Scaling of GESI Responsive Agroecological Solutions and Springshed Management as Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Nepal
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PROJECT LOCATION |
6 Districts: Surkhet, Salyan, Dailekh, Rasuwa, Kavre, Khotang |
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PROGRAM STAFF |
10 |
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SUPPORT STAFF |
4 |
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NAME OF CLIENT/DONOR |
FCDO/ICIMOD |
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START DATE (Month/Year) |
July10, 2024 |
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COMPLETION DATE (Month/Year) |
March 31, 2025 |
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APPROX. VALUE OF SERVICES |
NPR 20.7 million |
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NAME OF THE FOCAL PERSON AT CEAPRED HEADQUARTER |
Mr. Kanchan Raj Pandey |
The Scaling of GESI-Responsive Agroecological Solutions and Springshed Management Initiative was implemented by CEAPRED in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailekh, Rasuwa, Kavre, and Khotang as part of ICIMOD’s multi-country programme, the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The initiative was implemented in partnership with ICIMOD to promote nature-based solutions (NbS), with the aim of strengthening communities’ capacity to cope with shocks and adapt to change.
The HI-REAP NbS activities added value by promoting scalable solutions to address food insecurity while generating multiple benefits, including the protection and enhancement of natural resources and agrobiodiversity and the reduction of climate and socio-economic risks faced by agroecological systems in mountain areas. The initiative focused on action research, piloting, and field demonstrations of different solutions developed through RMS, HIMALICA, and GRAPE.
Key Achievements
The HI-REAP initiative focused on two major components: Springshed Management and GESI-responsive Agroecological Solutions. The initiative was completed with significant achievements in strengthening community resilience, promoting nature-based solutions (NbS), and enhancing the capacity of local communities and governments.
Springshed Management
The Springshed Management component was implemented in Namobuddha Municipality, Kavrepalanchok, in close coordination with the municipality and as part of the broader effort to promote agroecological nature-based solutions. The component contributed to the HI-REAP outcome of promoting the wider adoption of GESI-responsive nature-based solutions among HI-REAP municipalities.
The project successfully completed field-level implementation following the six-step Springshed Management Protocol. Key achievements included the establishment of water user groups and committees in Wards 2, 3, and 9 of Namobuddha Municipality. The project also conducted planning and learning meetings with the municipality and capacity-building training sessions for water user groups.
A total of 1,487 recharge structures, including recharge ponds, trenches, and check dams, were constructed across new and existing springshed sites. These interventions were implemented through active community participation, with CEAPRED providing facilitation and oversight and ICIMOD providing technical support.
The project also organized cross-learning visits involving the Chief District Officer (CDO), elected representatives, municipal officials, and community members. A public/social audit was also conducted to promote transparency, accountability, and community ownership of the interventions.
The project also addressed implementation challenges related to varying levels of community awareness and interest in water resource management and limited understanding among forest user committees regarding the requirements for working in forest areas. These challenges were addressed through increased awareness, strengthened coordination with local governments and stakeholders, and greater community engagement.
2. GESI-Responsive Agroecological Solutions
Under the agroecology component, the project established model climate-resilient and nature-based solution-adaptive farms and Community Learning Centers (CLCs) across Surkhet, Salyan, Dailekh, Khotang, and Rasuwa. The CLCs served as practical platforms for demonstrating and disseminating Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies, nature-based agroecological solutions, and locally relevant knowledge and practices.
The project conducted field-level farmer trainings and province-level training for lead farmers, strengthening farmers’ knowledge and skills in agroecology, climate-resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions. A capacity-building training for agriculture intermediaries in Karnali Province was also completed. In addition, a landscape learning journey involving mayors/chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, chief administrative officers, and technical staff from 12 municipalities facilitated knowledge exchange and learning among local governments, project partners, and other stakeholders.
The project contributed to knowledge management and dissemination through the development of fact sheets and knowledge products covering various nature-based agroecological practices. Coordination with relevant stakeholders was strengthened throughout implementation, and stakeholders visited HI-REAP sites to observe demonstrated technologies and exchange experiences.
The CLC approach built on the experience generated under the GRAPE project in Surkhet and Dailekh and was further adapted and integrated into HI-REAP to demonstrate CRA technologies, nature-based agroecological practices, and locally available indigenous knowledge.
Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED)
