Introducti on of RSDC

Introduction Rural Self-Reliance Development Center Goal (RSDC), a non-profi t making and non-gov- Help the rural poor in general and those from ernmental organization affi liated with the So- marginalized and deprived communities in cial Welfare Council, was registered in 1991 particular to assert their rights to development with the Kathmandu District Administration and usher in democratic governance through a Offi ce under the Social Organizations Reg- participatory process. istration Act 2034 BS (1977 AD). It has been promoting and implementing the idea of Objectives Swabalamban as a conceptual and program- Harnessing the latent capacity of the poor matic tool for catalyzing and revitalizing the households by helping them hope, aspirations as well as the capabilities of ƒ to organize themselves for solidarity, the poor and oppressed households over past self-esteem and self-confi dence, two decades. ƒ to respect each other’s social position and economic capacity in the community, Vision ƒ to mobilize and use whatever resources Develop, promote, enhance and strengthen available in the community for productive the social, economic, environmental and po- purposes, litical (governance) state of affairs for a con- ƒ to demand access to public resources and tinuous and progressive improvement in the services meant for them quality of the lives of the poor and oppressed ƒ to develop organize capacity of the poor sections of the population, viz, those who and vulnerable groups through communi- were left behind by the past developmental ty level self-help groups and federate them endeavors. under Swabalamban Cooperative for sus- tainable development Mission ƒ to develop local entrepreneurship for area To liberate the rural poor marginalized and specifi c marketable products and identify disadvantaged groups in communities from markets deprivation by implementing sustainable so- ƒ to develop community based methodology cio-economic development activities based for adaptation of disaster mitigation and on values of self-reliance and self-respect at climate change the grass roots. Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016 . MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN Rajendra Dahal

An eff ort to make the light of Swabalamban alive

GENERALLY, hardworking is considered a source of revenue. Hence, "rent seeking as the bedrock for progress. This is true in culture" is developing as a national disease. many situations. However, it does not make In such adverse national and social sense for the progress of the poor and dis- context, Swabalamban development, which advantaged communities. They work hard seeks community development through throughout their life that barely generates the mobilization of local source, resources, enough returns for their daily subsistence. skill, group effort and benefi t sharing, is Economic progress, however, always re- not an easy job. However, in spite of such mains a far cry. Such instances make it clear unfavorable circumstances, RSDC has been that 'hard work' is not enough to move out able to carry on the concept with its avail- of the poverty trap. Several 'other aspects' able strength and expertise. Although such also have important roles to play. The other maiden effort cannot bring about a major aspects include, among others, awareness change, but it can, at least, keep the concept building of the target communities, group of sustainable development model alive. We effort, mutual cooperation, skill develop- may call it as 'saving seeds during famine'. ment and local resource mobilization. The main contribution for bearing the Sustainable development is possible light of Swbalamban concept goes to its only when benefi ciaries themselves start founder Dr. Devendra Raj Panday. He is mobilization of local resources with their still active to keep the light alive that he had own efforts. In Nepal's context, this truth started three decades ago. His tireless vig- was realized three decades ago. The col- ilance, effort and continuity have been the lective effort of community development source hope and inspiration for all workers through the mobilization of local sources, scattered throughout the country. resources and skills was named as Swa- The main objective of this publication balamban (self-reliant). Rural Self-reliance is to keep informed all its donors and well Development Centre (RSDC) was created wishers about its activities. But, more than to carry on the self-reliant development that, RSDC has to maintain a record of its movement. activities, expenditure and institutional Nowadays, almost all aspects of Nepali strength, for the days to come. life are infl uenced by the culture of con- Finally, I wish to thank all internal and sumerism and economic liberalism. The international donors for their continued profi t motive has affected not only trade support to RSDC. Also, I thank all who have and industry but also education, health, helped to make this publication. „ politics, development as well as the policies Thank you. and programs of the state. At one point of time rent and profi t seeking was considered 21 February 2017 as curse has now got social acceptance as Baluwatar, Kathmandu Introducti on

Rural Self-reliance Development Centre frastructures, WASH etc. are implement- (RSDC) has been implementing its Swaba- ed through these IGGs. After completion lamban program over the last 25 years, with of the program, the IGGs of each VDC are the fi nancial support of several interna- federated and registered as Swabalamban tional donors. RSDC has its presence in cooperatives and handed over to commu- fi fteen districts that include Palpa, Rupan- nities for their continuation. There are 174 dehi, Kapilvastu, Banke, Surkhet, Dailekh, Swabalamban cooperatives providing ser- Kalikot, Makwanpur, Sarlahi, Dhanusha, vices to the communities. Likewise, RSDC Mahottari, Bardiya, Bajhang, Nuwakot has also promoted, along with Lumbini and Sindhupalchowk. Under Swabalam- Bank and like-minded individuals, RSDC ban, it is currently engaged with more than Lagubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. to provide 46,000 households in 174 Village Devel- wholesale lending to the cooperatives. opment Committees (VDCs) in a spirit of This annual report contains fi ve partnership and solidarity. ongoing programs in four districts The methodology for program imple- namely, Bajhang, Bardiya, Nuwakot and mentation is that it starts at the community Sindhupalchowk. Moreover, this report level with the formation of Income Gener- contains information of two Nepali fi scal ating Groups through social mobilization. years 2071/072 and 2072/073 (July 2014 Several activities relating to livelihood, in- to July 2016). „

