Implementing a Qualitative Study in Madhesh and Lumbini Province of Nepal

IFPRI is a part of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), which unites international organizations engaged in research about food security. It aimed to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition, and sustainable the management of natural resources. This qualitative study, “Implementing a Qualitative Study in Nepal” intended to provide formative research for the CGIAR initiative “NEXUS Gains: Realizing Multiple Benefits Across Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (Forests, Bio-diversity).”

The study assessed how water and energy systems affect water, energy and food security, agriculture productivity, and rural livelihoods in both alluvial groundwater and hard rock areas (Lumbini and Madhesh provinces) of Nepal.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Seismic Program, Nepal

This was an involvement in a study entitled Environment Resource Management (ERM), an NGO based in New Delhi, India and Cairn Energy, a multinational company of the United Kingdom. The primary objectives of this study were to update the review of the legislation, review the stakeholder engagement strategy, review baseline data and update the security situation in the project area. The review includes national legislation and international agreements, laws, etc. that Nepal has signed. Important international agreements and national legislations; Labor Law, Land Acquisition/Compensation, Human Rights, Cultural Heritage, ILO Ratification, Protected Areas and Bio-diversity.

Impact Assessment of the Buffer Zone Program

This study assesses the overall impact of the Buffer Zone Program in relation to development inside the buffer zone; conservation of park resources; and maintenance of the interface between conservation and development by buffer zone communities. The study also analyzes the partnership between the local people, the Park Authority and local government in relation to park-people conflict; assesses the capacity of the DNPWC and buffer zone institutions to undertake conservation and development activities; and makes policy recommendations.

Panchase Lekh Area Conservation and Development Project

The Machhapuchhre Development Organisation (MDO) was established in 1989 to enhance the quality of life of the local people, especially the poor, through nature conservation and integrated community development. This study examines the feasibility and legal basis of creating a stakeholder-based institution in the region to enable the community to self-manage the development of Panchase Lekh and adjoining settlements and to recommend modalities for its strengthening. The study identifies the major natural resources in the MDO project area and assesses their potential for utilization. It also assesses the effectiveness of income generating activities conducted by MDO and the constraints faced by it.

Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study Stage-I on the Bheri-Babai Hydro-Electric Project (Phase-2)

This study was to identify the chemical, biological, socio-economic and cultural baseline conditions in the project affected areas. The study determines the adverse and positive impacts of the project in terms of its direct, indirect and cumulative impact and the extent, magnitude and duration of such impacts. It also assesses and documents community requirements relating to land acquisition and the compensation, relocation and rehabilitation of project affected families, including basic plans for resettlement.