BEST PRACTICES Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha

Publisher Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal, Bardibas, Mahottari Published Date April, 2019 Author Santosh Rasaily Language Editor Rajani Gyawali Photos Santosh Rasaily, Nagdev Yadav and CDAFN Team Design & Print Layout Mahesh Shrestha, GrowInnova FOREWORD

Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAFN), Bardibas, Mahottari was established on 2006 A.D. For the last 10 year, CDAFN had been working in the thematic area of Chure watershed conservation, climate change adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction, earthquakes awareness, livelihood enhancement and community capacity strengthening in its command area (Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha and Sindhuli) in close coordination with Government of Nepal, INGOs, NGOs, Civil Society, local stakeholders (Municipalities and Rural Municipalities ) along with active public participation.

To minimize the effect of climate change, the organization has its regular effort in soil conservation, forest conservation, flood and landslide control and promotion of the greenery. The organization activities are especially focused on the Ratu watershed area (Mahottari and Dhanusha). In addition to this, the effort of the organization is successful in protecting the 35,000 hectares of agricultural land from desertification. Under the vision of making river bank to a fruit orchard, the organization has a massive plantation of fruit saplings in 650 hectares of reclaimed land. All these activities are focused to eliminate the poverty and develop resilience capacity of the people of project sites.

Since 2009, there is a strong and continious partnership between Caritas Germany/Caritas Nepal and CDAFN. These organization had being funding in activities like rainwater harvesting pond, underground irrigation canal, drinking water source conservation, torrent and gullies treatment, bioengineering and livelihood enhancement activities through different projects like 'Building Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Ratu Watershed through Strengthening Disaster Preparedness', 'Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Mahottari & Dhanusha' & 'Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha' with remarkable outcomes. In accordance, this book “Best Practices” consist of technologies, schemes and approaches which were successful for providing tangible benefits to the targeted groups. This book also consists of success stories and case stories of beneficiaries and villages being benefited from the Caritas Germany and Caritas Nepal’s project activities. The main objective of the book is to wide spread project’s experience and learning so that the proven technologies and approaches can be replicate in a wider area.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Nepal Government, Caritas Germany, Caritas Nepal, LIBIRD and CFUG for the financial support. In addition to this, we would like to thanks drinking water and sanitation committee, underground irrigation canal user groups, ponds conservation user groups, community and civil society. We express our special appreciation to all the project staff and executive committee of this organization who had devoted their hard work for the success of the project.

Thanks for the help and coordination.

Nagdev Yadav, President Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal

FEW WORDS

This book entitled 'Best Practices' consists of best-proven technologies, schemes and approaches (along with their method, results, impacts and learnings) implemented under the project activities. This book also consists of the stories of beneficiaries depicting the change in their livelihood by the project activities. This book is a wonderful experience for me to gather the knowledge of climate change and its effect along with the mitigation and adaptation technologies. It was a pleasing experience to see approaches of disaster risk reduction with activities like water harvest ponds, raising of seepage canal for drinking an irrigation purpose, bioengineering and river bank farming etc. I found very delighted beneficiaries and seems to have a tangible change in their livelihood from the project activities. Beneficiaries have ownership feelings in all the infrastructures. I found intimate coordination between all the stakeholders during project implementation. Through this, I realize that the conservation activities and its sustainability depend upon the coordination among the stakeholders.

I would like to thanks project staffs who helped in my field visit for information gathering. I would like to acknowledge Caritas Germany and Caritas Nepal for the opportunity to craft their effort by my words. In the same way, my sincere gratitude goes around with local implementing partner CDAFN and its executive committee members. I would also express sincere thanks to all the characters of these books who provide information in a friendly environment. Hope the good practice and learning will be mainstreamed by stakeholder and will be replicated in the wider area. Thanks to all helping hands.

Santosh Rasaily, Author TABlE OF COnTEnTS

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha: A Glance i BEST PRACTICES Raising of Seepage Water for Irrigation 1 Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose 7 Rain Water Harvesting Pond 15 Bioengineering: A Smart Way for Watershed Management 23 Strengthening Community Resilience through Group Approach 31 Consolidated Activities for Awareness of Earthquake 39 River Bank Farming and Fruit Plantation 47 Coordination: A Way of Creating Sustainability 55 ABBREvIATIOnS

CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere CDAFN Community Development &Advocacy Forum Nepal CFUG Community Forest Users Group DAP Diammonium phosphate DSCO District Soil Conservation Office DPAC District Project Advisory Committee EQ Earth Quake FYM Farm Yard Manure Ha Hectare HHs Households ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development IPM Integrated Pest Management LIBIRD Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development LIP livelihood Improvement Plan MOP Muriate of potash MPAC Municipality Project Advisory Committee RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete RVT Reservoir Tank SCR Strengthening Community Resilience TU Tribhuwan University UNDP United Nations Development Programme WWF World Wide Fund Project at a Glance Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha

'Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha (SCR)' is a project of Caritas Nepal and Caritas Germany with implementing partner 'Community Development & Advocacy forum Nepal (CDAFN)', Bardibas, Mahottari. SCR project was designed with the objective of strengthening resilience of vulnerable community along the catchment area of the Ratu river through mitigation and adaptation approaches towards the effects of climate change. The project was conceptualized with the thematic area of disaster risk reduction, earthquake awareness, agroforestry and enhancing livelihood. It consists of the major activities like drinking water scheme, underground irrigation canal, bioengineering, construction of earthquake resilient building, river bank farming, fruit plantation, agriculture and goat farming. It was implemented in Dhanusha district (Mithilla Municipality) and Mahottari district (Bardibas and Bhangaha Municipalities). The project has made access of water for drinking and irrigation for 2,231s vulnerable HHs. 830 HHs are engaged in fruit plantation in private degraded & river reclaimed land. With the vision of converting river bank into fruit orchard, 15,740 numbers of fruit saplings were planted in 205.5 hectares of degraded land. The bio-engineering activities were conducted in 68 gullies and torrents (sub tributaries of Ratu River) among 103 depending upon priorities. In 68 gullies and torrents, 42 are stable whereas other are controlled to some extent. By this activities, 673 hectares of agriculture lands in project sites are protected by landslides, floods and siltation. 432 HHs are engaged in saving and credit activities and income generation activities. In conclusion, project was successful in strengthening resilience of beneficiaries through reducing disaster and involving them in the income generation activities. BEST PRACTICE Raising of Seepage Water for Irrigation Wise use of Underground Seepage Water Raising of Seepage Water for Irrigation

Introduction

Nepal is an agricultural country with 80% of its seepage. There are also chances of entry of the population dependent on agriculture. But Nepal flood through the indigenous field canal. In the dry has inadequate progressive development on season, such indigenous canals are non-functional agriculture due to lack of proper irrigation system (in case of non-perennial water sources) due to lack for farming. Still, 60% of agriculture land is under of water. rain-fed farming. Among the available irrigation For the remedy to all this problem, the concept of facilities, most of the farmers depend on indigenous underground seepage canal was innovated at Ratu canals. For an indigenous canal, water bodies River (non-perennial river) in Rajabas village by the (river, small torrent, and stream) are considered as CDAFN, Bardibas. Initially, this concept was piloted a source for water. Most of the indigenous canals in Rajabas and after the success, it was replicated are linked with non-perennial water sources. In in other villages (Lota, Dudhpani, Kalapani, Chure, such cases, there is sufficient water in the rainy Patu, Bisambar and Bahunmara). season, but during the dry season, there is no water for farming. As a result, people have to take This underground seepage canal has become a only one harvest and leave the land fallow during boon to the people of Chure who generally depend the dry season. The Chure range of Nepal consists on the non-perennial water bodies and rain for of such types of non-perennial water bodies. The irrigation. Such types of canal collect the seepage indigenous canal which has non-perennial water water in a water gallery and divert it towards the bodies as the source has its own demerits. During field canal. Although there is no water in the water the rainy season, it needs fodder and forages bodies the seepage water gets collected in the to divert the flow of the water current to the underground water gallery which is enough for the indigenous field canal which creates dependency irrigation during the dry period. of people towards the forest. In addition, there is loss of water in the canal through percolation and

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 2 BEST PRACTICES Methodology

The soil profile of the river bed is distinct which makes the possibility of an underground canal. The soil profile consists of sand, silt, grit and gravels which is pervious to water. From 7 to 8 feet below the bed level, there is another layer of clay soil which is impervious to water. The water gets seepage through the bed level up to this clay level. The availability of clay soil below 7 to 8 feet depth from the river bed level is the main key foundation for the construction of the underground canal.

This underground canal is like a water gallery, Cross section of underground canal made under the river bed at the level of clay soil. This canal consists of two parallel walls constructed the pass seepage water cannot further seepage out at the clay soil level perpendicular to the ground. through the cut off wall. As a result, the seepage The first wall is called a drystone machinery wall water gets collected and is raised up. From the which is pervious to the water whereas another top, at the river bed level, the underground canal wall is cut of the wall which is impervious to water. is cover by fixed and some portable slabs. The Between these two walls, the parallel gallery is underground canal is connected to the field canal formed with the width of 75cm. The water can where the raised water from the underground easily pass through the machinery wall but cannot canal is channelized to the field canal. In this wasy, pass through the cut of the wall. The main function the seepage water is collected in the underground of the machinery wall is to pass the seepage water canal and is further channelized to the field canal from the catchment into the water gallery. Thus, for the irrigation purpose.

3 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Key Users Impact After successful piloting of the underground canal This innovation has a miraculous impact on the in Rajabas, this technology has been scaled out in agriculture sector. This increase in the crop index, different villages of the Chure range (Mahottari and cropping area, and productivity has significantly Dhanusha) in the corridor of the Ratu River. 1615 contributed to food security. Peoples' livelihood households from 9 villages are being benefited by condition has been improved through good such type of canal. These 9 canals are successful for harvest from agriculture. People have a way irrigating 784 hectares of land throughout the year. of mitigation to the drought condition. This innovation has also reduced human interference S.N. Name of Underground HHs Total area with the forest of Chure resulting in environment Canal being and biodiversity conservation. irrigated (Ha) 1 Kalapani Canal 125 72 lesson learnt 2 Rajabas School Canal 86 55 People knew that although there no water in the 3 Bahunmara Canal 123 76 river bed during dry season, there is seepage water 4 Patu canal 250 233 at a certain depth. This seepage water can be raised 5 Chure Irrigation Canal 8 55 by the construction of the underground canal. 6 Sigyahi Irrigation Canal 800 130 During flood, sand and gravels get aggregated 7 Parsai Irrgaion Improvement 40 13 in the underground canal. So, some of the slabs 8 Bisambar Irrigation Canal 95 88 should be portable so that it can be removed 9 Lota Irrigation Canal 88 62 and debris can be cleaned. The main core of this Total 1615 784 innovation is the amount of seepage water. To make this innovation effective, plantation along with the Key Results bioengineering and rainwater harvest mechanism should be implemented in the upper stream which This canal has made availability of water results in holding of rainwater in larger catchment throughout the year for irrigation. Farmers who area providing the regular seepage water in the were compelled of having only one crop (rice) canal. This innovation needs to be mainstreamed are now growing three crops (rice-wheat- rice) and applied in the non-perennial river of Nepal. in a year. This has increased the crop index by Thrice. Similarly, the area of crop cultivation has also been increased contributing to food security. People used to migrate during the dry season for earnings. But now migration has been controlled and people are engaged in agriculture during the dry season as well. The activities of agriculture are increasing which has hiked the job opportunity as agriculture labour. People do not have to use fodder and forage to divert the flow of water in the field which has reduced the deforestation and drudgery of people. The underground water is also used for other household activities like bathing and washing clothes and dishes.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 4 BEST PRACTICES STORIES OF ChAnGE

“I do not like to remember my past. It was very hard for us as farmers. In the name of irrigation facilities, we had an only old earthen indigenous canal. Out of 0.96 acre, I used to cultivate only 0.4 acre of land due to lack of water for irrigation whereas, in drought condition, we used to leave the whole field barren. There used to be a dispute among the villagers for the issue of irrigation. Almost all the field in village used to remain barren during the dry season. Production was insufficient for our family of 9 members. I had to go for labour activities for income. But after the construction of the canal, we all villagers have sufficient water through the year. This canal has enhanced the relation among villagers as they manage the water in a well-coordinated way. I have started cultivating in my 0.96 acre in every season. After water availability, I had started poultry and goat farming in small scale which has supported my income.”

- Nar Maya Bhujel, Bahunmara, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

"It was impossible for us to irrigate field in the dry season also a nightmare for irrigating field in the rainy season. In the rainy season, forage and fodder were used to divert the flow of the Ratu River towards the field canal. Villagers especially, women had to go forest for the collection of the forage and fodder. Flood used to sweep away all the forage and fodder and we have to collect forage and fodder again. The repeated action of forage and fodder collection had created human interference in the jungle which had increased the chances of wild animal’s encounters. After the construction of this miraculous underground canal, we do not need forage and fodder to divert the flow towards our field canal. The more surprising part is that even in drought season there is a sufficient amount of seepage water being collected for the irrigating crops. Previously, the flood had entered from the indigenous canal but the underground canal is flood-smart too. Though I had 1.5 ha of land, I was like landless as there was not enough water for irrigation, but now I take three season crops in a year."

- Shyam Bahadur Ale, Rajbash, Bardibash-03, Mahottari

5 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “Where there is source there is a way. After construction of the underground canal, we had sufficient amount of water for different income generational activities. In initial days, we had to wait our turn for irrigating our land. If there was no rain, there used to be insufficient water for irrigation resulting in poor yield. I used to have only 1,100 kg of paddy in 0.75 ha of the land but now I harvest about 3,000 kg. Water had led life to prosperity. Even I started growing wheat in the dry season which was not practised previously. I had started to grow diverse kinds of vegetables like pea, chilli, onion, garlic, cauliflower and many more vegetables. Now the harvest is more than enough for my family. I sell different vegetables in Chure Market. Annually I save about NRs. 20,000 which will help in my children's education in the future."

- Komal Babu Thapa, Chure, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

“I had not heard about the underground canal. When I heard about it, I could not believe it. But when I saw one of the canals in Rajabas, then I realized the mechanism. I was more than happy to have one of them in our village. We actively participated in the construction of the underground canal. In previous days, we used to pay levy to another village for the water. After the construction of the underground canal, we get rid of such types of levy. I cultivate rice, wheat, maize, mustard, potato in my 0.8 acre of land whereas in previous time I was confined to rain-fed rice cultivation only. The canal has provided us with the opportunity for growing two seasons rice which was impossible in previous days. In addition to cereal, I am also growing different vegetable in high advance technology under green net and plastic mulching. I am selling surplus cereal and vegetable and save about NRs. 30,000 in a year."