. Section A Self reliant development for the poor by the poor programme (SDPPP) Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

8 Swabalamban

. Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

here are 4 ongoing program activities in (IGG). Food sovereignty focused on aware- Agriculture exhibiti on in T3 districts. The Self-reliant Development ness building on balanced and nutritious Gadaraya VDC for the Poor by the Poor Programme (SDPPP) diet through traditional crops. Livelihood in Gadaraya VDC has focused on three major development focus on developing economic issues; food sovereignty, livelihoods and hu- activities at the community level. The human man rights, while the cross border project of rights module cover Dalit and women sensi- Bardiya district has focussed on strengthen- tization, child rights etc. The resilience of the ing fl ood resilience of communities in vulner- community is strengthened through the for- able areas of Karnali/Ghagra river in Bardiya mation of Income Generating Groups (IGG) district of Nepal and Barhaich and Barabanki which focuses on institution building and district of India. Another program in Bardiya saving and credit. The project was initiated district on Participatory Poverty Alleviation from Gadaraya VDC, which was implement- program has aimed at liberating the rural ed in collaboration with community and local poor and disadvantaged communities from government staffs. poverty and deprivation. Similarly, in Nu- With the encouraging experience in wakot the program has aimed at enhancing Gadaraya VDC, the program was expanded household level incomes of 1,658 impover- to other 5 VDCs of Channa belt to develop ished households. The progress of these pro- horticulture in fallow land. The target groups grams is given below. of the program are disadvantaged, marginal- ized, women and Dalits. The Gadaraya VDC i) Enhancing Food Security, Liveli- is prepared as model VDC of Bajhang District hoods, and Resilience of Communi- for SDPP program. With the experience of the ties of Channa belt, Bajhang District past, suggestions from the frontline agencies Since 2013, RSDC has been implementing working in the area and guidelines of devel- Self-reliant Development for the Poor by the opment partner agency, the program activi- Poor Programme (SDPPP) in Gadaraya VDC ties are implemented based on “learning by of Bajhang district with the fi nancial support doing” approach. The accomplishments of of Fastenopfer, the INGO from Switzerland. the project are as follows; The program focuses on three major issues; Build organizing capacity of the poor in food sovereignty, livelihoods and human which the following progress has been made rights, which are realized through social mo- In 6 VDCs, 65 Income generating groups bilization and capacity building of the com- (IGGs) have been formed covering 2,231 munity through Income Generating Groups households. Regular monthly meetings of Swabalamban 9 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Teej IGGs were held in which regular saving and Similarly, off seasonal vegetable production celebrati on in Gadaraya VDC credit mobilization was conducted. Till June training was provided to 43 leader farmers. in Bajhang 2016 NPR 709,963 has been mobilized which For sustainable agriculture development, 543 district was invested in income generating activities IGG members received compost making and with 12% interest rate among group mem- farm yard manure utilization training. One bers. of the stark difference one can see today is In order to maintain proper accounting that after three years of the program 95% of system, account training was provided to household in Gadaraya VDC have kitchen 53 IGG members. Similarly, 35 cooperative garden and consume vegetable regularly. members were given institutional develop- Villagers have now started selling surplus ment training and 13 members were given vegetables in local market and are able to training on cooperative account principles generate income. Similarly, annual exhibition and procedures. of vegetables has been a regular activity over Similarly, several activities were con- the last three year. Likewise, mushroom cul- ducted to coordinate SDPP with other local tivation training was given to 21 members, government activities. They include, meeting poultry farming training to 22 members and at VDC and DDC; meeting with health post improved beehive distributed to 51 members. for reproductive health; monitoring visit by In order to utilize the fallow land of Chan- government front line agencies and dissem- na belt and convert it into productive forest, 9 ination of success story through media. The fruit nurseries has been established. Farmers SDPP was also included in the planning and were given nursery establishment and man- review meeting of Channa Area Vision Plan- agement training from the project and now ning. Also, 18 technicians of 7 micro hydro- they have established 9 fruit nursery where power were trained for operation and main- walnut, apple and citrus fruit saplings are tenance of the system. produced. These nurseries have now devel- Sustainable agriculture development in oped more than 20000 walnut sapling and which the following progress has been made; more than 45000 apple saplings. When the program was started in 2013, only two households in Gadaraya VDC had Promote peoples’ awareness kitchen garden. People used to consume on basic services and human right noodles soup with rice as curry. After the Women and dalit network was formed and program summer and winter kitchen gar- made functional through regular meeting. den training were given to all IGG members. For elimination of Chaupadi system, which 10 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

