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2018 WASH and Agriculture Projects in Nepal

March 13, 2018

Peace Winds and its local partner ISAP (Institution for Suitable Actions for Prosperity) have been working in the Sindupalchowk District, severely destroyed during the April 2015 earthquake. Continuing its rehabilitation and rebuilding, Peace Winds has initiated two new projects in 2018 to support long-term recovery.

The earthquake changed the course of existing water sources and water flow. One resident stated, “Water has stopped from the public tap we had been using. Now we have to walk a great distance to a spring.” Other villages are facing similar difficulties, including inadequate water flow and discharge. The communities have instated rules to ensure the water is shared equally. One rule limits families to wash their clothes only once a week.

Residents take turns using the limited water from the public tap.

Peace Winds proposed the “Project for Improving Water Access” (PIWA). The project rehabilitates eight water supply schemes, including intake, reserve tanks, distribution pipelines, and tap stands. Peace Winds works closely with local residents providing technical training for maintenance and operations. Communities will be able to maintain and repair water systems without relying on outside help. This holistic approach ensures the villages become more sustainable.

The 2015 earthquake also disrupted the farmlands and agriculture, one of the main sources of income. Peace Winds has started a new agriculture project, “Small Farmers Income Improvement” (SFII), for long-term support and rehabilitation. Peace Winds is mobilizing its technical support staff to help 400 families earn income through vegetable farming. The families will learn production and marketing techniques over the next three years. This project addresses another issue. Following the earthquakes, many young people are going abroad in search of work, which leaves their villages struggling.  Providing training and income in these rural areas will encourage young people to remain and add to the local economy.

Tomatoes are one of many cash crops that will generate income for farming families.

READ MORE about Peace Winds work in Nepal.

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