 years of age.

Organization

UNOCHA - Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Oct 15, 2014 → Apr 15, 2015

Coverage

Banke, Bardiya

Floods and landslides caused a rapid deterioration in the already precarious nutritional status of thousands of children in four districts of Nepal. A rapid assessment showed SAM rates ranging from 3% to 10% with the average GAM rate of 25%. With CERF funds, UNICEF and partners will introduce a comprehensive Life Saving integrated Nutrition and WASH emergency response, in the four flood affected districts. Specifically, UNICEF will treat moderately malnourished children with Ready-tu-Use Therapeutic Food in Outpatient Therapeutic Programme centers and acutely malnourished children in the local hospital. Additionally, community-level nutrition education campaigns will be carried out. The project will benefit some 20,000 children under five.

Organization

UNOCHA - Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Oct 1, 2014 → Apr 1, 2015

Coverage

Banke, Bardiya

The objective of the Project is to enhance the opportunities and share of rural artisans (especially the poorestcomma internally displaced peoplecomma landless and the vulnerable) in the crafts and cultural market.The project will target poor and disadvantaged people (including women and differently-abled)comma particularly in lagging and conflict affected districts that have been marked by social unrest and stress. This innovative project aims at addressing a root cause of unrest and distress migration by enabling the beneficiaries to access sustainable livelihoods by strengthening their traditional skills and make inroads into mainstream markets.

Organization

World Bank Trust Funds

Budget

— · not reported

Timeline

Feb 17, 2012 → Feb 4, 2019

Coverage

Nepal

Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) aims to develop a strong body of evidence on the underlying processes of economic growth and the changes in structure that take place in an economy when moving from low to middle and high-income status, made accessible to and used by policy-makers for improved economic decision-making. STEG’s aim is to support high-quality academic research that: brings the best economic thinking to structural transformation issues and generate new understanding; has clear policy and programme relevance, and; can be put into practice in developing countries. In addition, the programme also aims to increase the number of researchers working on structural transformation in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs) as well as investing resources in the collection of new data and improving the accessibility of existing data.  The programme is delivered through a contract with the Centre for Economic Policy (CEPR) in collaboration with  Oxford University, the University of Notre Dame, the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), the Yale Research Initiative on Innovation and Scale (Y-RISE), and Groningen Growth and Development Centre of the University of Groningen.

Organization

Centre for Economic Policy Research

Budget

USD 216K

Timeline

Mar 1, 2020 → Feb 28, 2025

Coverage

Nepal

The Growth Research Platform (GRP) is a new initiative led by the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), focused on understanding and addressing the challenges faced by economies in developing countries. The platform is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and incorporates the research of the Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries (PEDL), Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG), and Reducing Conflict and Improving Performance in the Economy (ReCIPE) programmes, alongside the synthesising and dissemination work of VoxDev.

Organization

Centre for Economic Policy Research

Budget

USD 11.0M

Timeline

Apr 1, 2024 → Mar 31, 2029

Coverage

Nepal