- Sukra Bahadur Thokar, Lota, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 6 BEST PRACTICES Stepwise Photo of Sep Under Ground Canal Rajabas, Mahottari

7 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Stepwise Photo of lota Under Ground Canal lota, Dhanusha

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 8 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose Wise Use of Seepage Water Adaptation to Drought Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose

Introduction Chure area of Mahottari and Dhanusha, people have problem of drinking water in both rainy It is needless to say that water is the most precious and dry seasons. During the rainy season, people liquid in the world. We cannot imagine life are obliged to use unsafe water due to flood by without water. Nepal is the 2nd richest country which people were highly vulnerable to water- in freshwater resources in the world. It is sardonic borne disease. During the dry season, shrinkage to say that scarcity of drinking water is one of of water sources has created a critical condition the biggest problems in Nepal. Deforestation, to fetch the water for drinking water especially unplanned settlement, lack of protection of for the female group. Even children have to quit water resources and adverse climatic condition school in the search of water. With regard to this are the reasons for the scarcity of drinking water. problem, raising of seepage water has been a In Nepal, many people are affected by water- unique and innovative way which has assured borne and water-related diseases due to the the availability of pure drinking throughout the use of unsafe water. Lack of safe drinking water year. Although there is no water in the water is a hindrance for the all-round development of bodies, sufficient amount of fresh water is people. collected in the intake through filter pipe. This concept works for the collection of pure drinking In Nepal, the Chure range is considered as the water during flodd as well. This concept was storage for the rain-water which plays pivotal initially piloted in Bohore torrent in Bhaunmara role for the groundwater in Terai region. Among village of Dhanusha district which resulted in the water bodies, Ratu river is one of the major the successful supply of adequate water in all water bodies in Mahottari and Dhanusha seasons. Later on, it was disseminated in Chure, districts. Heavy deforestation, excavation Dudhpani, Rajabas and Bhapsi of Mahottari and of gravels and soil, increase in unmanaged Dhanusha districts. settlements and effect of climate change has negative impacts on these water bodies. In the

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 10 BEST PRACTICES (RVT). For this mechanism, it also needs water Methodology bodies with a soil profile having clay soil at 7 to 8 feet below the riverbed. At this depth, a cut off wall is constructed across the river perpendicular to the flow of water. As this cut of the wall has to bear a heavy load of flowing water, a counter dam is constructed just after the cut off wall. For the flow of the excess water during the flood periods, spillway is constructed above the counter dam. The cutoff wall breaks the flow of seepage water which gets collected in beneath. The seepage water thus is raised around the cut off wall. The raised water passes through the filter pipe which helps to filter the collected seepage water. Filtered water is then passed in Cross section of collecton seepage water the intake which works as a temporary collection of the filtered water. The water is then passed to The working mechanism of raising of seepage the RVT through the gravity flow which is shown water for drinking is similar to that of the in schematic diagram given below. Thus, water underground canal. In the underground canal, from the RVT is distributed in the village through the collected seepage water is channelized to the distribution pipes. RVT and intake consist of the field canal whereas in this case, the collected the wash way pipe which helps in cleaning of seepage water is passed through the filter pipe the tank which is necessary in every six months. than to intake and finally to the Reservoir Tank

Schematic diagram of collection of seepage water

11 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES of children and guide them in their studies. Key Users They are also utilizing the water and spare time Initially, this raising of seepage water for drinking in income-generating activities like vegetable purposes was first piloted in Bhorae torrent farming, poultry and animal husbandry. for making availability of water in Bahunmara village, Dhanusha. This innovation was successful Impact in collecting 50,000 liters of drinking water per day.This method was felt to be scaled out in the Water leads to prosperity which has been shown project area having similar problems. Now , there by the Bahunmara village. After being water are 6 such drinking water scheme reserving one sufficient village, one house one tap approaches lakh fifty-five thousand litres bebefiting 616 HHs. were implemented by Mithila municipality. In addition to this, every house of Bahunmara S.N. Name of Drinking Water Storage HHs is declared as environmentally friend house. Schemne of Water Similarly, in other project sites, where this Volume scheme is implemented, the local government (Ltr) is planning for one house one tap approach. 1 Bahunmara Drinking 50000 118 This scheme has created great impact on the Water Scheme development of resilience to the drought. It has 2 Rajbash Drinking 25000 217 reduced the incidence of water-borne disease. Water Scheme It has saved sufficient time for a female to 3 Bhapsi Drinking 25000 86 strengthen themselves in economics and social Water Scheme aspect. The availability of water has also created 4 Chure drinking Water 25000 85 good sanitation habit in people and children. Scheme 5 Dudhpani Drinking 25000 79 lesson learnt Water Scheme 6. Patu Drinking Water 5000 31 Raising of the seepage water has been one Scheme of the innovative ideas to make easy access to Total 155000 616 drinking water in the region of the Chure range. The water collected through this technology is pure for drinking. For the effectiveness of Key Results this technology, the amount of seepage water 1,55,000 litres of waters get collected daily in should be increased by increasing the water different reservoir tanks. There is easy access to holding capacity in the catchment area. This drinking water in 616 households of 6 different can be done by plantation and bioengineering villages. The problem of scarcity of drinking approaches. Climate change has direct effect water has been eradicated with this scheme. In on water sources resulting in shrinkage of the the rainy season, despite flood in water bodies, water. Conservation of water resources through this mechanism helps to collect the seepage plantation is utmost important to save water for water which is safe for drinking. This water even the future. helps to minimize the risk of water borne disease. After easy access to drinking water, female has enough time to engage in social activities, group meetings, household activities, take care

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 12 BEST PRACTICES "The life was very much tedious before the construction of STORIES OF ChAnGE community water tank. Initially, we used to walk 30 minutes from house to collect water from the stream. Collecting water 6 to 7 times a day was really painful. I had to invest about half of my days in bringing water from the stream. Due to lack of time and scarce water, there was a problem in personal hygiene of my family. Due to lack of time, the involvement of the income generation activities was never thought. After the construction of a community water tank, life is in ease. I have sufficient time to care for my children. I have started cow farming and vegetable farming. Even I am working in the ward office. The water tank has spared a lot of time which is being utilized in personal development and strengthening capacity"

- Yagya Kumari Kunwar, Chure, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

"The life of villagers in Bahunmara was wearisome without the facility of water. Before the sunrise, fetching of water early in the darkness was really scary. There was a risk of snake and scorpion bite. Shrinkage of water sources had made more difficulties in availability for water. In the rainy season, the flood had added problem by polluting the water sources. There was an incident of the death of one of my neighbours by cholera. The incident was a nightmare for all the villagers. Involvement of the women in income generation activities was not even imagined. But after the formation of the reservoir tank, we have water for 24 hours. Every house in this village has a tap. Every house in this village is considered as an environment-friendly house. Nowadays, most of the women are engaged in income generation activities. I am even involved in vegetable farming and poultry farming. The availability of water has changed the lifestyle of women in Bhanumara.”

- Sudha Karki, Bahunmara, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

13 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “For the collection of water, we used to dig in Ratu River and collect water. After an hour, the pit used to get dried out and we could see ant moving in the pit. Then we had to dig another pit. We had to repeat these activities every day. Later on, we villagers started bringing water from Parsai village. We had a frequent dispute regarding the water issue with Parsai villagers. After the formation of intake in our own village (Panni Urra stream), we are now water independent. We have sufficient water for drinking, cattle rearing and vegetable farming. Scarcity of water in the past has made me realized the value of water, so I reuse the grey water by collecting in a plastic pond. Vegetable farming has been easy for us due to the availability of water. I generally send vegetable to my relatives staying in the city area."

- Sita Budhathoki, Rajabas, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

"You can see happiness around the village but past the past scenario was different. In our village (Bhapsi), there was only one well as a source of drinking water. We had to stay in line waiting hours for a bucket of water. We had a tank in a village but it got functionless after shrinkage of the water sources. Children were assigned for water collection and sometimes even they missed the school. After the activities of water source protection by the Caritas/CDAFN, the tank came into the function. Now there is sufficient amount of drinking water. There is a tremendous time for us to participate in a group meeting and other different income generating activities" - Ganga Magar (Left), Bhapsi, Bardibas-01, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 14 BEST PRACTICES Stepwise Photo of Drinking Water Scheme of Bahunmara, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

15 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Scale Out of The Scheme of Drinking Water And Source Protection in Project Area

Intake Preparation, Dudhpani, Dhanusha RVT, Dudhpan, Dhanushaa

Water Source Conervation, Chure, Dhanushaa RVT, Chure, Dhanusha

Water Source Conservation, Bhapsi Mahottari Renovation of Water Tank, Bhapsi, Mahottari

Water Source Conservation, Pani Urra Mahottari RVT , Patu, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 16 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Rain Water Harvest Pond Harvesting Water to Use in Need Rain Water harveting Pond

Introduction rainfall has affected on the production of these crops. The Chure range consists of numerous Climate change is a burning issue and it micro watersheds like torrents, stream and effects has not spared any element related to gullies which have been major challenges in the livelihood. The effect on of climate change has present context. Too much rain during the rainy a major impact on rainfall pattern. Nepal, whose season causes flash flood along with landslides, economy is based on rain-fed agriculture, has a agriculture land cutting and sedimentation challenging situation due to such erratic rainfall. of the debris in lower stream. The deposition In Nepal, there is 80 % rainfall in the rainy season of such debris causes raise of river bed which with 3.5% in winter, 12.5% in pre-monsoon and increase the risk of flood. Similarly, in the dry 4.0 % in post monsoon. This kind of erratic rainfall season, such micro watershed lacks water which has not only affected the agriculture sector but increase the risk of forest fire and decrease also has created vulnerability of water-related options of livelihood. disasters like flood, landslide and severe drought. A torrent called “Jarayo” had also created a similar The Chure range of Nepal is most vulnerable to problem in Rajabas Village. To adapt with these such type of erratic rainfall. Most of the people challenges, the project had converted Jarayo from the Chure range have upland for agriculture torrent to rainwater harvesting pond. Now, there which is totally based on rainfall with no other is adequate amount of harvested rainwater alternative of irrigation. In upland, peoples grow which is a major source of irrigation in the millet and maize which production is totally upland area of Rajabas. based on ample amount of rainfall. The erratic

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 18 BEST PRACTICES The runoff harvesting pond was constructed Methodology between the upland (farm land) and community forest in Jarayo torrent, Rajabas. The elevation of Jarayo torrent (Subtributary of Ratu river) is 480 meter from sea level which is located at the outer of Jarayo torrent (Tributary of Ratu river). The catchment area of the jarayo torrent is 2.7 ha which include forest area.

For the consturciton of pond, Jarayo torrent was dug out by creating a huge ditch with a depth of 9 meters, length of 57 meters and with an area of 5.2 acres. Then to hold the water, dam was constructed with a height of 3.8 m, width of 7.6 m and length of 45.8 m. It has capacity to hold about 4 million liters of water. During heavy rain, there was a huge amount of water (more than the capacity) accumulated in the pond creating pressure in the dam. The spillway was constructed at an end of the pond with a dimension of 31.3 m length, 5 m width and 3 m height. Thus, the heavy rain was collected in the ponds which can be used during the dry season. The water from the pond is being lifted and distributed to other water-holding structures (Plastic ponds and tanks) in farmland. The water from the ponds and tanks is being used for Catchment of the pond irrigation in the field through the sprinkle and drip irrigation system.

Schematic diagram of the Rain Water harvest 19 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Key Users Key Impacts

The pond was targeted for the people of Such kinds of ponds are multi-purpose Rajabas, especially of Mathilo Tole. There are with numerous benefits. This Jarayo water about 125 HHs who are using the water of harvesting pond has created great impact both ponds for irrigation in 60 hectares. Due to the in environment along with livelihoods. The massive use of water from pond, harvested problem of too much water and too less water water became limited for irrigation. “Pani Urra- has been addressed by this concept. Flood, stream” was identified as another perennial landslide and the problem of drought have source of water for the Pond. Water from Pani been controlled with an increase in resilience Urra is being brought and dropped in the pond to water-related risks. Along with risk reduction, through a pipe with gravitation flow. Now such pond has provided different livelihood people of Rajabas have enough water to initiate options such as duck, fish and vegetable water-based earning. Pond along with the farming. This type of pond controls the creation irrigation channelization has become a center of new rills and gullies formation. This pond has for the learning for the national and international created great relief for the downstream village organizations working in disaster risk reduction, “Marka” who used to face the problem of annual watershed management, and agriculture. flash flood and debris deposition. Such pond helps in holding of rainwater and recharges the Key Result groundwater table. Due to this visible impact, local government has scaled out this concept in The flood of Jarayo has been eliminated along nearby villages. with control of landslide, agriculture land cutting and sedimentation in downstream. The problem learning of chronic drought has been solved as there is available for 4 million liters of water in the pond. Series of rain water harvesting ponds are the The risk of forest fire and crop failure has been indispensable need in the Chure range which reduced with adequate water. In addition, there helped to manage the watershed. These type of is a regular flow of water from the Pani Urra ponds help to hold the rainwater and prevent in the pond to facilitate intensive irrigation. the formation of new rills and gullies. Such ponds Vegetable farming has not been imagined but help in the control of landslide and cuttings it came true by the construction of the pond. and also reduce the risk of the flood. It also People have started cultivating high-value crops, reduces the risk of chronic drought. Such kind of especially vegetables. In the initial condition, ponds have both economic and environmental people used to buy vegetables, but now they benefits. Such ponds even play a pivotal role in are growing, consuming and even selling the the recharge of the groundwater. By learning surplus vegetables. This pond has even been a from this pond, 25 youth from Kalapani have center for quenching thirst of different animals constructed a series of ponds (4 in number) and birds. and are having monetary benefits through fish farming.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 20 BEST PRACTICES STORIES OF ChAnGE

“I have 0.4 acre of land in this dry upland. In initial days, there used to be no water source for the irrigation. We used to cultivate only finger millet and maize. If there was rainfall, we had sufficient amount of harvest, if there was no rain, we had no enough food. My husband is a carpenter. From his income, I was hardly able to run my family. After the construction of the rain water harvesting pond, we have a sufficient amount of water to irrigate our lands. After availability, we are growing different kinds of vegetables. This pond has created a splendid situation of vegetable farming. Now, I am selling surplus vegetables of around NRs. 8,000 which I am saveing for my future purpose."

- Hira Maya Rana, Rajabas, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

“Vegetable cultivation was just a matter of imagination for us. Lack of irrigation facilities and extreme drought was a hindrance for the vegetable cultivation. We were limited in finger millet and maize cultivation. After construction of the rain water harvesting pond, the imagination of the vegetable farming come into reality. For the precise use of the harvested water, there is the availability of sprinkle and drip irrigation. From the sprinkle irrigation, I am cultivating cauliflower, chilly, cabbage, brinjal, cumber, onion and many more depending upon the season. On average I save about NRs.15,000 in a year by selling surplus vegetables. The pond is like an oasis in this dry hill. Thanks to Caritas/CDAFN."