is one of the social taboo of Gadaraya VDC, Karnali/Ghagra river in Bardiya district of awareness meetings were conducted through Nepal and Barhaich and Barabanki district of IGG. Social and cultural program were orga- India. The project was jointly implemented nized in teej and international women day by RSDC in Nepal and Sahabhagi Shikshan where aware raising songs and dances were Kendra (SSK) in India with technical and fi - performed. Street drama was organized nancial support of Malteser International. In on gender violence, domestic violence and Nepal, the project area is in Rajapur delta of Chaupadi system. These programs were Brdiya district which is surrounded by Kar- hugely participated by the people. Such ac- nali River that inundates the area frequently tivities mada a visible impact on demolishing during monsoon period. The project was im- Chaupadi huts. Similarly, 200 adolescent girls plemented in four fl ood affected VDCs (now were oriented and 58 were trained on reus- Rajapur Municipality and Khairichandanpur able sanitary pad making. Likewise, aware- VDC). These are among the areas most af- ness raising workshops were organized for fected by fl oods in Nepal. It is estimated that uterous prolapsed in which 84 women par- one third of economic losses is caused by the ticipated. fl oods. During the monsoon the largest parts For raising awareness on good education of the selected VDCs are fl ooded by the Kar- for all children, regular meeting with school nali River. The majority of the target group management committee in 4 schools of Gada- are marginalized Tharu community. The in- raya VDC were conducted. One child club habitants take refuge in higher grounds and per school with 15 members were formed roof tops of public buildings such as school, which meet regularly and raise awareness health post and VDC building during mon- on child right and duties. Likewise, speech, soon fl ood in which vulnerable groups like essay writing and quiz competition among women, children and elderly people suffer schools in Gadaraya was organized in educa- the most. tion day and national children day. In this context, the project aims at im- proving access to water and sanitation and Walking Training for livelihood security through community mo- Development Practitioners bilization for capacity building and training RSDC also participated in the Walking Train- to reduce the vulnerability of fl ood disaster ing for Development Practitioners organized of local community during fl ood. The pro- by Fastenopfer during 13-28 May 2013, for gram covered four areas, knowledge on safe its partner organizations to refl ect, under- hygienic practices, livelihood development, stand, unlearn and feel the seriousness of the strengthening local DRR capacities and cross Elevated shelter house issues pertaining to community intervention border coordination for knowledge and ex- in Bardiya and get inspired to go on. By creating an en- perience sharing. district vironment open to refl ect on one’s own and other’s development intervention approach- es, probing the causes and impact of issues and posing challenges, this walking training seeks to enhance result based development interventions. The walking training started on 14 May from Silgadi (Doti) to Khaptad National Park in Bajhang. It, then, moved to Bhagang in order to observe the progress of RSDC program in 5 VDCs of Channa area. During the fi eld visit in RSDC project in Ba- jhang, the participants discussed with the project benefi ciaries on various aspects. The community put forward its opinion that com- munity empowerment is the cornerstone for sustainable development. It moved towards Bajura, then to Kalikot. The training formally ended in Manma on the 28th May, 2016. ii) Strengthening of fl ood resilience of communities in vulnerable areas in Barhaich and Barabanki district of India and Bardiya District, Nepal The project aims to strengthen fl ood resil- ience of communities in vulnerable areas of Swabalamban 11 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

the construction. While constructing elevated shelter in Tigra village of Rajapur Municipal- ity, the community forest project also provid- ed fi nancial contribution. The shelter is not only used as refuge place during fl ooding but also regularly used by community members to organize different community level func- tions. Likewise, infrastructure users commit- tee has been formed and created repair and maintenance fund for all infrastructure. To develop safe hygiene practices, IEC material were published in local language and demonstrated in 46 IGGs and WASH campaign was held in 17 schools. Similarly, 201 adolescent school girls were trained on reusable pad making and its use. Similarly, 31 Kanchan fi lters were distributed in Bhim- mapur where ground water was contaminat- ed with Arsenic. In order to improve livelihoods of fl ood affected communities, in-farm and off-farm, skill development training, home gardening and vegetable growing training were provid- ed to 1286 IGG members and food processing Elevated Major Achievements training was provided to 241 IGG members. hand pump in Bardiya district The knowledge on safe hygienic practice: Similarly, 35 youths were send to SSK train- One of the major problem in the area is the ing center in Lukhnow for vocational train- lack of safe drinking water and sanitation ing on mason, carpentry and mobile repair. during fl ood as toilets and tube wells are in- In order to strengthen local DRR capac- undated by fl ood water. Hence, under this ities of the community, 46 homogeneous component 21 raised hand pumps and 3 pub- groups of 20 to 30 households, called Income lic latrines were constructed covering more Generation Groups (IGG) were organized than 4000 benefi ciaries. In order to provide and institutionalized. They meet regularly safe refuge during the fl ood, two elevated and discuss on community problems, make refuge shelter along with water supply and regular savings and invest in income gener- latrine facilities in Tigra village of Rajapur ating activities among community members. and Murgauwa village in Daulatpur were Over the past three years, the IGGs have constructed in collaboration with other stake- generated NPR 1,982,467 local capital with Agriulture holders. These facilities are widely utilized regular savings in which, the project has also training in Rajapur, even in social occasion. Community provid- contributed NPR 892,450 resources through Baridya district ed voluntarily labor and local material during revolving fund. This resource will be increas-

