“Improved awareness on flood vulnerable households”

 

Basmati Chaudhary, a 43 years old resident of Tikapur-5 Basanta Community, is emblematic of the real beneficiaries residing in the Karnali river basin households. Facing significant economic challenges, Basmati’s family struggles to meet their livelihood needs due to the poor annual production on their flood prone land. 
 

 

Basmati expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from these sessions will contribute to a reduction in conflicts among households in the upcoming days. She took the opportunity to extend her gratitude to WFP for the support received in the previous year and SEBAC-Nepal for organizing the event to share information on beneficiary selection criteria.

With the constant threat of floods and heavy rainfall in the Karnali river basin, Basmati has been unable to cultivate sufficient agricultural products. Last year, she faced losses in paddy cultivation. Fortunately, she was identified as a targeted beneficiary for the local government’s cash assistance program, supported by WFP. She received NPR 15,000 in cash assistance, although she acknowledged that the amount was not enough to cover all her family’s needs. Despite this, the assistance allowed her to purchase essential items such as rice, oil, pulses, and soap. Additionally, she invested in potato seeds for vegetable farming, initiating a source of income.

Basmati expressed gratitude to the WFP for the cash support, emphasizing its pivotal role in supporting her income generation and enhancing her family’s economic resilience. “This year, SEBAC-Nepal played a crucial role in the community by implementing municipal-level training programs to prepare communities at risk for potential disasters.  I actively participated in this session, and gained insights into the beneficiary selection process. Unlike previous years, where conflicts arose due to the lack of transparency in selection criteria, the orientation sessions conducted by SEBAC-Nepal provided clarity.”

Basmati Chaudhary's experience highlights the transformative impact of targeted assistance programs and the importance of transparent communication in community development initiatives. The collaboration between WFP and SEBAC-Nepal has not only alleviated immediate economic challenges but has also laid the foundation for resilient communities in the Karnali river basin.