- Baburam Karki, Rajbash, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

21 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES "Being farmer, it was very hard for me to see a barren field of 0.4 acre. There were no alternatives for farming. We used to broadcast finger millet on the mercy of rain. If there was sufficient rain, we had a good harvest otherwise we had to go for labor activities to city area for income generation. After the construction of rainwater harvest ponds, I bought a water motor to pump water up to my field. With a lot of hope, I started cultivating cabbage and cauliflower. I had a good harvest which I sold in the city area and earned about NRs.5,000. This income boosted me for vegetable farming. Now I am growing cabbage, tomato, chili, cauliflower, beans, cowpea and different types of cucurbits depending upon the season. After the availability of water, we are learning different technology of vegetable farming like tunnel farming, IPM, drip irrigation, FYM preparation. I am planning for the off-season vegetable farming. Annually, I sell vegetable of about NRs. 20,000. This pond has become a way of earning for me."

- Man Bahadur Bhattari, Rajbash, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

“In the dry season, there was scarcity of water in the village. Forest and village were at a high risk of fire. In the rainy season, there used to be flood in the Jharayo torrent. The construction of a pond in the torrent was a noble idea for us. In previous days, merchants used to barter vegetable with maize in ratio of 1:3. But now we have our own vegetables. Our village used to be a vegetable deficient village but now it is the vegetable surplus village."

- Ramu Koirala, Rajabas, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 22 BEST PRACTICES Scaled Out Water harvesting Pond by Stakeholders

23 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Stepwise Picture of Jharayo Water harvesting Pond

Kalapani Panikholsi

Rajabas Dudhpani

Bulke Lota

Patu Bahunmara

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 24 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Bioengineering: A Smart Way for Watershed Management Cost effective for the control of Flood and landslide Bioengineering: A Smart Way for Watershed Management

Introduction On the other side, during dry season, there used to be no water in the torrents with no other Ratu watershed is one of the major watersheds option for livelihood. in the Mahottari and Dhanusha districts. It Considering the problem, concept of bio- originates from Pathiparan, Mahottari district, engineering was incorporated in the project and ends in the southern Indian border with a activities by Caritas/CDAFN in the affected area. length of 67 km. This watershed is a major source Bio-engineering is use of small-scale engineering of livelihood for the people living in its catchment structures along with the vegetation to produce area. There are altogether 103 torrents as sub a technical solution to protect the environment tributaries of the Ratu river which determine the and to improve the controlling measure for the water volume and span of the Ratu river. The environment hazards like landslide, flash flood, effect of climate change along with deforestation land cuttings and sedimentation of debris. has aggravated the life conditions of the people living in the catchment area of the Ratu river. In absence of forest, the rain water directly falls on Methodology the barren hills creating rills which in the long- run converts to gullies. These gullies are later Bio-engineering is combination of the on converted into torrents. Previously, the flash engineering models and biological tools. The flood had created side cutting of the agricultural engineering structures helps in harvesting land widening the span of the torrent the flood run-off water, slowing down water current, swept gravels and sedimented the debris in the controlling soil erosion, land cutting and middle and downstream raising the river bed sedimentation whereas biological vegetation which increased the risk of the flood. In addition instantly provide strength to the engineering to this, the flood in major torrents and the Ratu structures. In long-term, this vegetation has river even had swept many houses, disturbed similar function to that of the engineering drinking water sources and agricultural canals. structures. Bio-engineering consists of the following approaches: Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 26 BEST PRACTICES 1) Control of open grazing: This is prime step in the and prevent the side eroding. Runoff water bio-engineering approaches. The stall feeding harvest structures are generally elevated RCC of cattle help in the control of over grazing and structures across the torrent which helps to promote the natural growing grasses This type block the flow of the water, slow the velocity of naturally growing grasses help to hold the of the water current and deposit the debris. soil profile, prevent the flow of soil and gravel and slow down the velocity of the rain water. 3) Vegetation: Vegetation has the most important role in bio-engineering. Bamboo, Napier, Boom 2) Engineering Structures: Generally, there are three grass, Vetiver, Stylo, Impereta and Saccharum major structures named check dam, spur and are the major vegetation used in the bio- runoff water harvest structures. Check dams are engineering. The vegetation gives strength and made across the torrents which help to settle durability to the engineering structures. They the debris and prevent land cutting. It consists also prevent direct contact of the rain water and of gabion box and spill way. The gabion box soil and control the velocity of runoff water. prevents the flow of debris and side cutting whereas spill way helps to check the flow of Key Result the debris and allow the flow of excess water. The spurs are made in the side of the river and Out of 103 torrents, the approaches of bio- torrents which helps to slow down the current engineering were successfully implemented and give a proper direction to the water current in 67 torrents. Among the 67 torrents, 42 of the major torrents (e.g. Panikholsi, Bagkholsi, Perwinge, Padehri, Bahune, Mahadev, Patu, Rakase, Mati, Mijar, Gangate, School, Bishambar,

Check Dam

27 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Gargare, Khahare, Sukhe Jhora, Arne, Jarayo Jhora, lesson learnt Darwane torrents) are well settled. Kalapani,

Lota, Parshaidhap, Dudhpani, Bisambhar villages For the bio-engineering activities, control are free of disaster like landslide and floods. With of the open grazing is indispensable need. the activities of bio-engineering, 673 hectares of Without the public participation we cannot agriculture lands is protected. 3670 households imagine the control of any torrent. Local people are safe against the major torrents in the upper should be included in the prioritization, need stream of the Ratu rivers. There is availability of identification, planning and implementation forage and fodder which enhance goat farming. process which helps to develop feelings of ownership. The materials for the formation of Impact the gabion box should be of highly quality so that it remains durable for long period of time. The bio-engineering activities in 67 torrents The construction of the engineering structures has controlled the event and frequencies of (Spur, check dam) should be technically sound landslides and land cuttings. The disturbance of so that structures will not be dislocate by the canal and drinking water sources has been the water currents. Use of the local materials controlled by the bio-engineering activities. The (like stone and gravels) in construction of spur, check dam and water harvest structures the gabion box make it sustainable and cost along with vegetation help to control the effective. Vegetation (Bamboo, Broom Grass, amount of debris being deposited in the lower Napier, Vetiver and Stylo) should be extensively stream which ultimately control in raising of used for the control of torrent or river. To the riverbed. The controlled in the raising of the manage a watershed, conservation activities riverbed ultimately reduce the risk of flood. The should be concentrated in upper stream. It bio-engineering activities on 67 torrents has also needs 7 to 8 years of continuous conservation enhanced the water holding capacity in upper and bioengineering activities to manage a stream which has ultimately reduced the risk of watershed like Ratu river flood in the Ratu river and enhance the water recharged system. The Ratu river which used to have 1900 meter of span in Rajabas has now reduce to 200 meter after the approaches of bioengineer.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 28 BEST PRACTICES “Panikholsi is one of the major sub tributaries of the Ratu river STORIES OF ChAnGE situated in Bardibas Municipality. It used to be one of the major destructive torrents in Bardibas-1, Mahottari. Initially, the flash flood torrent used to cut the land and deposit debris in the habitation area. It had affected directly 1,734 households whereas 3,050 households were indirectly affected. It used to obstruct the Mahendra highway through the debris deposition. Due to the flood and debris deposition, the settlement was about to shift to a new area. After the implementation of the bioengineering approaches in the Panikholsi, there is a drastic change in the vicinity. Caritas/ CDAFN has constructed 4 different check dams, 4 rain water harvest dam and planted about 4,500 saplings of bamboo, 1,500 saplings of broom grass. In addition to this, with the objective of income generation, mango sapling plantation was supported in 5 hectares of reclaimed land. Now the problem of flood and land cutting with debris deposition has been controlled. The span of Panikholsi has been changed from 180 m to 10 m. The affected area is full of bamboo and broom grass. Now the flood-prone vicinity has changed into a beautiful place to reside.” - Chudamadi Pokherel, Ward Chairperson, Bardibas-01, Mahottari

"In our village, there is Mahadev, Manki, Gyawa, and Lamidada Torrents. Among these torrents, Mahadev torrent used to be one of the major torrents with the problem of destructive flood. I still remember the destructive flood in 1998 A.D. In that year, due to the nightmare of the flood, 20 households were forced to migrate to a safer place. The flood in Mahadev torrent had swept away about 15 hectares of agricultural lands. The flood had also aggravated drinking water source, forest area and canal sources. In my case, 0.25 acre of my land was cut and 0.4 acre was being deposited with the flood’s debris. The moment was painful for me. We were excited with a hope as we heard about the project of Caritas/ CDAFN related to bioengineering. The project constructed 23 check dams of 6 meter in Mahadev torrent with 100 meters of the side wall. We supported the project activities with cash and kind contribution. We were supported with sapling of bamboos, Napier, and broom grass. With the activities of bioengineering, the torrent is well settled now. The Mahadev torrent which had a span of 80 meters has now converted into 8 meters. Among the 15 hectares, 6 hectares has been reclaimed which is now suitable for agriculture activities. Now, the threat of flood and landslide is story of the past. By this approach, Dudhpani village is now resilient to flood and landslide. Thanks to Caritas/CDAFN.”

- Bhoj Bahadur Baruwal, Dudhpani, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

29 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “The Lota torrent of length 4 km used to be a destructive torrent during the rainy seasons. The torrent had affected about 84 HHs and 30 hectares of lands. We still remember the flood on 1998 A.D which had swept away 2 houses. The flood even swept 4 hectares of agricultural lands. 22 acres of my agriculture land was swept away by the same torrent. I had to take a loan and work on daily wages to get out of these sufferings. After the implementation of the project, at the very first we were made aware about the conservation of the forest. The project started awareness campaign on open grazing free zone. We supported this campaign and started stall feeding for cattle. The project had supported in construction of 23 check dams and plantation of 200 bamboo sprouts, 3,500 broom grass. The torrent which used to be of 55 meters is now reduced to 10 meters and is now one of the settl ed torrents. We even had heavy rain on 2016 A.D but there was no flood on this torrent. Through the activities of the project, we learnt that deforestation leads to disaster whereas conservation of forest and bioengineering approaches help in a multidisciplinary way to reduce the natural disaster.” - Sunbir Magar, Mithila-11, Dhanusha

“Bag torrent is one of the major torrents in Patu Village. It starts from Patu village and get mix in Panikholsi torrent. The flood of 1993 and 2003 A.D had affected 67 hectares of agricultural land. 173 households around this torrent were highly vulnerable to the flood. The Caritas/ CDAFN had constructed 36 check dams with the plantation of 700 bamboo sapling, 8000 broom grass and 3,000 fruits (Mango and Litchi). After these approaches, the span of the torrent has reduced from 35 meters to 10 meters. There is now enough forage, fodder and firewood. The availability of forage and fodder has enhanced goat farming in the village. Thanks to the Caritas/ CDAFN.” - Devi Prasad Ghimire, Patu, Brdibas-3, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 30 BEST PRACTICES Before and After Pictures

Runoff water harvest pond, Perwinge torrent (Before ) Vegetation on runoff water harvest, Perwinge torrent (After)

Runoff water harvest pond , Pani Kholsi (Before) Vegetation on runoff water harvest pond , Pani Kholsi (After)

Landslide on Pani Kholsi (Before) Control of landslide Pani Kholsi (After)

Budhuwa Torrent, Khairmara (Before) Budhuwa Torrent, Khairmara (After)

31 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Before and After Pictures

Dam of Ratu River, Rajabas( Before) Vegetation on Dam of Ratu River, Rajabas( After)

Ratu River, Aapghachi, Mithila-11, Dhanusha (Before) Ratu River, Aap ghachi, Mithila-11, Dhanusha (After)

Kalapani, Bardibas-3, Mahottari (Before) Kalapani, Bardibas-3, Mahottari (Mahottari)

Bamboo plantation in Patu (Before) Greenery in Patu (After)

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 32 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Strengthening Community Resilience through Group Approach฀ Effective Approach for Behavior Change Strengthening Community Resilience through Group Approach

A group is a set of people with common interest Caritas Nepal and Caritas Germany in gathered together in a common platform for the coordination with implementing partner CDAFN collaborative and coordinated action to achieve had implemented different income generation the common goal. A group approach is the best activities along with trainings in the project way to disseminate any technology, knowledge sites with the objective of strengthening the and bringing behavior change in a wider area in capacity through group approach. The goal of a short period of time. Group approach helps this approach was to ensure the community’s group members to participate, to see and to capacity to manage the given resources for practice the given technology which is an income generation and strengthen them to effective process of learning. collaborate and coordinate with the local government for the resource leverage. To There is high geographical diversity in Mahottari strengthen the capacity, most of the activities and Dhanusha districts consisting of Chure, were concerned with vegetable, goat, mushroom Bhabar and Terai. There is even high diversity farming along with saving and credit activities. in the ethnic group in these districts. There is Communities were empowered to develop their a high number of dalit communities in these Livelihood Improvement Plan (LIP) which guides regions ranging from 51.2 % to 63.13 % (Caste- them to act in the future. Group approach was based Discrimination in Nepal, 2009). In context a participatory approach to strengthen the to Human Development Index, Mahottari (0.38) capacity of local people for the socio-economic rank in 7th lowest district and Dhanusha (0.43) development and environmental benefits. rank in the 20th lowest district of Nepal. (Nepal Human Development Report, 2014-UNDP). Lack of education, discrimination on caste basis and unemployment have aggravated the condition of the people of this region.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 34 BEST PRACTICES Activities IPM technology. Group members were also provided with spawn for the mushroom 1) Training: Orientation on group formation, cultivation. This was liked by the female as minute preparation, and group they consider it as an easy way of earning. In management were provided to develop a flood reclaimed land, group members were strong local institution. Training on nursery technically guided for river bank farming. management, mushroom cultivation, 4) Goat Farming: In Madeshi community, goat seasonal vegetable farming, IPM, botanical farming was introduced among the group pesticide preparation and seed to seed were members. The project had supported 1 goat provided to enhance the income generation for each group member. In addition to this, activities. every groups were provided with a breeding 2) Group Meeting: The group meeting was buck. Revolving fund were provided for found to be most effective to strengthen buying goats. They were also provided with the capacity and empowerment of local different supports like mineral blocks, de- women. They have a provision of group worming and vaccination. meeting once in a month. In the meeting, 5) Saving and Credit: It was a new activity women learned how to present themselves introduced in the group. The group in mass and deliver their words. It had members developed the habit of saving become a platform to discuss the socio- for the future purpose. They generally save economic and environmental problem. about NRs.50 to 100 per month. Till the date, This meeting helped the group in problem there is NRS. 11,34,677.00 with an average identification and discussion of the problem saving of NRs. 2,626.56 per member and to find an effective solution and planning of NRs. 7,55,645.13 per group. This amount was new activities. This platform also helped to utilized as a loan (on nominal interest) by develop linkage among the stakeholders for group members for the income generation resource leverage. Group meetings along activities like poultry, mushroom cultivation, with minutes helped to develop the formal pig rearing, goat rearing, cattle rearing and social institution. Moreover, this had been grocery shop. a common platform to develop mutual relation among different caste and religions. 6) Revolving Funds: The concept of revolving fund had been supportive for the group 3) Agriculture Activities: After being access to the members. Each and every group on an water, groups were oriented and provided average was provided with NRs. 20,000 as with the seasonal diversity kits (including revolving funds. This amount was given 10 types of vegetable seeds) and were to the group members on the basis of technically guided in vegetable farming. economic condition to start new activities They were also supported with the materials for the income generation. required for the preparation of botanical pesticide. In addition to this, improved cow shade was constructed as demonstration which facilitate collection of cattle urines for botanical pesticide. IPM demonstration plot was created to disseminate different