12 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

ing and the community will be using this It was one of the pioneering cross border Elevated grain storage fund for generating income and employment project which addressed the problem origi- and chautari at local level. It will make the project sustain- nated by the same river Karnali (Ghagra in in Rajapur, able. India). Two partner agencies, RSDC from Ne- Bardiyadistrict Similarly, a number of innovative infra- pal and SSK from India were involved in im- structures were developed with community plementing this project. There were regular participation. Under Banian and Peepal tree, cross border exchange visits to share expe- 7 elevated Swabalamban Chautari were con- rience and knowledge learnt by the project. structed where more than 3000 communities Similarly, cross-border coordination meet- take refuge during fl ood while they perform ings were conducted twice a year alternately community activities during dry season. In in India and Nepal to synergize programme order to save grain, seeds, clothing and im- activities. portant documents etc. of 1,821 community members, four elevated grain storage were Consolidation of DRR/WASH constructed with voluntary contribution of project in Bardiya communities. Likewise thirty large seize In order to institutionalize the IGGs formed waterproof plastic containers distributed to during the earlier phase of DRR/WASH vulnerable households, as an experiment, project and to continue the DRR activities, for safe storage of grains and valuable items the IGGs of Khairichandanpur VDC were during fl ooding. Two sand bag dams were federated and registered into Swabalamban constructed to protect fl ooding from Budhi Cooperative as per RSDC model practiced in Kulo. Additionally, WASH leadership train- other projects. However, the cooperative reg- ing was provided to local leaders, teachers, istration policy has been changed in munici- community leaders. pality, in which, the coverage area of cooper- ative has to be within a ward only. In doing so, there would have been 10 Swabalamban cooperatives in Rajapur Municipality, which would not have been feasible. Hence, as per the suggestion during the interaction with IGG members; the ISS, were registered in district agriculture and livestock offi ces. The necessary training for accounting, report writing and management was given to coop- erative and IGG members.

iii) Poverty Alleviation Programme in Bardiya Participatory Poverty Alleviation program in four VDCs of Bardiya district namely Mo- tipur, Sorahawa, Belawa and Neulapur was started in Chaitra 2066 (March 2010) with the fi nancial support of Poverty Alleviation Fund Nepal. The program aims to liberate the rural poor and disadvantaged commu- Swabalamban 13 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

till June, 2016 has been NPR 3,430,372 while Composition of male and female PAF provided NPR 26,796,483 as revolving in COs of PAF project in Bardiya district fund. The major accomplishments of the project have been as follows; - In order to develop organized capacity of the poor, 124 COs were organized in which 29 in Neulapur, 28 in Motipur, 30 in Sorahawa and 37 in Belawa VDC. - They are involved in different income generating activities such as vegetable farming, small shop establishment, goat raising, buffalo raising and poultry farm- ing. - 50 households are involved in pocket area development. - 24 infrastructures; 15 irrigation system, 5 culverts, electricity 1 extension and 2 gravel road are developed.

„ Female (86%) „ Male (14%) iv) Increasing household income of 1,658 impoverished houses in Nu- wakot district Under Global Poverty Action Fund (GPAF), DFID provided fi nancial support to RSDC nities of programme VDCs from deprivation to implement the above project for enhanc- by implementing sustainable socio-econom- ing household level incomes of 1,658 impov- ic development activities based on values erished households in 4 VDCs (Thanapati, of self-reliance and self-respect at the grass Chaughada, Suryamati and Sunakhani) of roots. Nuwakot district. The project was started in The project was started with the inter- 2015 for a period of 3 years to increase agri- action meeting at VDC and ward level to cultural productivity, support micro-enter- explain the objective and activities of the prise development and improve access to project. Through community level social mo- local markets. This will be achieved through bilization process, a total of 124 community training & skills development, the formation organizations (COs) were formed in the four of Income Generation Groups (IGG) and co- VDCs covering 3,166 households through operatives, facilitating access to credit and Culvert constructed social mobilization in which 86% are female developing strong leadership. In support of with members. The COs are given training on these objectives the project includes a social community group dynamics, leadership, account keep- awareness component to reduce discrimina- contributi on in PAF project of ing etc. They conduct monthly meeting and tion. Bardiya district collect saving. The regular saving of 124 COs Before starting the program, interaction meeting were conducted at district, VDC and ward level, in which the objectives and ma- jor activities were introduced. Subsequent- ly, fi eld staffs conducted social assessment through PRA method to identify the 1,658 target households. Community members enthusiastically participated in social assess- ment process through PRA method. In order to establish the baseline situation, a baseline survey was conducted in which data collect- ed from the targeted 1658 households. The survey found that 77.7% of IGG members were female and 22.3% were male. Consid- ering the caste distribution of IGG members, 78% were selected from Dalit and Marginal Indigenous community and 22% from other caste. Likewise, 43.6% of the target popula- tions were living on less than US$1 per day (per person). 14 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

The target households were organized ment, the leader farmers were given training Baseline survey into 60 Income Generating Groups (IGGs) on improved breed selection, feeds and fod- conducted consisting of 20 to 40 members each, among der development, possible diseases and vet- in Nuwakot them Suryamati had 14, Chaughada-23, erinary services. The leader farmer discuss district Thanapatti-12 and Sunakhani-11 IGGs. They about organic manure making at the farm were given training on group dynamics; IGG level (goth tatha bhakaro sudhar karyakram). code of conduct and leadership. The IGGs Linkage with district agriculture and live- started conducting regular monthly meet- stock development offi ce has supported IGG ings, collecting regular saving and credit members to receive different varieties of mobilization. By the end of July 2016, the 60 grasses, fodders, vegetable seeds, plastic tun- IGGs of 4 VDCs mobilized 1,263,107 NPR as nel and other agriculture related materials saving. available in the district. Now more than 100 In order to increase agricultural produc- IGG members have established plastic tunnel tivity of the small and marginal farmers, the for tomato farmimg. leader farmers were selected from each IGG Apart from farming in individual fi eld, and given training on agriculture and horti- IGG groups were also trained and encour- culture farming techniques for seasonal and aged for combined farming in river bed, in off seasonal vegetables and fruits, nursery coordination with a local organization called establishment, development of bio-fertilizers Samudahik Tatha Byabasahik Bikash Prbadhan and bio-pesticides, integrated pest manage- Samaj. Three days training on river bed farm- ment and post harvest mechanism to increase ing was provided to 25 IGG members. After the production. After the training, leader the training and discussion about training in farmers shared the knowledge in group dis- IGG meeting, 146 members established nurs- cussion and also initiated and established ery and produced watermelon in river bed. one combine vegetable nursery in each IGG. Similarly, mass awareness campaign was In each group, they have now made a rou- organized to increase knowledge of how to tine for collection and marketing of products. exercise their rights and entitlements, the im- Most of the vegetable products are consumed portance of education and child protection, in Bidur (district HQ) and other nearby local alternative fuel sources, and climate change markets. Likewise, 42 IGG are now registered issues. Four events of mass awareness cam- as Agriculture development group in DADO. paigns organized in each session in four Leader farmers who have received training VDCs. Awareness raising video clips, short on horticulture development have coordinat- fi lms, documentaries, etc. of right and entitle- ed in district and received fruits sapling and ments, sanitation, climate change, etc. were distributed to all IGG members for plantation showed in campaigns. People enthusiastical- in their fi eld. Similarly, in livestock develop- ly participated in the campaign. Swabalamban 15 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Vegetable v) RSDC Laghubitta year of operation) RSDCMF made up NPR producti on is popular Bittiya Sanstha (RSDCMF) 84.82 lakhs net profi t, expanding its services in Nuwakot to 130 partner institutions of 25 districts. At district Introduction the end of FY 2072/73 in spite of aftermaths RSDC Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha (RSDCMF) of last-year's earthquake, Madesh agitation is a national level "D" class fi nancial institu- and unoffi cial border blockade, it has suc- tion, registered under Company Act-2063 ceeded to make its presence in 29 districts and Bank and Financial Institution Act-2063, providing fi nancial services to 173 partner and licensed by Nepal Rastra Bank. RSDCMF institutions and has made net profi t of NPR is the only wholesale-microfi nance operating 150.21 lakhs approximately. The progress outside Kathmandu valley that came into achieved by RSDCMF in very short span of operation on 26th Bhadra 2070, at Butwal, in time is incredible, which, no doubt, is the out- western Nepal and conclude its 2nd AGM come of 'Strong Leadership' and joint effort in 25th Poush 2072. RSDCMF's authorized of all the stakeholders. The progress of the capital is NPR 20 Crore, Issued capital is past three years is shown in table 1. NPR 10 Crore and Paid up capital is NPR 6 Crore. Major promoters of RSDCMF are Ru- Services ral Self-reliance Development Centre (RSDC- 24.54%) and Lumbini Bank (12%) along with A) Institutional Development other 172 individual investors across 42 dis- The main function of RSDCMF is to generate tricts of the nation. The mission and vision profi t providing fi nancial services within the of RSDCMF is to materialize 'self-reliant' and given criteria. However it does not mean that 'self-dependant' society by consolidating lo- RSDCMF is only focusing on the profi t, ig- cal institutions (mainly cooperatives), so that noring the overall development of its partner they would be able to fulfi ll local fi nancial institutions. Profi t, by nature, is one main ob- demand and stimulate economic activities in jective of RSDCMF but not the only objective. rural areas. It is very cautious about the sustainable de- velopment of partner institutions and acting Progress in past three years accordingly to support them. RSDCMF vis- Since its operation from 26th Bhadra 2070, its/monitors partner institutions regularly, RSDCMF has made signifi cant progress in all tries to fi nd out their problems, loopholes in spheres of its business. In nine months of FY their working system and provides off-site or 2070/71 (First year of operation), it has suc- on-site support as required. During the past ceeded to make NPR 8.63 lakhs net profi t, three years, RSDCMF has perceived that, outreaching 16 districts and 62 partner insti- when partner institutions apply for the fi rst tutions, cooperatives. In FY 2071/72 (Second loan, their overall situation is not so good and 16 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Table 1 Progress in past three years S.N. Particulaars FY 2071/71 FY 2071/72 2072/2073 1 Districts Covered 16 25 29 2 Partner Institutions 62 130 173 3 Loan Accounts 70 183 303 4 Loan Disbursed (NPR) 25,28,44,000 72,22,39,000 1,33,01,39,000 5 Loan Recovered (NPR) 2,51,00,611 21,18,52,757 61,24,62,663 6 Outstanding Loan(NPR) 22,77,43,388 51,03,86,242 71,76,76,336 11 Net Profit 8,63,510 84,82,252 1,50,20,660* NPR= Nepali Rupees, * Net Profit in many cases, they are a bit confused wheth- stitutions, 4, 6, 14 and 50 partner institutions er they would be able to utilize and maintain are enjoying their 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd loan the quality of loan or not. Before and after facilities respectively. It illustrates the con- disbursing the loan amount, RSDCMF moni- fi dence and reliance of partner institutions tors and evaluates the overall situation of the on RSDCMF and also demonstrates the ef- partner institutions and supports as required fort made by RSDCMF to make it possible that boosts up their confi dence and capacity for partner institutions, to utilize, mobilize as well. Because of the off-site or on-site sup- and maintain the quality of the loan facili- port of RSDCMF, which they receive during ty. RSDCMF has a sum of 71 Crore NPR as the loan application and monitoring process, outstanding loan in 159 partner institutions partner institutions were found enhancing across 28 districts, on 2073 Ashad end. It is their overall capacity. Apart from off-site or assumed that about fi ve thousand members on-site support, RSDCMF provides various from different community have been enjoy- Trainings to augment their institutional ca- ing loan facilities and improving their eco- pacity. Enhancing the capacity of partner in- nomic and social status as well. Estimated stitutions mainly has tripartite effects, on one loan size for 'Micro Business' loan category is hand RSDCMF is securing and expanding its about 85 thousand (about 3000 members for market, on other hand partner institutions loan amount NPR 26 Crore) and 'Micro En- could explore their ultimate potential and fi - trepreneurship' loan category is about 2 lakh nally the members of partner institutions (ul- (about 2000 members for loan amount NPR timate borrowers) will receive better fi nancial 40 Crore). About fi fty percent of the members services that helps them to be 'self-reliant' enjoying loan facility comprise of Women, and 'self-dependant' and to stimulate local Dalits, Madheshi, Janjati and other deprives economic activities as well. section of population. During the past three years, RSDCMF has disbursed a sum of NPR B) Financial Services 117.67 Crore, and has recovered NPR 51.6 Up to end of F/Y 2073, out of 173 partner in- Crore. „

