Nepal Sabal FY16 Q II Report

The program aims to increase resilience and food security for targeted vulnerable populations through three overarching purposes: 1) increase stable income of communities and households, especially for vulnerable females and males, 2) improve health and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women, under five children, and their families, and 3) strengthen the ability of households and communities to mitigate, adapt to and recover from shocks and stresses. The program's first year was marked by the devastating earthquakes of 2015, followed by civil disruptions and a fuel blockade along the Nepal-India border, which posed significant challenges to program implementation. Despite these challenges, Sabal has developed alternative mechanisms to address information gaps, including a comprehensive beneficiary selection process utilizing community-based participatory methods and statistical survey tools. In the reporting period of January 1 to March 31, 2016, Sabal completed the NGO selection process in the five expansion districts. A selection committee comprising Sabal and district line agencies was formed in each district to select the Partner Non-Governmental Organization (PNGO). The committee rigorously assessed NGOs and recommended a single NGO in each district to the Sabal senior management team (SMT) for final approval. Based on the recommendations, the SMT selected each of the district's PNGO. The PNGOs selected for the five new Sabal districts are: Dolakha, Ramechhap, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, and Bhojpur. These PNGOs will work closely with Sabal to implement program activities and achieve the program's goals. The selection of PNGOs is a critical step in ensuring the effective implementation of the program and achieving its objectives. The program's overall goal is to increase resilience and food security for targeted vulnerable populations. To achieve this goal, Sabal will implement a range of activities, including livelihoods strengthening, health and nutrition improvement, and disaster risk reduction. The program will also focus on social and behavior change communication, gender equity and social inclusion, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. The program's progress and results will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations in Nepal.