35 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Key Users Impact

On the basis of the demand of the groups, Group approach has created a marvelous vegetables and goats farming groups were impact in the field of agriculture, economic, formed in the project sites. There are altogether social and personal development, especially in 432 members in 15 income generation groups the females. They have built up their confidence in project sites whose details are mention in the level to express their opinion in a mass. The table below. habit of saving money for the future purpose had been developed. Saving and credit activities Types of Income S.N. Generation Group Total Groups Total Members have eradicated the problem of high interest from money lender. Knowledge of vegetable Vegetable farming and goat farming has ensured food 1 Farming Group 11 327 and nutritional security. Integration of IPM in Goat Farming agriculture have environmental benefits and 2 Group 4 105 health benefits. This approach also developed Grand Total 15 432 the linkage of the group members with the local government. Sustainability of the group has Key Results been developed through the regular meeting, saving and credit activities, revolving funds, and Group approach was found effective to LIP. A common platform had been created where strengthen the capacity of female communities a member from different caste can act together to plan and implement the income generation and abolish the caste discrimination in society. activities. Similarly, this approach helped group members to know about local government lesson learned programs and capacitated them to advocate Nepal has a male dominant society where their right for the matching funds. Groups financial right and role of taking major decision were able to use the resources to generate are inherent to male. Involvement of female in income through vegetable, mushroom and income generation activities is indispensable goat farming. They can run saving and credit for them to increase their financial access which activities and can utilize the revolving funds for in turn helps to enhance their role in taking the income generation. Till the date, there is a decision. To build a prosperous society, the collection of NRs.11,34,677 under saving and empowerment of women is an indispensable credit with average saving of NRs. 2626.56 per need. For the dissemination of knowledge and member. Income generation activities directly bringing change in behavior, group approach helped the financial stability of the members. was successful. For the sustainability of such Groups had prepared their own LIP which will group-based activities, it should be registered help them to sustain and develop the programs in local government and should be linked with in coordination with local government in future. cooperatives. Women, who never had participated in a public meeting had now started participating and put forward theirs views with a confidence.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 36 BEST PRACTICES STORIES OF ChAnGE

“My husband 'Binod Chaudhary Bhumiyar' is a farmer. Earning from farming was not sufficient to run a house smoothly due to large family (number of 7). Expenditure on children’s education is hiking day by day. I was desperately looking for a way to earn and help my husband. Caritas / CDAFN helped me to find an effective way by suggesting about goat farming. I got chance to be a member of goat farming group named: Adharsa Income Generation Group and I also received breeding buck. I took a loan of amount NRs. 10,000 from revolving fund and bought a goat. Different kind of training on goat farming added energy in me for goat farming. My happiness rose to ecstasy when my goat gave birth to 3 kids. After growing them up, I sold them in NRs. 36,000 and utilized the earnings in my daughter marriage. My husband supports me in my activities. At present, I am rearing 6 goats which are now ready for sale. After selling them, I will save the amount for the study of my children. I will continue goat farming because I found it profitable.”

- Sumitra Devi Bhumiyar, Sangrampur, Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

“I was happy to a be member of Juntara Income Generation Group. I have 1.2 acres of land for farming. My husband has a petite job. The earning from the job and production from the field was enough for our family (4) to survive. But it was hard to gather money for education and medical expenses. Previously, I took a loan of NRs. 50,000 in a high rate of interest and started poultry farming but I did not get success due to lack of experience. I made a decision that I will never rear chicken again. But after being a member of group formed by Caritas/CDAFN, they inspired me to start poultry farming again with loan from the revolving fund. I took NRs. 20,000 from the group as a loan under the provision of revolving fund which has a nominal rate of interest. I reared 200 chickens and utilized the poultry house which was useless for 3 years. Chicken grew well and I had a net profit of NRs. 40,000. I paid the loan of the group from the earnings. This time, I added 200 more chicken again. I found my way of earning. I am saving the income in my group which will ensure the bright future for my children. In addition to this, the enumerator of the project had taught us many new things regarding our self-development. The enumerators of the project oriented me to run the group. They taught me to prepare a minute, to maintain the record of saving and calculate interest. Now I can run both family and group smoothly." - Rama Majhi, Patu, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

37 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “This village(Patu) is inhabited with minorities group called Majhi. Due to poverty and ignorance, we Majhi are far behind than others. We generally did not have the habit of saving for the future. As Caritas/CDAFN implemented a project in this village we got a chance to learn about many new things. SCR project has oriented us on the way of income and methods of savings for the future. The project has also formed an income generation group named: Kakarbhitta Income Generation Group, where we are taught about the way of utilizing the local resources for generating income. I personally had a lot of benefits being in the group. I took a loan of NRs. 10,000 under the provision of revolving funds at a nominal rate of interest. I bought a baby buffalo in NRs. 8,000 and after rearing for 6 months, I sold it in NRs 20,000. I paid the loan. I again bought a small baby buffalo and I am planning to sell it in this Dashain. In addition to the monetary profit, we have many more social benefits as well. This group approach has created a bonding among us. We learned to write our name and introduce ourselves in meeting and forum. Previously, we female from Majhi group used to engage in alcohol preparation, but nowadays we are engaging in income generation activities like vegetable farming, buffalo rearing, mushroom cultivation, etc. Thank you Caritas/ CDAFN.” - Shyam Maya Majhi, Patu, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

“In Madesh (Terai belt of Nepal), Females are still considered to serve in the kitchen. Female are not allowed to go out for earnings. After the implementation of the SCR project of Caritas/ CDAFN in our community, it has brought a change in perception of Madeshi female. SCR project has facilitated us strengthening our capacity through group approach. We are being directed for income generation through different activities and encouraged for saving. We used to be abused by the money lender with high rate of interest. The approach of saving and credit has facilitated us with a loan in the nominal rate of interest. In my case, our family used to have a small grocery in the village and another one in the market area of Jamuniya. The grocery of the market was comparatively very small than the other. I was looking way to extend. I took a loan of NRs. 10,000 for extending my shop at Jamuniya Market. I look after my grandchild and run the shop. In Jamuniya market, we had a daily transaction of NRs. 1,600 to 2,000 with a profit of NRs. 300 to 500. I save the amount in Sarsawati Goat Farming Group. I also rear goat and I found it very profitable Business. In the previous year, I sold 2 goats for NRs. 15,000 and this year I sold one goat for NRs. 10,000. I am very much happy with the earnings. The project has shown the way for Madeshi female for easy earning.”

- Susila Devi Saha, Jamuniya, Bhangha-06, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 38 BEST PRACTICES Activities Under Group Approaches

Nursery Training Monthly Meeting

Vegetable Seed Distribution Preparation of Biopesticide 'Jholmol'

IPM Demonstration Plot Group Vegetable Farming

Drip Irrigation Mushroom Substratum Preparation

39 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Activities Under Group Approaches

Seed to Seed Training Mushroom Training

Capacity Building Training Saving and Credit

Use of Revolving Fund- Pig Farming Use of Revolving Fund- Grocery Shop

Use of Revolving Fund- Goat Farming Use of Revolving Fund- Mushroom Farming

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 40 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Consolidated Activities for Awareness of Earthquake Preparedness for safety Consolidate Activities for the Awareness of Earthquake Introduction overriding Eurasia plate to the north. When the stress on the edge overcomes the friction, there Disaster never comes with pre-information. is an earthquake that releases energy in waves Powerful earthquake on 25th April, 2015 that travel through the Earth's crust and cause has proved this statement. Nepal was struck the shaking that we feel. Nepal is at the zone by an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 of high risk, lack of awareness, weak structures, with epicenter at Barpak, Gorkha district. An lack of pre and post preparedness facilities and authoritative earthquake demolished most of the poor economy of the people has hiked the villages, traffic routes and cultural monuments, vulnerability to the earthquake. with a death toll of some 9,000, over 22,000 got injured, and more than 600,000 private houses and almost 20,000 school classrooms were SCR project had implemented different destroyed. integrated activities for the mass awareness about earthquake, way of preparedness before, While seeing the history of Nepal, there is an during and after the earthquake. People do occurrence of a powerful earthquake in every not have knowledge of the occurrence of the interval of 80 to 90 years. Nepal lies towards earthquake and possess traditional thinking. the southern limit of the diffuse collisional Most of the death casualties in the earthquake boundary where the Indian plate underthrusts were due to the collapse of weak building. SCR the Eurasian plate, occupying the central sector had mostly focused its activities in scaling out of the Himalayan arc. The Indian tectonic plate, earthquake resilient building and preparedness. moving north at about 45mm a year is pushing under the Eurasian plate beneath the Himalayas. The catastrophic earthquake of 7.8 Richter Scale in Nepal occurred because of two converging tectonic plates: the India plate and the

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 42 BEST PRACTICES Activities 3) Earthquake School Session: Children are considered to be more vulnerable during the 1) Mason Training: The training was organized for earthquakes and other disasters. With the the masons of the project site in order to objective of creating awareness among the advance their knowledge of earthquake children, the school session was conducted resilient building. In training, masons were in 6 schools for the student of standard 9. theoretically and practically orientated There were altogether 10 EQ session, where with the techniques of construction of students were taught about the cause, pre earthquake resilient building. They practiced and post preparedness of EQ. They were also construction of earthquake resilient column, oriented on “what we should do” and “what with proper orientation of rings, preparation we should not do” during the earthquake. of proper foundation, orientation of plinth Similarly, they were also made acquainted beam, sill beam, lintel beam and orientation with different other disasters. They were of “T” and “L” band etc. guided for the preparation of the school disaster preparedness plan. 2) Earthquake Resilient Demonstration Building: The prime objective of this building was to create 4) Mass awareness: For a mass awareness of awareness and provide a glimpse of the earthquake, different activities were earthquake resilient building among the conducted. The street drama was performed people of project sites. The participants in place in which characters portrayed about of mason training were utilized in the the preparedness of EQ and what we should construction of the demo building. The do during and after the earthquake. There project had constructed 2 demonstration were 9 street dramas in the main market building in Chure, (Mithilla-11, Dhanusha) areas in the project sites. In 25th April, on the and Kabilasha, (Bhangaha-01, Mahottari). celebration of earthquake day, the project Another one more building is under conducted rally displaying informative construction in Bhagwatipur (Balwa-11, display cards. Information regarding the EQ Mahottari). as a jingle was broadcasted on air through

43 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES 3 FM (Radio Bardibas, Radio Sungava, Radio Impacts Darpan). 30 awareness hoarding boards were hanged in 28 important and visible People still believe in superstition that places. All the activities were directed for earthquake is the result of sins of human and the spread of the information and awareness furiousness of god and goddess. This theme had regarding the earthquake. created awareness on the concept regarding the 5) Sensitization Workshops: Different kind of occurrence of earthquake. The activities of mass sensitization workshops were conducted awareness and different level workshops were at a different level for awareness about successful in changing the people’s perception. the earthquake. Sensitization workshop The workshop on EQ awareness for key person was conducted in every group, ward level, helped to mainstream the preparedness plan and municipality level. In the workshop, and sensitized for implementation of building participants were oriented about the cause, code. The mason training was effective for the preparedness about EQ and were also technicians in building earthquake resilient acquainted with the building code. buildings. These trained masons are operative to disseminate the EQ resilient building. Key Beneficiaries: lesson learnt Activities of thematic area “earthquake awareness and preparedness” have a wide level of audience Preparedness is the only way to be safe from the and beneficiaries. The mass awareness activities earthquake. An earthquake-prone country like had a wide level of awareness in Dhanusha Nepal, awareness regarding the preparedness and Mahottari district. Demo building created (before, during and after the earthquake) is awareness on building code for the villagers. indispensable to minimize the possible death casualties in the future temblor. Weak and non- earthquake resilient building are the major Key Results cause of the demise, so it is a prime need to mainstream the building code. Production of All the activities conducted under the earthquake well-trained mason is necessary to disseminate awareness and preparedness theme were the EQ resilient building. Disaster management integrated to produce a remarkable result. 63 course should be included in the school course well-trained masons were prepared at the local which will help students to be responsible level who are delivering their learnings in the towards society during the disasters. construction of earthquake resilient buildings in the project sites. It was recorded that after the training, 615 earthquake resilient buildings were constructed by the trained masons. School session had played a pivotal role in creating awareness and preparedness in 413 students of 6 schools. 6 school preparedness plans were prepared by the school students in coordination with the project.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 44 BEST PRACTICES STORIES OF ChAnGE

“Natural disasters occur suddenly without any prior information. Knowledge regarding disaster management can help to reduce losses to some extent. As we know, in any kind of disaster, children are the most vulnerable because they are not physically and mentally strong as compared to adults. The knowledge regarding disaster management is very much fruitful to the school students as it helps to identify possible disasters in their locality. In addition to this, this course also helps them to make responsible towards society during the time of disaster. The students were quite excited with the course of earthquake awareness. We usually have an introduction part of the disaster in regular courses which is not enough. Caritas / CDAFN conducted school session about earthquake and helped them to develop plans of preparedness (before, during and after the earthquake). Disaster management and developing of preparedness plan should be included in the regular school course.” - Kedar Koirala, Principal, Shree Deurali Higher Secondary School, Bardibas-03, Mahottari.

“I was totally unknown about the earthquake. Tremor of 25th April, 2015 was my first experience of an earthquake. During the earthquake, I went vacant and could not think of anything. I ran towards my father. He took me out of the house. Everyone was in awful condition. Thanks to god, there were no human casualties. When I heard that there will be an extra session of earthquake and its preparedness, I was more than happy. I found the course very much interesting. I learnt about the causes of the earthquake. I also knew what we should do and what we should not do before, during and after the earthquake. In addition to this, I also learned about other possible disasters in brief. I found the disaster subject very much interesting as it is directly linked with the prevention of casualties and death. In the future, I will be studying about disaster management.”