Swabalamban 17

Section B Relief and rehabilitation of earthquake disaster Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

20 Swabalamban

. Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

major earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hit affected the rural people in hilly areas. Relief support in Sindhupalchowk A central Nepal on 25 April, 2015 with In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, districts with the hypocenter of a mere 15 kilometers (9.3 RSDC was involved in some emergency relief Malteser miles) below the surface, followed by sev- and rehabilitation program in Sindhupalcho- Internati onal eral aftershocks, that shook brutally to 16 wk, Kavre and Nuwakot districts. The prog- districts, including Kathmandu valley. By ress of these programs is given below. 3 June, 8,856 people lost their lives, 505,745 houses were destroyed throughout Nepal i) Relief support in Sindhupalchowk and 279,330 were damaged. Similarly, 36,107 districts with Malteser International classrooms have been destroyed or damaged On the second day of the earthquake disaster beyond use affecting one million school chil- of 25 April 2015, an emergency call from Mal- dren (Nepal earthquake 2015, Situation Re- teser International, Germany was received to port No.20, OCHA). The earthquakes mostly get the ground level situation report of the

Table 2 Distribution of relief material in Sindhupalchowk district Total food kits Total shelter kits Total hygiene VDC Total No. of HH Total population distributed distributed kits distributed Bhimtar 1,207 7242 600 00 00 Thumpakhar 1314 7884 2030 00 1315 Botesipa 1200 7200 00 800 00 Lisankhu 1220 7320 00 1600 00 Mankha 2600 15600 1850 1131 00 Pagretar 925 5550 00 927 00 Deurali 250 1500 00 500 00 Total 8716 52296 4480 4958 1315 Swabalamban 21 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

Winners of inter school competi ti on in Thulosirubari VDC

earthquake in Nepal. On the next day, a re- port was sent based on the available newspa- Priority needs identifi ed in baseline survey per reports of the day. On 29 April, 2015 Mal- teser International sent a rapid assessment team for humanitarian relief works. With 2000 some initial discussions, based on the avail- 1833 able information, it was decided to move to Sindhupalchowk Districts, which is amongst the most affected districts. Sindhupalchowk 1500 1473 district was also the epicenter for a series of major aftershocks. Almost all VDCs of the district were highly affected with large num- bers of casualties and destruction. RSDC and Malteser International (MI) immediately in- 1000 vited quotations of food items for relief. From 805 the 9th day after the earthquake RSDC and 685 Malteser International were on fi eld for the distribution of relief material. Meanwhile, 500 RSDC and MI signed MOU with DDRC (Dis- 393 trict Disaster Relief Committee) for relief 176 distribution. The relief was provided to the 131 68 82 communities of following VDCs in Sindh- 35 upalchowk district. 0 on on NFI's Food ti ti ii) Relief and rehabilitation in Thu- Shelter WASH Protec losirubari VDC, Sindhupalchowk Food Security district with Help ti on/Scholarship Livelihood/I.G.A.Market and Cash Health and Nutri After the earthquake, RSDC with fi nan- Educa cial and technical support of HELP-Hilfe-

