BACKGROUND
Nepal has made substantial strides toward reducing its overall poverty rate. However, many people, especially those living in the Middle Hill and Mountain regions, continue to struggle with food insecurity and poor nutrition. In the remote and rugged terrains of Nepal, persistent food insecurity is a result of a complex, interlinked risks and vulnerabilities. Poverty remains entrenched in these remote areas where agricultural production is stagnating and few alternative livelihood opportunities exist. Poor nutritional and sanitation practices undermine health status and productivity, while limited public investment in infrastructure, health services, and disaster management constrain sustainable development.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PAHAL is a five-year, $37 million project that seeks to strengthen livelihoods, improve nutritional status, and increase the capacity of vulnerable households to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from shocks and stresses in rural communities. Mercy Corps and its partners target individuals, households, communities, and systems to help build the resilience of up to 160,000 households, in 14 food-insecure districts in Nepal. The interventions focus in the Far and Mid-West districts of Achham, Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Dailekh, Doti, Jajarkot, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, and Surkhet.