- Megan Subedi, Shree Rashtriya Saraswati Secondary, Kalapani, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

45 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “I have been working as a mason for 22 years. I was unknown about the earthquake resilient building. After the earthquake on 25th April 2015, I heard about it but had no idea regarding its construction. I got the opportunity to learn about the construction of the earthquake resilient building in mason training organized by Caritas/ CDAFN. The training was effective for us. The practical session made us practically sound regarding all the techniques required for the EQ resilient Building. We learnt to make a foundation, plinth beam, lintel beam, sill beam etc. After the training, we realized that up to now we were constructing graveyard instead of house. Nowadays, wherever we work, we convince people for a construction of the EQ resilient building. There is the only difference of 25 to 30% extra cost for the preparation of EQ resilient building compared to simple building.”

- Narayan Bahadur Thapa, Rajabas, Bardibas-03, Mahottari

“Previously, I was unknown about the earthquake. Earthquake of 2015 was my first experience. When I asked my parents, they told me it was the effect of god curse. After the school session, I knew about the cause of the earthquake. I convinced my parents that the cause of earthquake is due to the friction of the plate under the earth rather than god curse. From the school session, I gathered knowledge regarding what we should do and we should not do before, during and after the earthquake. We were also able to prepare school disaster preparedness plan under the assistance of our teacher. We also look forward to incorporate such type of courses in our daily courses.”

- Kajol Kumari Singh, Shree Laxmi Secondary School, Hattisarwa Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 46 BEST PRACTICES Activities of Awareness to Earthquake

EQ Resilient Demo Building, Chure, Dhanusha EQ Resilient Demo Building, Kabilasa, Mahottari

Mason Training Practical Session in Mason Training

Mason Sharing Meeting EQ Awareness Drama

47 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Activities of Awareness to Earthquake

Awareness Training to Key Person EQ preparedness Planning Meeting

EQ Awareness School Session Speech Competition of EQ Awareness

EQ Awareness Rally Prize Distribution

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 48 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE River Bank Farming and Fruit Plantation Approaches of Changing River Bank to Fruit Orchard River Bank Farming and Fruit Plantation

Introduction Ratu river is the major water body in Mahottari and Dhanusha district. This river has been both A Part from different aspects being affected by sources of livelihood and source of water-related climate change, impact on rainfall pattern has disasters (flood and land cutting). The flood of been a hard-hitting challenge. Both excess and Ratu river in 1977 and 2001 has aggravated the deficient rainfall tends to create serious disruption life condition of people living in its catchment with widespread socio-economic impact. In area. Flood of the Ratu river on those years has Nepal, there are about 6000 rivers with drainage displaced more than 1500 families, and more area of 1, 91,000 sq.km. The annual report of than 100 hectares of land were swept converting Department of Hydrology (2016) depicted that it into the riverbank. there was about 80 % rainfall in the rainy season, To strengthen the flood victim of Ratu in middle 3.5 in winter, 12. 5% in pre-monsoon and 4.0 % stream (Bhangaha municipality), Caritas and of rainfall in post monsoon. This type of uneven CDAFN had incorporated mitigation approaches distribution of rainfall pattern has created a to flood including riverbank vegetable farming threat of flood and landslide to the household and fruit plantation. Riverbank farming is farming living nearby the river. Annually, on an average, in the flood affected area (land being deposited the flood and landslide cause death of 309 by sand and debris) with appropriate vegetable people, destruction of 7570 houses and affects species and plant species. 5,627 hectares of lands. A study related to land degradation in 2004 had shown that there were around 0.4 million hectares of agriculture land Methodology that had been converted to riverbank. Among Riverbank farming and plantation of fruits sapling that, 0.226 million can be reused for agriculture is slightly different than farming in normal soil. with appropriate technology. We should especially select vegetables from the Cucurbits family (watermelon, musk melon,

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 50 BEST PRACTICES cucumber, bottle guard, sponge guard, bitter In case of fruit plantain, 1 to 2 years old fruit guard, pumpkin, snake guard and pointed guard, sapling (Mango and Litchi) are planted in space etc.) as it requires short time period for harvest. of 10 meters apart in a pit of 1 foot depth and 1-foot diameter. In case of land preparation, it does not need tillage operation as required in normal farming land. There are two methods of land preparation Key Users named: pit system and trench system. In the pit method, a pit is made of 1-foot depth and The flood on 1977 and 2001 had affected diameter. Similarly, in the trench method, a long Bhangaha Municipality including Sangrampur, trench is made with a depth of 1-foot. The pit Meghnath, Goranna, Kabilash. Hundreds hectare and trench are filled with loam soil, compost, of lands were swept away resulting in the farmyard manure in equal ratio. The seed are conversion of agricultural land into riverbank. germinated first in artificial condition before For quick returns, the affected land was used sowing. For germination, the seeds are soaked in for river bank farming. With long term vision of water for 24 hours which are then dried in shade. renovating riverbank to the fruit orchard, massive After that, they are packed in a leaf of pumpkin fruit plantations were done in those villages. and kept in a warm place like a heap of compost, grain storage or under blankets. This action helps Key Result the seeds to germinate within 2 to 3 days. The germinated seeds are sown at a depth of 15 cm The river bank farming was very much effective and the pit is mulched with straw. The seed sown approach in adapting with the flood. 42 by this method helps to emerge the seedling households are doing river bank framing in 8 in 4 to 5 days of sowing. The seed also can be hectare with good income by selling vegetables. germinated in a poly pot in a tunnel and can The unused land after the flood has now become be transplanted. To avoid the damage of insect a source of income and food. In the same way, 234 (cutworms, cricket and mole cricket), powder of hectares of reclaimed land has been utilized for malathion should be broadcasted at the rate of the plantation of 17668 number of fruit saplings 5 gm per meter square. (mango, litchi and lemon) by 830 households. The remaining space under the plantation is also Riverbank consists of sandy soil which does being utilized for vegetable farming. not have good nutrient content. For good production, there should be an appropriate application of balanced fertilizer. During the pit preparation, the basal dose is applied which is composed of 2-3 kg compost, 10 gram urea, 25 gram DAP, 15 gram MOP, 2 gram borax and 2 gram zinc. The top dress consists of 15 gram of urea which is applied by making a solution in 1 liter of water. The solution is drenched after 1 month of plant transplantation. The vegetables can be harvested within 4 to 5 months.

51 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Location Area in Bigha no of plants Dalit HHS jnajati HHS BCN HHS Total HHS Sangrampur 153 12240 25 60 7 92 Kabilasha 24 1600 11 49 5 65 Meghnath Goranna 18 1200 5 12 6 23 Sangmtole, South Tole 10.5 700 8 23 6 37 205.5 15740 49 144 24 217

Impacts learning

After the destructive flood of 1997 and 2001, This riverbank farming and plantation are the the possible option of livelihood was collapsed. effective approaches to adapt to the effect of More than 100 hectares of agricultural land were flood. If the riverbed and riverbank farming affected by the flood. The riverbank farming is done in a technically correct way, it can be and fruit plantation have been the effective way a good source of income. In Nepal, there are to adapt to the effect of flood. This approach about 0.4 million hectares of the riverbanks and was successful to retrieve the livelihood back. riverbeds. Among them, 0.2 million hectares Riverbank farming has become a source of are suitable for vegetable farming. Utilization income for 42 affected households. Similarly, of such riverbank and riverbed can fulfill the this has also supported them for their nutrition vegetable demand of the country. Plantation and food security. Soon after the flood, many of fruit plant in river bank has multidisciplinary victims were forced to go abroad for earning advantages. It should be promoted on a large but now most of them have started farming in scale. For the good production, the ratio of male their own field by which the out-migration has and female flower should be regulated by the been reduced. Conversion of riverbank to fruit spray of ethylene. The vegetable like cucumber, orchard is a unique concept as it does not need muskmelon, watermelon, pumpkin, etc. should regular tillage operation as other farming. In the be turned fortnightly as the fruits touching the future, the fruit plants will promote greenery, ground gets white due to the absence of the prevent soil erosion and be a source of income. light.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 52 BEST PRACTICES STORIES OF ChAnGE

“We were affected by flood continuously for 3 years since 1971 A.D. The repeated action of the flood had converted our productive land into sandy land. I used to have 3.5 hectares of agriculture land where I used to grow paddy, wheat, maize, and lentil. The harvest used to be more than enough for my family of six. The flood in 1971 A.D swept away my paddy field leaving nothing behind. I even had to sell a piece of land for the study of my children. After the flood, we had to live a very hard life. When Caritas/ CDAFN introduced us about riverbank farming, we were very happy to know that farming could be done even in our flood affected land. We started riverbank farming and fruit plantation under the supervision of the project team. I was happy to see the vegetables growing. Now I am doing riverbank vegetable farming in 10 acres and fruit plantation in 1 hectare of land. I do not need to buy vegetables. I see greenery in my field which fascinates me. Previously, I did not like to step in my sandy land but now I spend most of my time there. I have a hope; in the near future the fruits plants will be major source of income. I am planning to make fruit storage house and involve myself in wholesale marketing. I am readily waiting for that moment.” - Jasar Yadav, Sangrampur, Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

"We were happily living good life in Parsa village. We used to do farming in 2 hectares of productive land. Flood of 1997 A.D. swept our 1 hectare of land leaving sand everywhere. During that harsh time, my husband-Uittim Hujedar had gone abroad for earning. After the flood, the affected land was useless. As we heard about the group formation for plantation and vegetable farming in our affected land, we had new hope. We got involved in Ratu river Fruits and Plantation Group. We received the training and fruits sapling and seed of vegetables. Now I am doing riverbank farming in 1.2 acres of land and fruit plantation in 1 hectare. To facilitate the irrigation, Caritas/ CDAFN had also supported us for deep bore. We, all member of the group use the same water for irrigation. My husband now is not compelled to go abroad for earning. We work together in the riverbank. We sell vegetable for about NRs. 20,000 to 30,000 in a season. During the flood, there was sorrow throughout the village. We hardly cooked food but did not like to eat due to the distress of the village. But now there is happiness everywhere. Most of the useless lands are being used in plantation and vegetable farming. Thanks to Caritas/ CDAFN."

- Hema Devi Hujedar, Parsa, Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

53 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES “I still remember the flood of 1997 A.D. It has devasted most of the field throughout the village. After the flood, its effect was more frustrating. The flood left no hope for livelihood. Out of 2 hectares of land, our 1.5 hectares of land was swept away. We had to do small hold business and my husband (Sudeep Kumar Singh) had to go neighboring country for earning. Staying alone in the absence of husband during the time of scarcity was more painful. After the field study, Caritas/CDAFN team suggested me to join the vegetable and plantation group. I was happy to receive fruit saplings and vegetable seeds. I had planted fruits plant (mango and litchi) in 2 acres and doing vegetable farming in 1.2 acres of the riverbank. I use a motor to lift the water from the nearby stream for irrigation. I and my husband spend most of the time in the riverbank. My husband said that it is far better to live with family and work on own land rather than going abroad. Now we sell vegetables in the market with worth NRs 20,000 to 30,000 in a season. We are investing it in our daily expenses and study of our child. We have a bright future because we are sure that in the coming future, fruits will be our main source of income.” - Tarjan Devi Singh, Parsa, Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

"The Flood on Ratu river perverted me from landlord to landless. I was living a prosperous life with farming activities in 2.6 ha of the cultivable land. I used to grow paddy, wheat, and lentil and always had good harvest which was more than enough for my family. The flood had shown no mercy devastating my blooming life in no time. My cultivable land was swept away depositing sand everywhere demolishing the hope of livelihood. The most difficult moment for me was when I forcefully had to discontinue the education of my nephew. For livelihood, I even started going abroad as seasonal labor leaving wife and nephew. After the implementation of the project, I planted mango, litchi, and lemon in about 1.5 hectares of lands. I even practice multistoried farming approaches for growing vegetables like pointed guard under the growing fruits trees. Now I don’t have to buy vegetables; rather, I sell vegetables in the nearby market and earn about NRs 50,000 in a season. I am saving certain amount of money for the study of my grandchild. My riverbank farming is considered to be the best and many visitors from different organizations arrive here for a visit. I feel happy when villagers say “No flood can make him poor; after all, he is born to be rich.” - Ram Narayan Singh. Parsa, Bhangaha-06, Mahottari

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 54 BEST PRACTICES Activities of River Bank Farming and Fruit Plantation

55 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Activities of River Bank Farming and Fruit Plantation

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 56 BEST PRACTICES BEST PRACTICE Coordination: A Way of Creating Sustainability Creation of Ownership’s Feeling Coordination: A Way of Creating Sustainability

Coordination is a mechanism of working Coordination With together for a common interest. SCR project had been addressing coordination and collaboration the Community as a core working mechanism. In the present administration scenario, collaboration and To strengthen the capacity and for the coordination have been a major indispensable sustainability, local people were trained to part for the success of any project. From the construct undergrounds canal, ferro cement initiation of the SCR project, implementing tank, water harvest ponds and bioengineering partner CDAFN has played a pivotal role to structures (gabion box, spur, check dam). Local develop strong collaboration with all the community peoples were used for problem possible stakeholders (CFUG, Community, identification, problem prioritization, activity Local government, Ward, Municipalities, Citizen identification, and budgeting. After the Society and LIBIRD). construction committee was formed and they were made responsible for all the transaction At the initial condition, the project was designed and construction. Project assured the control through the problem assessment with the of quality and provide the technical guidelines. approach of local community participation. The community was also strengthen to gather The project was designed with fix thematic the matching fund from related wards and area where the community could design the municipalities. To develop a legal scenario, activities based on their need. After the project contract was signed between project and initiation, inception workshops were conducted community and other stakeholders providing at the district level and community level sharing matching funds. After the completion of the about the project information to stakeholders. construction activities, the user’s committee was formed and was made responsible for the

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 58 BEST PRACTICES effective management of the structures. This with government stakeholders, CFUG group approach helped to build transparency and and local community helps to gather matching develop the ownership feeling among the funds. In activities design by SCR project, there community. is 24.14 % of total investment from SCR project, whereas project was successful in collecting Coordination With matching funds with municipalities (15.29%), Community Forest Users Group (18.78% ) and Stakeholders community (48.79%). All the stakeholders are responsible for the Field visit and Knowledge development of a community and mutual efforts among them can create environment Sharing ensuring development. The project had been ensuring coordination and collaboration among The activities of Caritas/ CDAFN in Ratu watershed stakeholders through different workshops, has been one of the best models. It has been meeting, field visit, inception workshop, District a learning center for different organization Project Advisory Committee’s (DPAC) field visit, working in the sector of environment and Municipality Project Advisory Committee’s climate change. Riverbank farming, rain water (MPAC) field visit and district level stakeholder harvest, bioengineering and raising of seepage coordination meeting. water for drinking and irrigation purpose has been a major point of attraction to the visitors. Matching Funds Government delegation (President Chure Conservation Program), Save the children, Matching funds is one of the key needs to United Mission to Nepal, TU, WWF-Hariyo Ban increase the quantity and quality of the design and ICIMDOD had visited the project sites. activities. The coordination and collaboration

59 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Scale Up and Scale Out Impact

Activities Coordination among all possible stakeholders is a key for the success of any projects. This All the coronation activities help in scaling coordination and collaboration helped in the up and out of the good practices from the collection of matching funds. Direct involvement different stakeholders. High level travelling of the beneficiaries in project activities helped seminar including members from the house them to build capacity and develop technical of representative of the province (1,2,3), Mayor manpower locally. This also had developed a and ward chairperson were conducted in the feeling of ownership community. Coordination project site for the two times. Members of house and collaboration with other stakeholders of representatives has ensure to incorporate resulted in scaling out of the project. All this project’s good practices and learnings into policy approach of coordination and collaboration formation. Similarly, field visit of government will result in the sustainability of the activities stakeholders (District Soil Conservation Office, initiated by the project. Irrigation Division Office, Ward Chairperson) had scale out our practices in other areas as well. As output, rain water harvesting ponds have been learnings replicated in nearby villages under the financial Government stakeholders are the permanent support of DSCO and Wards. Similarly, the service provider for the community in every underground canal of Rajabas under the project sector. So, coordination of the community to has been extended by the Irrigation Division the government stakeholders is a prime need Office. The project learning was shared with to develop follow up and sustainability of the CARE and the good practices of the project will project outputs. This project has leaning that it be now replicated in Khageri watershed. needs long term project to work in a watershed for tangible outputs. Involvement of community in problem identification, activities identification and implementation help to create ownership feelings. Conservation activities should be linked with income generation which helps in the involvement of local people in conservation activities.

