Case Study: Promoting food security and resilient livelihoods in Jajarkot

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Case study Project Nepal Climate Change Support Programme phase 2 (NCCSP2) Location Nepal Client UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

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Promoting food security and resilient livelihoods in Jajarkot The delayed 2023 monsoon season worried many small farmers in Nepal who were unable to cultivate their staple rice crops on time.

However, in Laikam village in Jajarkot District, things are different.

Barekot Palika in collaboration with NCCSP2, is helping rural communities to reduce dependency on rain-fed farming methods and practise climate resilient agriculture instead.

NCCSP2 supported two irrigation projects which now supply year-round water to 115 households in Laikam village, allowing villagers to grow a larger variety of crops more securely for both their own consumption and to sell in the market.

Naumule (Laikham Saanghutara) Irrigation and Agriculture Project A (2021) This project started in 2021, with the goal of providing year-round irrigation using an integrated irrigation approach to 97 households (595 people) covering more than seven hectares of arable land.

Different retaining structures and complementary bioengineering measures were carried out to support slope stabilisation along the canal with the existing 221 metre-long reinforced cement concrete (RCC) canal more climate resilient through planting Morus alba (white mulberry). In RCC canals, flow discharge is maintained, water loss due to evaporation and seepage is controlled, and crops and vegetables get the water they need.

The rebuilt canal better connects farmlands to water sources, and is now fully functional, allowing farmers to sow rice seeds and transplant them on time.

Farmers have made full use of the improved irrigation facilities, using the canal to cultivate oranges, potatoes, vegetables in addition to paddy crops.

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The project cost NPR 1,881,898 (11,000 GBP) with NCCSP2 contributing NPR 1,500,000 (9,000 GBP). The rest of the funds came from the Palika and the community.

Naumul (Laikham Saanghutara) Irrigation and Agriculture Project B (2023) NCCSP2 has been promoting climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices by supporting 15 of the most the most vulnerable families to construct sympolin plastic tunnels and install drip irrigation systems so they could start farming vegetables. Tunnel farming allows an extended growing season, better pest and disease control, water conservation, year-round cultivation, improved crop quality and uniformity, and crop protection from adverse weather conditions.

The total project value is NPR 4,628,039 (27,500 GBP) with NCCSP2 contributing NPR 4,000,000 (24,000 GBP). The Palika contributed NPR 100,000 (500 GBP) and the community contributed NPR 528,039 (3,000 GBP).

These two case studies in Laikam village showcase the use of irrigation to combat prolonged drought and annual floods and highlights the transformative impact of adaptation measures on livelihoods.

A regular water supply for irrigation means that farmers can continue their agricultural activities without major water shortage disruptions. The initiatives are helping smallholder farmers produce off-seasonal vegetables and high-value crops, thereby contributing to improved economic outcomes and leading to improved overall living standards.

The infrastructure is helping marginalised communities build resilience and gain food security in an era of climate uncertainty.

“This programme has greatly improved farming practices, providing relief from drought. Farmers are making use of irrigation facilities and are pleased with the support they have received.”

Bhadra Bahadur Khatri, a local farmer