From a dark past to a bright future

Meet Hari Bahadur Adhikari. He is a simple, honest farmer from Aanguptar, Nuwakot.

He is 51 and  says he likes to keep himself busy with wheat and potato farming, which is his main source of income. But it is much easier said than done. After the April 2015 earthquakes he and other farmers in his community were unable to grow crops because their irrigation canal, the main source of water, was severely damaged.

"We farmers are always dependent on water for farming. When the earthquake damaged our canal the water supply was severely affected resulting in a lot of leakage. As a result, we could not get a good harvest causing financial complications," he says.

In such dire circumstances, World Vision stepped in to lend a helping hand to rebuild the canal with support from Disasters Emergency Committee, UK.

The 1200 meter-long canal was reconstructed with the help of World Vision, and local people were given the opportunity to take part in the reconstruction work. Under World Vision's 'cash for work' modality 39 local farmers worked for a month to complete the reconstruction work, work for which they were paid.

Sabitri Adhikari, another local farmer, says, "Not only were we able to get the water supply from the canal back into our fields we were also able to build it ourselves which gave us a sense of ownership of the reconstruction work. Moreover, the wages we received were used for our household expenses."

Now this canal serves around 250 households in Aangputar and the locals are overjoyed with the outcome. Sabitri comments, "People from the neighbouring communities have been encouraged by our accomplishment. They have also started rebuilding their canals themselves."

Another satisfied beneficiary of this reconstructed canal is 64-year-old Ramji Bhandari. He says, "The reconstructed canal has helped me to significantly increase my production. I have been successfully farming potato, garlic, pumpkin, maize and beans in my fields and I am earning well by selling it in the local market."

Ramji plans to use some of the profit from his farming for his 2-year-old grandson Raunak's education and bright future. With a broad smile, he says, "I want my grandson to study well and become a renowned engineer."

Manisha Ojha, World Vision's Livelihood Officer in Nuwakot, explains, "Earlier the farmers had limited water supply and they could only use it on one farm at a time. Now, the water supply is adequate and they don't need to take turns to use it."

By creating better opportunities for farmers and focusing on the needs of marginalised groups World Vision is committed to contribute in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.