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 60 BEST PRACTICES vERDICT OF STAKEhOlDERS

“We are impressed by the work of Caritas/ CDAFN. Activities of water source protection, drinking water, underground water and bioengineering are successful model for the conservation of Chure. We have been coordinating with this project from the initial stage. During different field visit, we can see the tangible benefit to the community. We will put our effort for scaling out of all these learnings and good practices.”

- Bidur Kumar Karki, Mayor Bardibas Municipality, Mahottari

“It is good to have Caritas/ CDAFN’s project in our municipality. This project has really contributed in women empowerment though group approaches. In addition to this, river bank farming and fruit planation has brought change in flood affected area. We are collaborating with this project in different way. We have direct collaboration with this project during the construction of EQ resilient building. We are ready of all kind of funds and coordination in future as well.”

- Sanjeeb Kumar Saha, Mayor, Bhangha Municipality, Mahottari

“Mithilla -11 is the most vulnerable ward with the habitation of marginal People. Caritas/ CDAFN has contributed in reduction of the flood and landslide through bio engineering and rain water harvest technology. Raising of Seepage water is innovative idea of CDAFN which has ensured food security. The approaches of watershed management in the Ratu river is one of the best and successful models. The effort of bioengineering from the project has protected 3 schools in our Municipality. All the efforts for the Chure conservation and strengthening capacity of local communities are highly admirable. Thanks to Caritas/ CDAFN.”

- Hai Narayan Mahato, Mayor, Mithilla Municipality, Dhanusha

“This municipality is one of the flood affected municipalities. The Ratu river had converted most of the agricultural land in to river bank. Caritas/ CDAFN ‘s mission of conversion of the flood reclaimed land to orchard is effective approaches to adapt with the flood. In addition to this, goat farming and income generation activities are effective for strengthening women’s capacity especially Dalit women of Madehsi Society. We appreciate the worthy achievement of the project. We assure our collaboration for such types of projects.”

- Binod Kumar Yadav, Balwa Muncipality, Mahottari

61 Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha BEST PRACTICES Glimpses of Field visit

Monitoring by former Preseident Dr. Ram Barran Yadav Travelling Seminar

Coordination with Tribhuwan University Monitoring by Funding Partners

Field visit by Save the Children Stakeholders Coordination Meeting

Field visit by WWF MPAC Visit

Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 62 BEST PRACTICES

For More Information

Caritas Nepal Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAFN) PO Box No.: 1571, Dhobighat, Lalitpur, Nepal Bardibas, Mahottari, Nepal Phone: 01 5538172, 5539344 Phone: 9854022997 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.caritasnepal.org Website: www.cdafn.org.np

Raising of Seepage Water Technology A Case Study of Irrigation Channel Improvement in Ratu River System Gauribas-8 Rajabas, Mahottari District, Nepal

1. Building Resilience of Vulnerable Communities in Ratu Watershed through Strengthening Disaster Preparedness

and Climate Change Adaptation Measures Program in Mahottari & Dhanusha District,Nepal

2. Climate Advocacy Network Nepal : Strengthening Civil Society Organization and Community Response to Climate change Program in Mahottari & Dhanusha District,Nepal

Ratu Watershed: Upstream of Mahottari District Bardibas Municipality # 6 , Rajabas  

±

Project Partners

Project Number: P323-004/2012 KH 2668 Final Project Progress Report - 2015

Community Development and Advocacy Forum Nepal Bardibas Municipality-4 Gauridanda, Mahottari Cell No.: +977 9854022997/974403659

Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Raising of Seepage Water Technology A Case Study of Irrigation Channel Improvement in Ratu River System Gauribas-8 Rajabas, Mahottari District, Nepal

1. Background Nepal is divided into five physiographic regions: Terai, Bhabar, Chure hills, Mid-mountain and high mountain. Among all the physiographic regions, the Terai, Bhabar and Chure exhibit the close relationship as upstream, midstream and downstream based on the River System Management (RSM) of Nepal. The proposed area of case study falls under the Chure region of Ratu River System in between the Mahottari and Dhanusa Districts, Nepal. To arrest the land degradation in the Chure, Bhabar and Terai Region, the Government and non-governmental organization of Nepal has been implementing many projects over the last few decades. These projects pioneered for watershed/river system management by developing technical packages based on different models. In fact, considerable variation in the concepts of implementation, the organizational structures and the degree of people's participation are found among the projects in the study. The project of the Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) has focused its effort on disaster risk management using the participatory approach. Since the CBDRR's participatory approach has been found note worthy in different reports as a best example of participatory for disaster risk reduction and profit maximization through the construction, utilization and management of irrigation channel through the raising of seepage water in Nepal, which was chosen for this case study.

The economy of Nepalese people is based on agriculture but, the management of cultivated land and used rural technology are highly traditional. In fact, more than 70% of the total population depends on subsistence farming. The Nepalese have strived hard in order to overcome the harsh physiographic environment and raise crops successfully. Lack of irrigation facility and depletion of water resources through the seepage to sub surface is one of the outstanding examples of battling the severe impediments to farming. The population of Nepal including the study area is increasing day by day and in order to meet the increasing demands of the growing population for food, fodder, timber, and fuel-wood, marginal lands are being cultivated. Consequently, many forest and shrub lands have been degraded and also destructed through encroachment. Farm lands in the hills and mountains are classified as upland (bari) and lowland (khet). Whereas, upland farms are rain-fed and planted with crops like maize, mustard, wheat, millet and buck-wheat. Lowland areas are usually irrigated and planted with paddy and mustard.

2. Objectives of the study The main objectives of this study are: ™ to find the historical background of cultivation in the Chure region ™ to trap the depleted water resources in river system as irrigation facility ™ to find the importance of irrigation channel for the economic development of farmer. ™ to study and analyze people's participation in irrigation system improvement. ™ to manage the local resources properly with the sustainably and collaboratively.

- 1 - 3. Site description Ratu is a boarder river, located between the Mahottari and Dhanusa district. The Community Development and Advocacy Forum Nepal is implementing the Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) program under the cooperation of the Caritas Nepal/Germany in Ratu River System since 2013. All total, there are forty Village Development Committee (VDC) either falls the total or partial area in Ratu River System (RRS). The Gauribas VDC of the Mahottari district is located in the upstream of RRS towards the northern direction from the East-west highway. In this VDC, there is a small village namely Rajabas at the river terrace of Ratu River, which is the site of this case study. There are two river terraces in Rajbas; upper and lower whereas upper terraces have settlements and lower terrace falls under the cultivation as irrigated khet lands. The area of river terrace is flat, south facing and highly populated in between the Forest and RRS. Mulkulo is the irrigation facility of the lower terrace and command area of this channel is more than 60 hectare. The location of improved channel is shown in Figure 1, below.

Figure-1: Location of Irrigation Channel Improvement with its Command Area in Ratu River System

The climate of this village is sub-tropical and humid and marked by monsoon rainfall. The pre- monsoon period is generally hot and dry and sometimes there are hailstorms. The average annual rainfall is about 1500-2000 mm which occurs mainly from May to September. The mean peak temperature in July and August is 35.5°C and falls around 5°C in January.

- 2 - The cropping patterns are greatly affected by soil, altitude, and irrigation. The main crops are paddy, maize, millet, and wheat in rain fed cultivation and Paddy, wheat, maize in lower terrace, but seasonal vegetables are also grown. Raising livestock is a major occupation as economic activity in the river system. In spite of the time involved in collecting fodder and looking after the livestock and other social costs, raising livestock is profitable. Livestock is also the main source of manure for improving soil fertility and draft power for ploughing.

The total population of Rajabas village is 536, which belongs to the 270 female and 266 male within the 95 households of locality. But, the number of farmers as member of user group of the Irrigation System (Mulkulo) is 73 HH and dominated by ethnic groups and practicing religions in Hinduism and Buddhism. Due to economic, social and ecological pressures, the local people are forced to leave their villages for short and long-term employment. The lower castes often work as seasonally paid labors in the village.

4. Concept of Seepage Water Rising Background An irrigation channel is a waterway, often man-made or enhanced, built for the purpose of carrying water from a source such as a lake, river, or stream, to used for farming or landscaping. It can be dug into the ground and then filled with water, or an existing stream can be widened in a process called "canalization," and diverted as appropriate to provide maximum efficiency. The channel improvement for the rising of seepage water was constructed focusing to the irrigation purpose of lowland. At first, this concept was developed by the farmers themselves to fulfill the shortage of water to the purpose of irrigation in their farm. When they searched the water inside the river courses of Ratu River found to be high in the depth. Hence, there were no any perennial sources of water in the River and drying at the early of the winter season. But, the source of seepage water was found to be perennial in the sub surface even in the winter and dry season also. Therefore, the users Mulkulo in Rajabas village was trying to raise the water to the surface since long time.

Water discharge in previous Rajabas is a river terrace with higher potentiality of crop production, but there was no any system of winter cultivation in the command area of Mulkulo even in lowland due to lack of irrigation facility. In another hand, the river flooding in monsoon season was common in the Ratu River. The major event of flood disaster in Ratu River were 2050, 2060 and 2061 whereas, these events were damaged a huge number of life and property of local people. After the flood event of 2061, Ratu River become very wide and the problem of yearly bed rising was started. Previously, there were many water sources around the Rajabas village even in the small torrents also. But, the remained source of water is only one at present. The remaining water sources are also arising at the end of August and drying soon after the winter.

Water discharge at present They have enough water for the monsoon cultivation, but not enough water for the winter/dry cultivation before using latest technology for irrigation (seepage water raising system). Therefore, the farmers of the Mulkulo are arranging the individual turn for the irrigation. According to the farmers of Mulkulo, the main reason of water seepage in Ratu River are 1) deforestation with reduction of vegetation coverage in upstream, 2) sedimentation in river channel and its tributaries, 3) changing pattern of rainfall, 4) increasing ratio of runoff instead of infiltration to the sub surface etc. Based on the above circumstances, the technology of seepage water rising for the irrigation was developed by the farmer themselves through the

- 3 - construction of deep channel in 2064. Later, the CDAFN a non-governmental organization (NGO) has developed a technology for the raising of seepage water through the irrigation channel improvement.

Cropping pattern According to the water users group of the Mulkulo, the total volume of water in previous (before the seepage of water) and present (after the raise of seepage water) are similar, but the pattern of river flow (as surface and sub surface) became the differences. Previously, the crop cultivation was only one for the majority of lands and only few have two, but they are producing three crops after raising the seepage water at present. The major crops are paddy for main crops, wheat for second crops and maize/millet and paddy for the third crop. But the few farmers are producing the spice crops and vegetable using the water of the Mulkulo. The location of structure across the Ratu River for the seepage water raise are shown in Figure 2 and top view of channel is shown in figure 3, below.

Figure-2: Glimpse of Irrigation Channel Improvement across the Ratu River nearby Rajabas

5. Result and discussions Size and status The construction of Mulkulo for the raising of seepage water was started since 2013 and continues in this year also, under the financial and technical assistance of Caritas Nepal/Germany with local contribution. The design of main structure for the control of seepage water was cutup wall (RCC) in down side and gabion wall as filter of water in upside of the channel in the river coarse. However, the construction materials for the seepage control structure are cement, rod, sand, pebble, boulder, gabion and earth materials etc. The dimensions of constructed structure from the point of water entry are length 196m, width in water way 0.8 m, and 1.8 m in height. The command area of the Mulkulo is more than 70 hectare in the monsoon season and 52.92 hectare for the winter season based on the availability of water in the River. The Glimpse of Irrigation Channel Improvement through seepage control in Rajabas and its sections are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6, respectively.

- 4 - Figure 3: Glimpse of 1) front and 2) back view of Irrigation Channel Improvement in Rajabas

Figure 4: Glimpse of 1) first and 2) second crops after ICI in Rajabas

Contribution of Stakeholder The total cost of Irrigation channel Improvement for the seepage control was NRs 2,112,000.00, which was contributed by the different stakeholders either in cash or in kinds. Among all the contribution of stakeholder, the people's participation of farmers with cash contribution as Bighuti was very high (37.5%) and the contribution of Caritas Nepal /Germany, Li-Bird, CFUG and VDC Caritas VDC was 31.25%, 31.25%, 19.06 and 12.94%, 10% Nepal/ respectively. However, the collection of CFUG Germany contribution as fund of Irrigation channel 14% 24% Improvement through seepage control is a good practice for the large sizes project of rural community, which was the result of best Li-Bird practices of stakeholder networking and 24% coordination. Therefore, the model of people's People's participation with cash contribution of Contributi stakeholder is replicable for the various region of on (Cash Nepal. The detail cash contributions of & Kinds) stakeholder for the improvement of Irrigation 28% channel through the seepage control are given in Appendix-1 and its percentage are shown in Figure 5, below. Figure 5: Funding in ICI in Rajabas

- 5 - Direct Benefits of the Farmer The benefits of Irrigation Channel Improvement through seepage control can be divided in to two parts; 1) direct and 2) indirect. The direct benefits of Irrigation channel Improvement are 1) Irrigation facility for cultivation, 2) drinking water for wildlife, 3), drinking water for domestic animais,4) irrigation facility for vegetable and cash crops, 5) recreational opportunity for tourism etc. This Irrigation Channel Improvement is under the construction and going to complete within this the few months. The total area as command area of irrigation channel improvement was 53.92 ha. and more than 90 percent area was under the one crop. Among all about 50 percent was irrigated since last year. A comparative study of direct benefit was carried out between the before and after the irrigation channel improvement in last month and the difference was found to be; 1) The Cropped area under the command area of the irrigation channel improvement was increased by 233.25 percent due to the area conversion from one crop to two and three. 2) The crop production from the command area of the irrigation channel improvement was increased by 334.16 percent due to the area conversion from one crop to two and three with the quality and quantity improvement. 3) The estimated income of farmer after the irrigation channel improvement was increased by 247.65 percent due to the area conversion from one crop to two and three with the quality and quantity improvement.

