COVID-19 and Nepali Civil Society Organizations: Impact, Responses, and Opportunities

The pandemic, which began at the end of 2019, has spread through multiple waves, affecting health, economy, human wellbeing and security, mobility, and human rights. In response to the pandemic, the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) commissioned an impact study to assess the magnitude of the pandemic's impact on CSOs, understand their response activities and coping mechanisms, and evaluate their perception of the government's response to COVID-19. The study found that most CSOs reported a reduction in their ability to deliver programs and services, with organizations having advocacy-based programs being more impacted. The registration of new CSOs decreased significantly, and funding sources, availability of funds for regular programs, and availability of funds for COVID-19 response were all low. CSOs were not satisfied with the efforts of federal and province-level governments but were relatively more satisfied with the efforts of local governments. Regarding freedom of expression and freedom of association, CSOs working in urban areas felt better freedom of expression compared to those working in rural Nepal. The study also highlighted the importance of CSOs in responding to the pandemic, particularly in reaching out to rural areas and most affected sections of society. NFN plans to consider the findings and take necessary measures in response to and recover from COVID-19. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through surveys and key informant interviews, while the secondary data was obtained from various sources, including government reports and international organizations. The study's findings are presented in various tables and figures, which provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of COVID-19 on CSOs in Nepal. The study's results have significant implications for CSOs, governments, and donors. CSOs face formidable challenges, including inadequate financial and technical support, and need to be supported in their efforts to respond to the pandemic. The study highlights the importance of collaboration between CSOs and governments in responding to the pandemic and the need for increased funding for CSOs. The study also emphasizes the need for CSOs to be involved in the recovery process and to be supported in their efforts to rebuild and recover from the pandemic. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, donors, and CSOs, and highlight the importance of CSOs in responding to the pandemic and promoting sustainable development in Nepal. The study's methodology involved a survey of 265 CSOs, which was conducted in collaboration with the Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project (CS:MAP). The survey collected data on various aspects of CSOs, including their registration and renewal, program/service delivery, spatial differences in impact, CSO concerns, operating concerns, and concerns over meeting the needs of communities. The study's results show that CSOs face significant challenges in responding to the pandemic, including inadequate funding, limited resources, and restricted movement. However, the study also highlights the resilience and adaptability of CSOs, which have been able to respond to the pandemic and continue to provide essential services to communities. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of policies and programs to support CSOs in responding to the pandemic and promoting sustainable development in Nepal. The study highlights the need for increased funding for CSOs, improved collaboration between CSOs and governments, and the development of policies and programs that support the resilience and adaptability of CSOs. In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of COVID-19 on CSOs in Nepal and highlights the importance of CSOs in responding to the pandemic and promoting sustainable development in Nepal. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, donors, and CSOs, and highlight the need for increased support for CSOs in responding to the pandemic and promoting sustainable development in Nepal.