BHAKARI Monthly Update May 2021

In May 2021, the program made significant progress in various areas. Emergency Response activities included the selection and prioritization of 33 Cash for Work (CfW) schemes in 30 program communities affected by drought. These schemes aimed to mitigate the impact of drought through water harvesting ponds, irrigation, and disaster preparedness. The technical design estimates for each scheme were finalized, and the local government was consulted on participant selection criteria. Community-level Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) were oriented on the selection criteria, and labor-poor households qualifying for assistance were identified. The program also responded to two fire incidents in Barahtal and Panchapuri municipalities, providing multipurpose cash grants to affected households. Additionally, BHAKARI facilitated fire response for 45 households in non-program communities, connecting with Mercy Corps' Managing Risk through Economic Development (M-RED) project. A COVID-19 impact assessment data collection tool was developed to identify the major impact of the pandemic in program communities. The survey will be conducted in June, and findings will be shared with stakeholders to align the response and recovery modality with the field-level context. Market Price Monitoring tools were developed and coded in the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) system to collect market prices and availability of essential food and non-food commodities. The program will conduct market price monitoring on a monthly basis to track changes in market situations caused by government restrictions. The program selected multiple Transfer Service Providers (TSPs) to deploy cash transfers, based on their ability to operate in different community contexts. Technical support was provided for the preparation and updating of district-level Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans (DPRPs). A draft DPRP was prepared for Surkhet and Kalikot, and the others will be completed in June. Structural mitigation measures were designed and estimated for 15 sites, with ongoing agreement processes with CDMCs for implementation. Early Warning and Weather Information gaps and needs assessment were completed, identifying gaps and making recommendations for strengthening EWS and WI in the Karnali River Basin. The program will provide technical support to working Palikas to establish and strengthen Local Emergency Operations Centers (LEOCs). An Environmental Mitigation Monitoring Plan checklist was prepared to screen environmental risks of DRR and NRM activities. Integrated Agriculture and Nutrition activities included input package development and assessment, training preparation, and farmers' group formation and capacity building. The agriculture team developed input voucher packages in coordination with farmers, input supply vendors, and government stakeholders. Training materials on kitchen gardening, permagarden, climate-smart agriculture, and resilience farming system were developed and revised. In the Productive Water sector, a feasibility assessment and identification of potential water schemes were conducted in six communities, recommending six feasible water projects for detailed engineering surveys. Institutional management plans for Water User Groups (WUGs) were reviewed and developed in 16 communities, with engagement of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Detailed engineering surveys of six productive water projects were completed, and detailed design and cost estimate reports were developed for 26 water projects. Agreements were signed with communities and local governments, including co-financing as available.