Water Portal / Rainwater Harvesting / Salyan District, Nepal

Project period: October 2012 – June 2013

Pilot challenge

Current situation

BSP Nepal works in two water catchment areas of the Salyan district where water hardship is very high, on a project to support the livelihood of the community through the provision of rainwater for multiple use services (MUS).

The areas have been identified in close coordination with DDC, DWSS subdivision office, WASH actors and community demand especially in rainwater harvesting. High water hardship means that sufficient (clean) water is not locally available, but needs to be fetched downhill. Often springs have dried up, and / or other sources are contaminated. The lack of clean drinking water nearby is problematic, especially for (pregnant) women and children who are most vulnerable to diseases. Moreover, the lack of water makes sanitation and hygienic behaviour very difficult, thereby aggravating even further the drinking water problems through contamination of existing sources. Water in these areas is too scarce to be used for gardening, small scale irrigation and for cattle rearing – the lack of water thus has direct effect on food insecurity.

Cultural and socioeconomic conditions

The target population mainly consists of marginalised groups who are socially excluded, such as the Kamis (dalit group). The population lives uphill at least several hours walking distance from water sources, but also from other facilities, such as markets. People mainly depend on subsistence agriculture and small scale cattle rearing. With settlements on steep hills, undulating slippery paths and with long waiting periods for collecting water, the people face difficulties with time, heath and education of their children, as well as adoption of sanitation and hygiene practices.

Pilot landscape

Salyan district lies in the Midwestern Development Region of Nepal. The project areas lie in the upper hills. Problems specific to these areas regarding water is the absence of pipe-line water supply, drying up of existing streams and springs, no potentials for borewells and thereby high dependence on rainwater for drinking, as well as agriculture. Dependence on in situ rain (for agriculture) limits the production of different agricultural products, limiting those that require less water in the drier seasons, which increases food insecurity. The degree of vulnerability is higher amongst the most poor populations.

Pilot purpose

As people are highly dependent on rain water, it is essential to retain and reuse as much as possible for later use, so that the drinking water fetching time is reduced and stored. Excess water can be reused for productive purposes through means of micro-irrigation or for cattle watering.

Location and partners

• Village, district, country: Korbang Jhimpe, Triveni, Sinbang & Rim, Salyan District, Nepal
• Main partner: BSP-Nepal
• Role and responsibility of main partner: BSP Nepal is responsible for the coordination of the implementation by the local partners Midwest Youth Unification Centre (MYUC Nepal) and People’s Awareness for Rural Development Centre (PARD Nepal). BSP Nepal is also responsible for the monitoring and coordination at government level, as well as with microfinance institutes. Moreover, BSP Nepal is responsible for the integration of the project into the national biogas program.
• Other partners: Simavi
• Role and responsibilities of other partners: Simavi co-funds this project