22 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

zur Selbsthilfee.V., (hereafter called Help) commenced emergency relief and recovery operations in Thulosirubari VDC of Sindh- upalchowk district. MoU was signed with District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) to support earthquake affected communities. Rapid assessment was completed to identify the number of earthquake victims and the de- gree to which they were affected in order to provide relief material. As a part of relief op- eration, basic tools such as shove, pick, hand- saw, hammer, gall and wheelbarrow were distributed to clear the debris along with tarpaulin for temporary shelter. Similarly, 2 bundles CGI to each of the 1,785 households were distributed. The number of households was originally obtained from DDRC. Baseline survey of all households of Thu- losirubari was conducted in order to know the impact of earthquake at household lev- el. Most households had lost their family members, houses, livestock, stored grains and other items in the earthquake. The data was collected from 1887 households through interview using a structured questionnaire. and trying to setup their normal life activi- Children demonstrate The survey revealed that the main priority ties and recover their livelihood. However, the earthquake needs of the households were as follows. most of them, living in temporary shelters damage through Livelihood development was among the with limited resources, were not prepared to dancing top priority for the community, after recon- face the mountainous country's brutal winter struction of houses. In order to address the weather. livelihood issues RSDC developed local self- In response to these diffi cult circum- help groups, call Income Generating Group stances, “Winterization Distribution” was (IGG). For organizing communities at the implemented in order to provide basic relief community level through social mobilization items to local people so that they may better Winterizati on process four social mobilizors were recruited withstand cold winter conditions. Under the support to and trained. A total of 57 IGGs were formed. project 1,658 households in 4 VDCs (Suna- earthquake victi ms in Similarly, almost all schools of Thu- khani, Thanapati, Chaugada and Suryamati) Nuwakot losirubari were damaged. Children were of Nuwakot district benefi ted from the win- district scared to go to school as they were still in trauma. After discussion with school Head- masters several child friendly activities were organized in which maximum students were involved. Accordingly, inter-school football competition, volley ball competition, quiz contest, speech contest, dancing competition etc were conducted. The main aim of these ac- tivities was to make children enjoy in school so that they could continue their studies. iii) Winterisation support for the earth- quake affected population of Nuwakot district The devastating earthquake and aftershocks killed 1,109 people in Nuwakot district. In RSDC project area: 5 in Sunakhani, 3 in Thanapati, 6 in Suryamati and Chaughada 12 were killed. Almost all houses, roads and many other infrastructures were collapsed and damaged and cattle and pets were killed and injured. The victims made their tempo- rary shelters using local woods and sheets Swabalamban 23 Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

reported that the quality of items and pack- aging were good and 81.3 % of respondent reported that the items were very useful.

iv) TLC construction and Teaching Learning Materials support to Schools With the coordination of Centre for Nepal Study, England, RSDC supported in con- structing temporary classes of Ganesh Surya Primary School and Panchkanya Primary School of Suryamati VDC, Nuwakot. Ne- pal Adhyayan Kendra, UK supported Rs. 200,000 as well as teaching learning mate- rials i.e. whiteboard, markers, glues, maps, duster, etc. to Ganesh Surya Primary School, Suryamati and Panchakanya Primary School, Suryamati.

v) Training of Trainers (ToT) on Post-di- saster Activities Package and Work Camp for Schools Centre for Education Policies and Practice, Kathmandu and RSDC jointly organized four Resource Centre Level ToT package-de- Winterizati on terization distribution. For the distribution, livery-training on "Post-disaster Activities support to earthquake the IGG members helped in fi nalizing the list Package for Schools". Resource Persons, victi ms in of benefi ciaries, managed to store materials, Headmasters and teachers of the schools of Nuwakot voluntarily helped to manage the distribu- four Resource Centre i.e. Halde Resource district tion. Centre, Thanapatti Resource Centre, Kharan- RSDC conducted a post distribution itar Resource Centre and Debighat Resource monitoring in which all respondents (100%) Centre participated on the ToT program. It

Earthquake victi ms using winterizati on items in Nuwakot district 24 Swabalamban Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

helped in overcoming trauma; skills to link disasters with curriculum; preparedness for disaster in future; education of the youth – leadership, solidarity and organizational skills; building a sense of solidarity amongst teachers, parents and the volunteers in gener- al, which paved ways for improving schools further. Additionally, 4 Work Camp compris- ing 10 volunteers in each group repaired six buildings of fi ve schools – supplying labour and supporting materials of Rs. 438,301/-. vi) Improve Access Latrine and Safe drinking Water in Tekanpur and Lisankhu VDC of Sindhupalchowk District With the fi nancial support of Rocholing Stiftung, Germany, RSDC and Malteser In- ternational implemented Improve Access Latrine and Safe drinking Water project in Tekanpur and Lisankhu VDC of Sindhupal- chowk district, with the following objectives: Sanhili B.K. infront of earthquake resilient Latrine in Sindhupalchowk district

