Social Safety Net Project on Improving Food Security, Livelihoods, and Nutrition in Nepal (PRRO)

Seven of Nepal’s ten lowest ranking districts in developmental terms are in the Mid-West.  A combination of geographic isolation, history of government neglect, and changing global economies has left the Mid-West far behind in development. The three relatively isolated zones of the Mid-West – Karnali, primarily in the high Himalayas bordering Tibet; Rapti, primarily in the Midhills; and Bheri in the Terai – have fallen far behind other areas of Nepal. These zones are characterized by out-migration (especially of men), high preponderance of women-headed households, crop cultivation on non-irrigated land, inadequate infrastructure (such as roads and bridges), poor access to markets and economic opportunities, and low level of basic services, leading to low health and education indicators.

The Mid-West region of Nepal is characterized by poor access to markets and economic opportunities and minimal provision of basic government services, leading to low health and education indicators. These adversities, often experienced with stark differences along lines of caste/ethnic/gender and geographic isolation, are a significant threat to the country’s peace process and development. Education and training opportunities to foster economic growth must take into account and correct these inequities if they are to mitigate – not exacerbate – further conflict.

WFP recently launched humanitarian relief operations to include nearly two million people suffering from the combined impacts of the devastating civil war, an onslaught of natural disasters, and those displaced by a new wave of violence and unrest in the southern Terai districts.

Winrock International and its local partners will increase food security, reduce malnutrition and improve household environment among vulnerable communities in two districts through creation of productive assets including multiple use water services, fish ponds, and terraces. The two year program will build on tested and proven approaches and previous successful collaboration between Winrock and WFP.