| Author | Pandey, Urnila |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.NR-08-11 |
| Subject(s) | Watershed management--Nepal
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Natural Resource Management, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-08-11 |
| Abstract | Participatory integrated watershed management has emerged as a widely accepted approach in natural resource conservation and management along with the development activities centered on communities through the mobilization of local user groups. Realizing the significance, DSCWM has also adopted the same approach in order to implement soil conservation and watershed management activities in Nepal. The study here analyzed the impact of this approach applied on Ansi-Khola sub-watershed of Kavrepalanchowk district through NACRMP and DSCWM. The main objective of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of the project in terms of resource conservation and management, community development and the livelihood opportunities provided to the local people. People's perception and participation towards watershed management activities were also examined. For the analysis both qualitative and quantitative methods were followed. The main research techniques used were, household survey, key informants interview, discussion with line agencies, field observation and recall method. For the analysis of before and after scenario a time gap of ten years was taken to identify the impacts. Capital assets pentagon of the Livelihood Framework was used to assess the contribution ofPIWM on livelihood of the people. The resource condition of the study area improved after the implementation of watershed management programs. The condition of forest and water resources improved at the same time decreasing the incidences of landslides and floods. The introduction of agro forestry in the farm lands along with terrace improvement measures decreased the soil loss from farm land thereby increasing soil fertility. The supply of fuel wood and fodder increased substantially from agro-forestry. The availability of improved fodder species from farm lands contributed to increased number of livestock which in turn supplemented the household income in terms of milk and meat production. The installation of bio-gas plant decreased the fuel wood consumption significantly in the area. Land productivity increased mainly due to soil loss control, availability of irrigation water and increase in organic manure use. Vegetable production increased substantially in the region, thereby adding to the household income especially of poor and disadvantaged group. There was considerable contribution on small scale community infrastructures like trails, drinking water facilities, water source conservation, irrigation canal improvements and sanitations which provided the basic services to the local people. The watershed management activities were perceived positively by local people and they were actively involved in such activities. Participation from women and lower castes groups increased, thus improving their social status. CDGs were functioning well and contributing towards conservation and community development work. Savings and credit groups were providing effective services to the people. All these above mentioned factors strengthened the capital assets endowed by the local people. The findings of the study revealed that PIWM approach was effective in resource conservation, in providing livelihood opportunities and in community development through the active participation of users themselves in planning, implementation and the monitoring process of the programs. However, the monitoring from government level was lacking which is required to ensure the sustainability of local institution in continuing the task of watershed management. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-08-11 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Schmidt-Vogt, Dietrich |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shivakoti, Ganesh P.;Webb, Edward L. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Norway |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |