Rain Communities (Phase 1)
Nepal, Kaski District, Pokhara mountainous region
Rain fed hill communities and surrounding watersheds
Disaster Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration
2019–2021 · Completed
Landscape & Rainfall Context
Mountainous rural landscapes east of Pokhara characterized by rain fed agriculture, poorly recharged aquifers, spring depletion, deforestation, and low soil cover. Climate change has increased rainfall variability, with longer dry seasons and more intense monsoon events. Rapid urban development in lowland areas has increased pressure on water resources, further reducing availability for upstream hill communities.
Project Focus
Improve the resilience of rural mountain communities to climate change by strengthening integrated water resource management at watershed level, improving water availability, restoring ecosystems, and supporting sustainable agroecological livelihoods.
Key Solutions Implemented
Integrated water resources management at watershed level through the Water Use Master Plan approach | Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge infrastructure | Spring rehabilitation and protection | Retention ponds and infiltration systems | Family agroecological production systems | Soil and water conservation using mechanical and vegetative techniques | Participatory 3D mapping and community planning | Capacity building for local institutions, farmers, and cooperatives
Impact snapshot / Direct beneficiaries
60
households across 4 rain fed communities – direct beneficiaries
4,624
households across 5 wards – indirect beneficiaries
31
households benefiting from rainwater harvesting tanks installed
21
households benefiting from greenhouses for market gardening
124
households benefiting from spring rehabilitation
2,990
households benefiting from pokharis rehabilitation
4,293
households benefiting from reforestation campaigns
13
local authorities engaged
Additional key outputs include the construction of 30 rainwater harvesting tanks of 6 m³ capacity, installation of two improved springs, creation of three nurseries, implementation of 20 family agroecological production systems, and development of a Water Use Master Plan at watershed level
Local implementation partners
Kanchan Nepal
Donors and supporters
Republic and Canton of Geneva | Fonds 1 percent pour le développement | Municipality of Puplinge
Sustainable Development Goals
Rain Communities Nepal Phase 1 – Project factsheet (PDF)
Factsheet__Rain_Community_1