Solution

This project focused on establishing essential government and community capacities, policies, and plans to institutionalise inclusive disaster resilience governance. It recognised the nuances in the population’s vulnerability to identify and implement comprehensive and sustainable community interventions. Without this, short-term or ‘band-aid’ solutions continue, leading to unsustained and ineffective disaster management.

Habitat for Humanity’s community risk reduction efforts also included disaster-resilient infrastructure such as adequate housing and community-wide interventions. This included stabilising riverbanks, protecting water sources during floods, evacuation plans, and congregation points. These measures can save lives and protect families’ homes.

Studies conducted by Habitat for Humanity in Nepal identified gaps in existing Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DR3) plans and policies of three local government authorities in Jhapa, Saptari, and Dhanusha Districts. DR3 involves strategies and actions designed to minimise the risks and impacts of disasters while strengthening the ability of communities to endure and recover from such events.

Impact

Following intervention activities in the first two years of the project, local government staff and community members received targeted training on people-centred and climate-smart DR3 planning, climate adaptation, and inclusive disaster management. Support included workshops on risk assessment, hazard mapping, and integrating climate resilience into disaster plans. Additionally, local government staff completed training on developing inclusive DR3 systems and plans that incorporate climate change adaptation initiatives.

The DR3 plans were developed with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, addressing the needs of marginalised groups, such as persons with disabilities and socially excluded communities. As a result, 40 homes were improved with accessibility features.

Early Warning Systems were set up, risk assessments conduced, and response and preparedness plans were created. Regular monitoring and evaluation activities assessed the effectiveness of these plans and identified areas for improvement, with feedback collected to ensure continuous learning and adaptation.

Local governments updated and developed policies to support DR3 plan implementation, including guidelines for DR3 fund mobilisation and the integration of disaster risk reduction into municipal planning. Governance structures, such as Local Emergency Operation Centres and Disaster Management Committees, were strengthened for effective coordination and implementation. Communities were actively encouraged to participate, ensuring plans reflected local needs and priorities.

Overall, the community’s ability to create and implement inclusive, climate-smart DR3 plans was significantly strengthened. Governance structures were improved, leading to more effective disaster risk management. This collective effort has empowered the community to better protect and support each other in times of need.

Case Studies by Habitat for Humanity

Inclusive Sanitation Solution on Pramod Sada’s Family

For anyone, living without a toilet is challenging. For a person with a disability, it can be a matter of life or death. Pramod Sada, who lives with his wife and two sons on the banks of the Tarkaila River in the village of Bhagwatpur, Dagartol, Ward No. 7, has faced this harsh reality for most of his life.

Due to polio in his youth, one of his legs withered, making walking difficult. At 34 years old, Pramod has a small house but no toilet. Despite being a resident of Shambhunath Municipality, Pramod has had to defecate in the Tarkaila River for the past 34 years. The river flows during the rainy season and dries up in winter, exposing him to the discomfort and dangers of poisonous snakes and wild animals. Additionally, defecating in the nearby river brought issues and health problems.

In response to these challenges, Shambhunath Municipality introduced a disaster management program to help people with disabilities, who are particularly vulnerable during disasters. Through this program, the Mahli Community Development Center and Habitat Nepal, with their ‘Resilient Inclusive Sustainable Eastern Nepal’ project, provided support. On the recommendation of the municipality’s Disability Coordination Committee, Pramod received assistance in building a toilet at his home.

This support has transformed Pramod’s life. He no longer has to make arduous trips to the river or bushes, reducing his risk of untimely death from such hazards. His wifeand two sons also benefit from not having to defecate in unsafe conditions. The project has not only improved their health and hygiene but also enhanced their dignity and quality of life.

Chhatra Bahadur Rai

Chhatra Bahadur Rai, a resident of Panthapada, Ward No. 5, Jhapa Village, was known as a skilled mason.  Seven years ago, while building a house, he fell and was seriously injured and became permanently disabled and unable to walk.

The grain grown from the farm was barely enough to feed a family of six, but the lack of a proper house to live in made his disability and aging very difficult. When it rained his shelter leaked and they were afraid of snakes coming through the holes in the thatch. They also feared storms would destroy the house.

Chhatra and his family had given up hope of building a house in this area. He was overwhelmed when his house was selected from the safe housing program and thought God has felt his pain.

Chhatra says, “My dream of living in a safe house came true, but due to my disability, it was difficult to walk and go to the toilet. After the village office gave me a wheelchair, it became easier to move around. Habitat Nepal and Sahara Nepal’s disaster relief programs give priority to disabled people and women. I have got a commode chair toilet. I have stopped being sick because of cleanliness. My legs have started to move a little more than before. I believe that I will be able to walk slowly. I really like this program to empower women and people with disabilities. Everyone sits in a meeting and discusses the issue of disasters and talks about preparedness. I am very happy to see and hear this. Thank you very much to those who helped me. I am a blessed old man.”