However, the direct benefits of the farmers after the ICI through the raising of seepage water was found to be too much either through the improvement of quality and crop production or increasing the number of crops in same lands. The detail of comparison of cropped area, quantity of crop production by two or three crops and increased the income of farmer due to the increment of value and production rate are given in Appendix 1, 2 and 3 and status are shown in Figure 6, 7, and 8, respectively.

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Figure 6: Comparison of Command area 1) before and 2) after the Irrigation Facilities

- 6 -

Figure 7: Comparison of Production; 1) before and 2) after the Irrigation Facilities

Figure 8: Comparison of Income; 1) before and 2) after the Irrigation Facilities

The indirect benefits of irrigation channel improvement are numerous and can be available for the various group of people with hundreds of settlements in the downstream by the control of sediment discharge and flash flood. In another hand, the program of seepage control through the irrigation channel improvement can be provide the indirect benefits except the human beings are as follows: ¾ Availability of drinking water for Wildlife and Bird of locality.

- 7 - ¾ Environmental protection through the promotion of greenery. ¾ Support on the control of gully, landslide, torrent and riverbank cutting in downstream. ¾ Increase the label of water-table in downstream by recharge from the upstream of river system. ¾ Support on conservation of drinking water sources due to increasing the infiltration. ¾ Protect highly fertile land from the desertification i.e. Terai ¾ Develop a model of people's participation and stakeholder contribution on natural resource management.

8. Conclusion and Recommendation The irrigation channel improvement through the raising of seepage water is an alternative option to supply the water for the crop production in cultivated land. Irrigation with the drinking of livestock and wild animals especially for the Siwalik region of the Nepal. In another hand, it helps to reduce the soil erosion and promote the greenery area.

The total cost of Irrigation channel Improvement for the seepage control was NRs 1,105,000.00, which was contributed by the different stakeholders either in cash or in kinds. Among all the contribution of stakeholder, the people's participation of farmers with cash contribution as Bighauti (the traditional custom of collection of capital for social welfare based upon quantity of land) was very high (52%) and the contribution of Caritas Nepal /Germany with CDAFN, CFUG and VDC was 25%, 18% and 5%, respectively. However, the collection of contribution as fund helps seepage control through Irrigation channel Improvement is the best example of people participation. Therefore, the model of people's participation with cash contribution of stakeholder is replicable for the various region of Nepal. The main source of national income depends on agriculture. Within the study area, the Ratu aquifer is recharged by rainfall on upland areas that infiltrates to the aquifer directly and surface water that seeps lowland through wetland sediments to the aquifer. We must balance ecosystem restoration efforts with the needs to maintain adequate water supplies for public and agricultural use and to prevent flooding. With most irrigation water distribution and application systems, some water is applied in excess of the soil and becomes ground water that reenters the stream or river or flow overland surface channels or drainages to the stream or river. The availability and distribution of water are the primary determinants of the character of all natural ecosystem and all modern economies. Society is dependent upon a plentiful supply of water for agricultural uses. There is increasing concern about how future demands for water can be met , given that some watersheds are already over appropriated and that constraints on development of small±scale projects are significant.

Therefore, the irrigation channel improvement through the raising of seepage water technology is an important for the conservation and livelihood upliftment in the rural society. In another hand, the model of people's participation and matching fund collection from the stakeholder are also replicable model for the community development and disaster risk reduction in the disaster prone area of Nepal.

Appendices

- 8 -

Appendix 1: Cash Contribution by Stakeholder for the Irrigation Channel Improvement

SN Name of Organization Amount NRs. Percent 1 Caritas Nepal/Caritas Germany 500000.00 23.67% 2 Li-bird 500000.00 23.67% 3 Village Development Committee (VDC) 207000.00 28.41% 4 Community Forestry User Group (CFUG) 305000.00 14.44% 5 People's Participation and cash contribution (including 600000.00 Bighauti) 9.80% Total 21,12,000.00 100.00

Appendix -2: Comparison of cropped area between before and after the Irrigation Channel Improvement Number of Crops Area (ha) Area (%) Remarks Before After Before After 1 crop 49.00 5.62 90.88 10.41 Conversion: 2 crop 4.92 24.77 9.13 91.87 1 ha=13.6kattha 3 crop 0.00 23.54 0.00 130.96 Total 53.92 53.92 100.01 233.25

Appendix -3: Comparison of crop production between before and after the Irrigation Channel Improvement Number of Crops Production (kg) Crop Production (%) Remarks Before After Before After 1 Crop 48885.00 8760.00 99.03 17.75 Conversion: 2 Crop 480.00 64400.00 0.97 130.46 1 Muri=60kg 3 Crop 0.00 91800.00 0.00 185.96 Total 49365.00 164960.00 100.00 334.16

Appendix -4: Comparison of income between before and after the Irrigation Channel Improvement Number of Crops Incomes (NRs) Income (%) Remarks Before After Before After 1 Crop 1,987,440.00 227,760.00 88.58 10.15 Conversion: 2 Crop 256,000.00 2,292,640.00 11.41 102.19 Paddy: 92 3 Crop 0.00 3,035,520.00 0 135.30 Corn: Wheat:

Total 2,243,440.00 5,555,920.00 100.00 247.65

- 9 - Stories of Change Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha Water Miracle Village: Rajabas

Rajabas- a beautiful village in the laps of shift the village to the uplands of Rajabas”. the Chure range along the corridor of Ratu In the uplands, people used to grow hardy River - is situated in Baridibas municipality, crops like finger millet and maize whereas in Mahottari. Flood and land slide during the lowland, people used to grow rain-fed paddy. rainy season and extreme drought during People used to harvest just a single crop due the dry season was an annual problem of to lack of proper irrigation facilities. The the village. This village has now become a vegetable farming was just a matter of stupor model for other villages of the Chure range due to the lack of water. Even drinking water with a bizarre example of water resources was a matter of serious concern. Nar Bahadur management. The success of the village is Koirala (Beneficiary) recalls, “The agricultural due to effective and efficient management produce was insufficient for us, we had to of the watershed and capacity building of migrate to nearby city for alternative means the people. of earning”. The water related disaster had really aggravated the life of people. The past scenario is in complete contrast to the present prosperous Rajabas. This village But the devastating scenario of Rajabas used to face different natural calamities like continued no longer as Community Based flash flood, land cutting in rainy season and Risk Reduction project was implemented. extreme drought in the dry season. Ratu Under the project, water management River and Jarayo torrent were two major model for the wise use of the available water water bodies for Rajabas that used to have resources. It basically works in three models too much water in the rainy season and no for making water available for irrigation water in the dry season creating limited and drinking purposes. In the first model, options for livelihood. Due to the effect of construction of seepage underground canals the climate change on water, too much water was done (named: School canal, Sep canal and and too less water had created a frightening Bagar canal) which are enough for irrigating picture leading to disaster. 130 hectares of land. The second model also raises seepage water for drinking purposes. Initially the village used to be in low land near In third model, rain water harvest pond was the Ratu River. Prem Budathoki (Beneficiary) constructed by digging the Jarayo torrent. shares his experience, “We, the villagers, still The pond has multi-utility of harvesting remember the floods of 2002 & 2003 which the rain water, controlling the flood and had swept 2 hectare of land and forced us to

Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 1 recharging the ground water. The pond has capacity of holding 40 million litres of rain water which is used for irrigating the uplands during dry season. In order to reduce flood, landslide and sedimentation, spur and check dams were constructed along with bioengineering. Sita Budathoki (Beneficiary) shares a painful story about how it was a battle to find water for drinking but after the construction of Parsaidap drinking water scheme, there is no problem anymore for drinking water. Similarly, in lowlands, after the construction of the underground canals, villagers have sufficient amount of water for harvesting three crops in a single year.

After the approaches toward making water available, project activities were directed toward strengthening the capacity of community through different water-based livelihood options. The Project has supported in the group- based organic vegetable farming by providing necessary vegetable production training, IPM training and seasonal seed support. Ram Bhadaur Thapa (President of Jarayo Jhora pond) shares “It is a blissful moment for Rajabas people that after construction of pond, we are growing vegetables all round in this dry land which was thought to be never possible”. Shanta Baral (Vice-President of Sayapatri Income Generation Group) says, “We are growing vegetable in upland by precise use of the harvested water through drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation.” People are selling vegetables and saving their incomes from vegetables in Sayapatri Income Generating Groups. Rajabas has now become a centre of educational visits for different colleges and organisations working in DRR and Climate changes issues. Project is planning to develop it as a DRR and Climate Adaptation field school. The present Rajabas village is a happy and beautiful climate adaptive village. The disaster created from too much water and too less water has become a story of the past. Still, although the amount of rainfall is the same, water management system has changed resulting in the prosperity of the village. The effective community-based water management system has changed this water and food deficit village to a water and food sufficient village.

2 Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha Quenching the Village’s Thirst : Devi Bahadur Karki

Over forty years ago, landslides and food neighbour due to cholera, he said “enough.” shortage in his native district of Rammechap forced Devi Bahadur Karki’s family to Constructing the future migrate to the neighbouring Dhanusha. The “I started getting involved in different chronic water crisis hunting the Bahunmara activities aimed at helping people in need. village, his home for the past decades, made This is how I became a leader of a group him take things into his own hands. Support on sanitation and drinking water within the of the project enabled Karki to act towards framework of the project,” says Devi Bahadur quenching the village’s thirst. Karki. With the support of the project, Devi Devi Bahadur Karki (51) and his household took a lead in his community to develop a of five had bitterly experienced the canal securing an underground flow of water consequences of water shortages in and build tanks supplying drinking water. Bahunmara. Despite their continuous efforts,Rolling up his sleeves, Devi also worked as their land did not produce enough crops to a mason during the construction process feed the family. A lack of proper irrigation that provided the village with a new canal facilities made it impossible to grow built along the Ratu River, which irrigates anything but rice, whose cultivation was still 76 hectares of land. Thanks to the new dependent on the mercy of the rain. Karki’s intake linking Bahunmara with the Bohoree family, like many people of Bahunmara, would stream and two tanks built using ferro- go to sleep hungry and wake up hungry. As if cement technology, 123 households are the food scarcity was not enough, the village now enjoying access to 50,000 litres of safe would experience a chronic deficit of drinking drinking water. Alongside him, 45 people water, echoing the proceeding climate benefited from cash-for-work activities, change. To the date, the villages pass on the working hand in hand towards securing the dreadful stories of children being bitten by communities’ future. snakes on their way to fetch water; women fainting after tediously crossing kilometres in The new canal revolutionised farming in the the scorching sun; people being diagnosed area. The farmers can now cultivate three with diarrhoea, dysenteries or cholera as a crops interchangeably, completely cutting off result of contaminated water’s consumption. their dependence on rain waters: “This also When Devi experienced the death of his has a big economic impact. We used to buy

Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 3 wheat and maize worth around NRs. 30,000 in a year, while now we just grow it in our own field,” Karki explains enthusiastically. The project supported him with a construction of an innovative water pond for irrigation purposes on his own land, creating further opportunities for vegetable farming. With proper training, set of tools and farming inputs, months later Devi also produced commercially, selling products worth NRs. 20,000 annually. The additional income allowed him to enlarge the pond over six times and start fish farming. “Quite recently, I have also started commercial oyster mushroom cultivation. It is pioneering in the region and this cultivation has low efforts with large outcomes. Only this year, I sold 60kg of mushrooms,” he says with a smile.

The multiplier of good “I have developed a systematic farming system and people from neighbouring villages just come to see it, that’s it,” Karki states humbly when asked whether he feels like a role model for his community. But his contribution goes way beyond knowledge- sharing. Having reached a point of comfortable production, Karki distributes extra seedlings amongst his community members and encourages them to start vegetable farming on their own. He also dreams of extending the mushroom production to a large scale: “People are slowly interested in this farming technique and I hope they will follow.”

Thanks to his efforts and determination, Bahunmara does not need to fear water scarcity anymore. Every house is equipped with a tap with running water. Following Devi’s footsteps, more and more people have engaged in income-generating activities around farming and animal husbandry working together towards more sustainable future.

4 Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha Paving Steps toward Disaster Free Future: Surya Bahadur Karki

Natural disasters forced Surya Bahadur Kar- Constructing the future ki to start a new already two times. When Working hand in hand with his fellow com- nearly 20 years ago severe landslides de- munity members, Surya Bahadur Karki con- stroyed 2.5 hectares of his farmland, he saved up money working as a mason and tributed to the construction of new water purchased a small amount of land in Khad- harvesting ponds, drinking waters tanks, undergrounds canals and check dams. The kule village to restore his farming activities. programme also provided him with addi- The floods and landslides disturbing the area in 2003 forced him to leave all his prop- tional trainings on the construction of water related structures and earthquake-resistant erty behind and seek a new life in Rajabas. But the new beginnings were far from rosy. buildings. The cash injection coming from daily wages was life-changing and allowed Water scarcity and general hostility of the Surya to save money for the purchase of a new social environment put Surya in a more new piece of land. difficult position than ever before. “Back in time, my reality in Rajabas was The 0.6 hectare of land purchased by Surya harsh. As the land would constantly get was a low-value piece along the river side, stricken by droughts, there was no way to deemed useless by the locals due to the cultivate vegetables. The only crops we had frequent flooding of the area. Project made back then was millet. It was really difficult to every effort to turn what was considered a survive,” recalls Karki (49), a father of two. wasteland into fertile soil, promoting river- Project focused on strengthening the local bed farming activities and constructing- gabi communities’ resilience opened a window of on walls to further protect the area. “Thanks opportunity for Surya and people facing sim- to the embankment, I am not going to lose ilar livelihood conditions. Within the frame- my land again,” Karki says and mentions that work of “cash for work” activities, they got he can now grow three types of crops – rice, a chance to construct new infrastructure for wheat and millet – as the underground irri- the common good, but also earn significant gation canal and a water harvesting pond, income that gave a new impetus to their own constructed in the first stage of the project, households. supply enough water to feed his fields.

Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 5 To encourage vegetable cultivation, project equipped the farmers with a set of new tools and farming inputs, opening a new farm- ing chapter in the area. “I grow cauliflower, cabbage, cucumber, bottle guard, -toma to, mushroom, radish, chilli, just to name a few,” enlists Karki. Having succeeded in his own production, he distributes extra- vege table seedlings amongst other villagers and encourages them to start as well, sharing knowledge and experience. “I was forced to buy vegetables, now I am a producer myself,” he states proudly. “It brings me profit of NRs. 25-30 thousand annually. I am a member of the local Sayaptri Income Generating Group, where I can save my money. Lately, my sav- ings allowed me to purchase an additional 0.16 hectare of land.”

I had a dream In Surya’s case, economic growth goes hand in hand with social empowerment. From a distrusted newcomer, he has grown to be- come an esteemed member of the local so- ciety: he coordinates the maintenance of the irrigation channels and solar batteries pow- ering the water pumps; is an active member of different community management groups, as well as a valued mason – having received an additional training on the construction of earthquake-resistant houses, Karki has now gained fame as a specialist in the field. As everybody values his expertise, leadership skills and commitment, people from nearby villages call for him to settle any arising dis- putes. Surya says he feels that we all have a moral obligation to work towards a better tomor- row for our own societies and is determined to remain active in his community. He plans to further expand his agriculture production to turn it into an even more profitable busi- ness. When asked about his biggest dream, he answers without hesitation: “I have built many earthquake-resistant houses. Now I want to build one for my own family.”

6 Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha Building Flood Resilient Village through Bioengineering: Kalapani

Kalapani village (Bardibas municipality ward The flood devastated huge amount of villag- no.3) lies in the northern part of Mahottari ers’ properties. The flood swept away about district. It has dense forest in its Western 27 hectare of agriculture lands including one part and Ratu river flows from the South house and twenty houses were drowned. Juna to North. Bahune, Prewinge and Padehri Khadka shares, “The flood was so terrifying that are three major flash flood prone torrents we could not sleep for a week. Along with 0.16 which had made life of the local people mis- hectare of our land, all food stocks were swept erable for ages. Due to these torrents, the away. We survived by eating Githa and Vakur village was highly vulnerable to flood, land (wild crops)”, she adds with a painful voice. cutting and sedimentation. With bioengi- The only school in village “Shree Rastriya Sar- neering approaches adopted with the sup- port of the project, these torrents are now aswoti Madyamik School” is situated beneath the Padheri torrent. Ten years ago, the annual well settled creating a condition of relief for the villagers of Kalapani. flood in the torrent had invaded the land of the school. The flood cuts the lands of the school Kalapani is a diverse village that has a mix of every year, making it highly vulnerable for land- different castes of 225 households. It is a nat- slide risks. “The flood of 2010 was massive and urally beautiful village settled in 19540 AD we were scared that the school will be swept in the midst of a forest and Ratu River with away by the flood. Luckily, the school survived. many torrents flowing in between. Because We even had to close school for a week which of climate change, the village experiences hampered the study of our students”, shares heavy rain annually during the rainy season. Sani Bhandari (Principal) bitterly. In the previous days, the village used to have bitter experiences of flash flood in torrents Construction phase: along with lands cuttings, and sedimentation After the project launched in Kalapani village, of debris. The flood also affected agricultural people are optimistic of being resilient to flood land creating food deficiency. problems. The project started with making the village free of open grazing and the local peo- Bitter Experience ple agreed with the concept and started stall People of Kalapani still remember the colos- feeding their cattle. In addition, the project sal flood of 2004 AD. There were floods in implemented the approaches of bioengineer- all 3 major torrents as well as in Ratu River. ing in which it constructed 17 check dams at

Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha 21 the Bahune torrent. In Perwinge, it constructed Runoff water Harvest dam and 12 check dams in Padheri Kholsi. In addition to these structures, the project encouraged the local people to cul- tivate Bamboos, Napier, Broom grass, Stylo and Vetiver in groups. Now the bamboos and oth- er grasses work as natural check dam to slow down the flow of water current. This -bioengi neering also helps to check the flow of debris towards downstream. Now there is clean water flowing through the torrent which indicates that the torrents are now almost settled. Additional- ly, the project has also constructed a 2.5 meter underground canal which now irrigates 71 hec- tare of lands.

Happiness around village. Now the appearance of the whole village has changed. We can see dense greenery every- where. Deforestation and open grazing are- to tally controlled. People have not experienced massive floods even during the rainy season. The school is also protected against landslide and flood. People have enough water -for irri gation during the dry season too. Pampha Karki shares, “My house is located just beneath the Bhanune torrent but I don’t have any anxiety of flood as the torrents are controlled due to the construction of the check dam along with bioen- gineering measures. The flood had swept 0.16 hectare of land but it has now been retrieved through bioengineering and we are farming in the same land again”. “The concept of bioengi- neering has also helped animal husbandry as we can now find enough forage and fodder near the roadside” shares Dil Maya Waiba with a smile.

The nightmare of flood and landslide has van- ished after the implementation of bioengineer- ing approach. Bioengineering is a cheap and ef- fective way to control the flood and landslide. The story of Kalapani village can be a lesson for many villages around the Chure region. Ganesh Basnet (Ward Member) shares enthu- siastically, “Now the village is almost complete- ly resilient to flood with settled torrents, the threat of landslide and flood is no more. We are going to develop picnic spots in the village. Thanks to marvelous works of the project”.

22 Stories of Change: : Strengthening Community Resilience in Mahottari and Dhanusha Report of Raising of Seepage Water

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Model: 1 Fish Farming Solar irrigation Rain Water Cutting of Landslide Harvest High value crop High Profit Flood Agricultural Land Risk of forest fire ( conservation Pond) ( Controlling Flash Flood Animal husbandry Prone Torrent, gully, landslide) Water Resource management Water- ͞ƚŚĞĚĞƐƚƌŽLJĞƌ͟ Adaptation & Water- ͞dŚĞ>ŝĨĞ͟ Mitigation

Increase For crop Model: 2 Irrigation intensity from 1 to 3 Safe Water Raising of the Water borne Drought Seepage Water disease free, Reduction in Technology drowsary For Time for other business Food insecurity Drinking Water Girls are going 2 school

Details of the seepage Canal Being Scale-out by Different Stakeholder

S.n Underground seepage Cost and stakeholders before Cost and stakeholders for scaling out new work done for Total Irrigated dalit Janjati BCTN Total o irrigation canal Adaptation @ scale ( 1st stage) of our initiated work ( During the adaptation @scale length of Area in HHS HHS HHS HHS period of 2nd Adaptation @ Scale) after 1st stage canal in km biga

1 Sep Canal, Rajabas, CDAFN/Carita: 52,000, libird: CDAFN/Carita:300000, Libird: extension of the 3.25 82 11 47 16 74 Mahottari 3,00,000, Ura CFUG: 3,39,000, 2,00,000, Bardibas canal, Irrigation Bardibas Muncipality:2,26,300, Muncipality:50,000, Local division office local people:8,00,060 people:1,55,000 , Adaptation provided 90 lakhs for @scale: 50,000, District Irrigation the scale out Office: 90,00,000, Community: 600000, 2 School Canal, Rajbas, CDAFN/Carita::7,00,000, Libird: Irrigation Division Office : 90,00,000, extension of the 2.5 67 9 37 18 64 Mahottari 450000, Ura CFUG: 4,50,000, community contribution: 2,00,000 canal, Irrigation Bardibas Muncipality:2,26,300, division office Local people:7,82,060 provided 90 lakhs for the scale out

3 Lota Canal, Dhanusha Libird; 3,00,000, DADO: 3,00,000, extension of the 1 86 2 49 21 72 lota CFUG:1,50,000, Mitihila canal Municipality: 1,00,000, local contribution: 2,00,000

4 Dudhpani canal, Libird: 2,50,000, Carits: 2,00,000, Irrigation division office, Dhanusha: extension of the 3.5 102 39 25 15 79 Dhansusha community: 1,70,000, 300000 canal Muncipalilty : 1,50,000, Chure Dudhpani upabhookta irrigation canal: 1,70,000

5 Chure kulo, Dhanusha CDAFN/CARITAS: 1,03,803, extension of the 3.5 93 18 25 37 80 Libird: 2,00,000, CFUG:1,00,000, canal Municipality 1,35,000, Community: 1,50,0000 6 Parsai overhead Canal CDAFN/CARITAS: 2,00,800, overhead canal is 0.28 20 5 31 4 40 dhanusha Municipality 51,504, CFUG: new innovative idea 13781, Community:1,16,506 constructed above the flood prone torrent

7 Geruke irrigation canal, CDAFN/CARITAS: 4,00,000, Bangaha 4 95 13 79 23 115 Mhottari Municipality 400000, Community: 2,78,950 Details of the Canal Constructed

S.No Underground Cost and stakeholders Cost and stakeholders new work done Total Irrigated dalit Janjati BCTN Total seepage irrigation before Adaptation @ scale ( for scaling out of our for adaptation length of Area in HHS HHS HHS HHS canal 1st stage) initiated work @scale after 1st canal in biga stage km

8 Bahunmara canal, Cdafn/Caritas:8,99,200, Cdafn/Caritas:4,00,000, use of the prize 3 114 10 34 79 123 Dhanusha libird: 4,00,000, District Irrigation division: money as seed Irrgation division Office: 2,00,000, money and 2,00,000, Mithila muncipality:5,00,000,, collected fund for Muncipality:2,26,300, Kali local people:4,50,400, the new Khola CFUG : 4,21,000, local Adaptation Scale: 50,000 construction of people:1,67,307 canal

9 Kalapani canal, Cdafn/Carita:5000, Caritas: 1,00,000, 2.5 107 9 23 45 77 Mahottari Kalidamar Bhahune Jhora Kalidamar Bhahune CFUG,1,50,000, Bardibas Jhora CFUG:1,00,000, Municipality: 1,00,000, Local people : 1,50,000, Community: 1,70,000 Bardibas Municipality: 1,00,000, Community: 1,50,000, Adaptation Scale: 1,00,000

10 Bagar Canal, Adaptation @ Scale: 1.2 40 8 52 12 72 Rajbash, Mahottari 1,00,000 : CFUG: 1,00,000, community 3,20,000 ( cash: 200,000, kind: 12,0,000, ) 11 Bishambar Irrigation Adaptation @ Scale , use of the prize 2.5 104 10 68 17 95 Canal, Dhanusha 2,00,000 ,Caritas: money as seed 2,51,000 ,Mnicipality: money and 2,00,000, Community collected fund for Contribution: 1,50,000 the new construction of canal

Total 27.23 910 134 470 287 891 5

Under Ground Seepage Canal Rajbash, Bardibas

4 Under Ground Seepage Canal Bhisambar, Dhanusa Under Ground Seepage Canal Rajbas, Mahottari Under Ground Seepage Canal Kalapani;, Mahottari

Under Ground Seepage Canal Bahunmara, Dhanusa Drinking Water Kalapani;, Mahottari Innovativeness in Canal: Same Canal Use for Drinking & Irrigation Purpose

Location: Bahunmara Same seepage canal for Drinking and Irrigation

Drinking Water( before Adaptation @ scale Prize ( 1st stage of protsana puraskar)as model s.no location Cost and stakeholders) Description of the Dalit Janjati ( BCTN ( total Structure ( HHs) HHS) HHS) HHS

Caritas: 1,00,000, CFUG: 1,00,000, 20 36 62 118 1 Bahunmara drinking water Muncipality: 50,000

Newly made Drinking Water( After 1st stage of Adaptation @ scale ( Scale out)

Caritas: 2,38,478, , Municipality: capacity of Reservoir tank 25000 ( 2 Dudh Pani Drinking water, Dhanusha 2,53,818 Community: 99,312 liter 39 25 15 79

protection cut of wall, pipe line, Caritas: 3,00,000, Municipality: intake, no of tap:4 , capacity 40000 3 Rajbash Drinking Water,Mahotari 1,00,000 Community: 86,000 35 109 73 217 liter

Municipality: 2,00,000 Community: 4 Mathilo Bhaunmara, Dhanusha 20,00,00 intake, pipe line, source protection 6 14 28 48 Adaptation @ Scale: 50,000

Caritas: 187,484 Municipality: 980014 source protection, 25,000 litre rvt , 5 Chure Drinking Water, Dhanusha Community: 2,75,052 pipe line extension 36 6 43 85

Librd :30,000, Caritas; 20,000, 6 Patu Drinking water Community 23,000 5 23 3 31

86 intake, source protection., 25,000 Caritas: 1,56,000 Community: 14,0,000 7 Bapsi Drinking Water, Mahottari liter tank 31 40 15

Adaptation Method to Effect of Climate Change

Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose ͞Rajbash͟ 18 Adaptation Method to Effect of Climate Change

Water for Drinking Purpose & Home Garden ͞Patu͟

Adaptation Method to Effect of Climate Change Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose ͞Bapsi͟ 20 Adaptation Method to Effect of Climate Change

Raising of Seepage Water for Drinking Purpose ͞Chure͟ 21 Innovation in Livelihood

‡ Under this approaches, all the groups are provided with the Saving and credit mechanism in which they save the income generated through income generation activities ( Goat farming & Vegetable Farming). They are also provided with 20,000 as income revolving fund which are used for income generation which glimpse are as follow. Use of Revolving Fund for Income Generation

Use of Revolving Fund for Income Generation

Use of Revolving Fund for Income Generation Use of Revolving Fund for Income Generation 101 SUSTAINABILTY ‡ Without any community benefit, conservation of the natural resources does not lead to sustainability. Sustainability of the conservation totally depends upon the local people. If local people earns the livelihood from the conservation activities, then only local people involves in conservation activities. With the same principle, our organization is conducting conservation program along with the income generation activities with the optimum utilization of the natural resources. For example, the ponds are linked with vegetable farming, duck and fish framings. As people know conservation leads to the income generation, they will self conserve the nature. In addition to this, capacitating local people is major pillar for the sustainability. Our organization follows the same rule. Now each village has masons for the construction, repairmen and maintenance of Climate smart Structure (canal, ponds and drinking water). ‡ Each livelihood groups and user committee are linked with government stakeholders and most of the groups have their livelihood improvement plan. ‡ Use of local materials and low cost technology in the construction activities helps in sustainability as they can be in easy access ‡ Engagement of the local people right from start ( Problem Identification, Prioritization, site Selection, Implementation, Construction and searching of matching funds, Public contribution ) help in development of the self ownership which is prime pillar for the transparency and sustainability ‡ Engagement of Government in each and every step of project activities ‡ Capacitate local people by mason training in construction repairmen of climate smart structure. ‡ Capacitate local people in income generation activities help in financial stability leading to sustainability