From Disaster Recovery to Development: Feed the Future Builds Community Health and Nutrition in Nepal

A Feed the Future program in Nepal has built upon what started as a disaster recovery program for flood victims and is now delivering some impressive development results.

Since the flood recovery program began in 2008, it has enabled 7,600 Nepalese farmers in commercial agriculture to increase their net sales by 800 percent, more than tripling household incomes; supported the establishment of 4,500 home gardens that produce fruits and vegetables for home consumption; and trained 6,000 people on health and nutrition.

This successful program grew out of terrible circumstances: In 2007 and 2008, Nepal experienced devastating floods that caused severe damage to the infrastructure, livelihoods, and health of more than 800,000 people. In response, USAID started a recovery program to help Nepalese flood victims generate income through commercial farming and rebuilding of infrastructure in flood-affected communities. The program, implemented in partnership with Fintrac, was intended to stimulate agricultural production and economic activity in the wake of disaster.

Under Feed the Future, the flood recovery program has transitioned into improving the affordability, accessibility, and availability of nutritious food to rural households. Taking an integrated approach to agriculture, nutrition, hygiene, and infrastructure, the program is delivering results while also building local capacity to respond to future disasters. A key aspect of the program’s success is its strong partnership with local organizations and government agencies.

Learn more about the flood recovery program and other food security programs in Nepal.