Table 3 Construction of drinking water and toilet in Sindhupalchowk Tekanpur Lishankhu Area Planned Achieved Planned Achieved Drinking water 2 1 15 15 Toilet construction 100 100 300 300

- Rebuild latrines and to ensure access to One water supply project in Tekanpur safe drinking water through the recon- could not be completed due to the dispute struction of damaged water systems. on its source, which came from another VDC. - Ensure sustainability of rehabilitated in- For regular repair and maintenance of the wa- frastructure and its use through sensiti- ter systems, water user groups were formed zation of communities on maintenance of in each water system. The group will collect water supply systems and correct use of saving fund of Rs. 20 to 25 per month from latrines. each household for regular maintenance. The The project duration was for 3 months water user groups were given water testing (April-June 2016) and the progress is given in training after completion. „ above table.

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Swabalamban 27

. Rural Self-reliance Development Centre Annual Report 2014/2015, 2015/2016

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Swabalamban 33 RSDC Organizati on Chart

General Assembly

Management Board

Executive Chief

Program Chief Finance Offi cer

Logistic Administration M&E WASH Specialist/ Offi cer Offi cer Offi cer Program Coordinator

Program Offi ce Receptionist Driver Assistant Assistant

District level Staffs

. Program Implementati on Methodology

SWABALAMBAN as a conceptual idea and a the ‘motivator’ RSDC gives high priority to the programmatic tool can actually be considered a importance of the behavioral norms essential to methodology of pro-poor self-governance at the protect the values embedded in Swabalamban. local level, which, in turn, is critical for the success The willingness of the motivators to work joy- of democracy at the national level. It shows how the ously in remote locations with the people “as one people, government, especially at the local level, of them” is critical. They are expected to gain as a non-governmental organization like RSDC, and much satisfaction from their contribution to the donors can work together in promoting the notion local community as by the pecuniary benefi ts they of ownership and practice of partnership in the are offered by RSDC. The motivators stay in the interest of the poor and other vulnerable sections community and interact at work with the mem- of the population. The methodology emphasizes bers. They live as one among the families in the the values of trust, mutual respect and solidarity village in the evening and work in the fi eld in the within the members of the community, between the morning together with their “sisters or brothers” if community and the “change agent” (governmen- necessary. They demonstrate high moral value and tal, non-governmental or donor functionaries) and their willingness to exert themselves as “trust” is the fi eld motivators and their organization at the built and their advice and contributions accepted center (like RSDC). In the process, local government readily in time. agencies operated in the area are drawn into the During the long association with the communi- trust building exercise that helps add value to their ty, and learning from interactions with the commu- designated development work. In this trust building nities concerned, RSDC has developed a 19 point effort, RSDC with its Swabalmban takes special care code of conduct that spells out the obligations of in identifying program area, selecting and training the members to themselves and to the community. the Motivators and maintaining institutional and It includes behavioral requirements from regular personal integrity and values in support of the ben- attendance in village meeting, educating children, efi ciary population. food habits, to becoming a self-reliant citizen of the On the “structural” side, the communities country. The code of conduct becomes the terms develop themselves institutionally in the following of reference to the “agents” (RSDC motivators and sequence. First, the concerned households are en- others), thereby instigating the benefi ciary popu- couraged to interact among themselves and discuss lation also to behave likewise and secure holistic and agree on their mutual needs, the source of the outcomes of quality life rather than mere physical problems, the remedies necessary, and what they outputs. At the central level, RSDC places high can do by themselves, at the household and the value on transparency and accountability of its community level on the basis of their own resources conduct. and potential. Second, this interaction results in the For its internal governance, RSDC has a general formation by them of income generating groups assembly consisting of highly motivated develop- (IGGs), that allows them to mobilize savings on a ment professionals, social activists, former RSDC regular basis and provide small loans to the needy motivators, and individuals from the village for basic consumption and small investments. The communities RSDC has worked together with in IGGs actually function as a community organization the past. The General Assembly elects a Managing which looks after many other interests and possi- Board to provide policy guidelines and set stan- bilities and have bigger responsibilities than merely dards for the management of RSDC. Members of mobilizing savings and giving loans. In due course, the Managing Board including the Board contrib- the IGGs located within a VDC are encouraged to ute to the program as volunteers. The national come together and work collectively as Swabalmban offi ce is headed by the Executive Chief, with a family of the village. Eventually the Swabalamban few professional and logistic staff. Its founder family grows to be Swabalamban Savings and Cred- Dr. Devendra Raj Panday, who introduced and it Cooperative (SSCC), assuming a legal personality, developed the Sabalamban concept over the past broadening the scope and scale of operation and two decades, makes himself available as neces- achieving self-sustainability in the long-term. sary to provide guidance for effective design and RSDC motivators work as partners of the implementation of RSDC activities and help keep community in all stages. In selecting and training its “methodology” in order. „ Rural Self-reliance Development Centre 521/25 Ichchhunadi Marg, Baluwatar, Kathmandu Post Box No. : 9266 Phone : +977-1-4435010, 4438596 Fax : +977-1-4442056 Email : [email protected] Web : www.rsdc.org.np