Detailed Needs Assessment

Transcription

1 Detailed Needs Assessment Sindhupalchok Nepal ACTED HQ 33, rue Godot de Mauroy Paris,France Tel: paris@acted.org Page 1

2 Contents INTRODUCTION... 5 METHODOLOGY... 6 Tools... 6 Sample size... 6 Data collection and analysis... 7 Limitations... 7 MAP... 8 MAIN FINDINGS... 9 Demographics... 9 Contextual Background Shelter Type of Housing Vulnerabilities of Type of Housing Assistance Received Shelter Needs of the Communities Women s Perspective on Shelter Needs Recommendations Non-Food Items Assistance Received NFI Needs of the Communities Women s Perspective on NFI Needs Recommendations Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Main Sources of Drinking Water Damages to Water Sources Women s Perspective on Water Damages WASH Needs of the Communities Latrines and Hygiene Practices Recommendations Health Access to Health Facilities Healthcare Needs Recommendations Page 2

3 Food Security Assistance Received Food Needs of the Communities Women s Perspective on Food Needs Recommendations Infrastructures and Education Education Needs Recommendations Livelihoods Main Livelihoods Division of Labour Assistance Received Livelihoods Needs of the Communities Women s Perspective on Livelihoods Needs Recommendations Coping Strategies Conclusion ANNEXES Annex 1 Main Markets Annex 2 Gravity Water Supply Schemes Damaged but Functioning Annex 3 Gravity Water Supply Schemes Destroyed and Non-Functioning Figure 1. Type of House per VDC Figure 2. Level of House Destruction per VDC Figure 3. Shelter Assistance per VDC (multiple answer) Figure 4. Percentage of Households who Received NFI Figure 5. Location of Activities since the Earthquakes Figure 6. Food Relief Received Figure 7. Distribution of Food Relief Figure 8. Coping Strategies of Households Table 1. Population per VDC... 9 Table 2. Number of Households per Caste per VDC... 9 Table 3. Distribution of Gravity Water Supply Schemes per Household Table 4. Main Livelihoods Table 5. Division of Labour in Agriculture Table 6. Division of Labour in Livestock Rearing Page 3

4 ACRONYMS AMEU Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit FGD Focus Group Discussion INGO International Non-Governmental Organisation KII Key Informant Interview NFI Non-Food Items PDD Project Development Department VDC Village Development Committee WASH- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Page 4

5 INTRODUCTION On the 25 th April 2015, Nepal was hit by a 7.8 earthquake, causing major damages to houses and infrastructures, killing over 8,800 people and injuring thousands more. 30 out of the 75 districts in the country were affected, with the biggest loss being in Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Nuwakot, Rasuva, and Dolakha districts in the central region and in Kaski, Gorkha, Lamnjung districts in the western region 1. A subsequent 7.3 earthquake hit the country on the 12 th May 2015, with its epicentre in Sindhupalchok, causing further damages and deaths. Multiple aftershocks have since been felt, leading thousands of traumatised households to sleep outside in makeshift shelters fearing that their house will collapse 2. As of 19 th June 2015, it is estimated that about 505,577 houses were fully damaged by both earthquakes, with an additional 278,907 houses being partially damaged 3 ACTED has established its Nepal mission shortly after the first earthquake, engaging in relief distribution and conducting needs assessments. Since then, ACTED has set up three area bases in Sindhupalchok, Dhading and Solukhumbu districts and a sub-base in Dolakha district. ACTED is also implementing activities in Sankhu (in Shankarpur municipality, Kathmandu district) and has a capital office in Kathmandu. A month and half after the first earthquake, AMEU and the Coordination teams decided to conduct a detailed assessment on the vulnerabilities and needs of the affected communities in ACTED targeted areas. The main objective of this assessment is twofold: i) inform the Project Development Department (PDD) on the needs of the communities in order to design future proposals, and ii) inform coordination on the needs of communities in order to target the most vulnerable and overlooked communities. 1 Source: (accessed 22/06/15) 2 Source: (accessed 22/06/15) 3 Source: Nepal Earthquake Assessment Unit, Weekly Situation Update 19/06/15 Page 5

6 METHODOLOGY Tools This assessment was based on both quantitative and qualitative tools. Two quantitative surveys with Key-Informant Interviews (KII) were used to collect quantitative data. Quantitative data was favoured over qualitative data so as to provide detailed findings and statistics on the needs and vulnerabilities of the targeted communities. Considering Nepal s ranking on the Gender Inequality Index 4 and the significant level of discrimination towards women and girls, AMEU also developed two tools that aimed at understanding women s perspective regarding the challenges women face and their priority needs. The survey questionnaires were conducted at the ward level, with ward leaders (or any individual with a good knowledge of the ward, such as teachers) and with prominent female figures such as teachers, Women Committee leaders or Female Committee Health Volunteers. These tools aimed at understanding the needs and vulnerabilities of communities in ACTED targeted areas. Both questionnaires collected quantitative information on the needs of the communities in terms of (i) shelter, (ii) non-food items (NFI), (iii) water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), (iv) health and education, (v) food security, (vi) livelihoods and (vii) coping strategies of households. The ward leaders questionnaires collected more detailed information on demographics of the ward, relief received, infrastructures present in the ward, damages (to houses and infrastructure) and markets available. Qualitative data was collected through Focus-Group Discussions (FGDs) with women. FGDs aimed at better understanding the difficulties faced by women and girls and how their needs may vary from the general population. It collected data on access to shelter, non-food items, food, water, health facilities, latrines, security, livelihoods and distributions. Sample size Data was collected in all Village Development Committees (VDCs) in which ACTED is working in Sindhupalchok. These VDCs are Yamuna Danda, Kunchok, Mangkha, Pedku, Tauthali and Yamuna Danda. The assessment was done at the ward level, as such all nine wards in each of these six VDCs were assessed. One ward leader/prominent figure and one female leader/prominent female figure were interviewed in each ward. In total, 54 ward leaders and 54 women leaders were interviewed. FGDs were conducted in random VDCs and wards, usually those that were the most accessible. Random women from the community were asked to gather for the interview. Two FGDs in Pedku and Tauthali VDCs were conducted with a total of 20 women (12 in Pedku and 8 in Tauthali). 4 (accessed 24/06/15) Page 6

7 Data collection and analysis Data was collected from the 7 th to 11 th June Enumerators were newly hired ACTED Programme staff. On average, teams collected data on three wards each day. FGDs were collected by the AME Manager with the (female) AME Monitor from Dolakha office acting as translator. Forms were checked for discrepancies daily by the Area Coordinator and/or Programme Manager. Quantitative analysis was done using Excel software. Limitations AMEU identified five main limitations to this assessment. 1. Figures were sometimes conflicting between the data collected from ward leaders and women leaders. Whenever the conflicting data referred to women related questions (e.g. number of female headed households), AMEU used data from the woman leader questionnaire. Whenever the conflicting data referred to community infrastructures or relief received, AMEU used data from ward leaders. 2. Most figures, especially those related to demographics, distance to infrastructure/market and livelihoods, are based on estimations. 3. Demographic data collected pertained, for the most part, to registered households. AMEU found out that only households who owned a house in the ward were registered and accounted for by authorities. Those who rented houses, for instance, are not registered on official records. As per an informal conversation with the member of an unregistered household 5, this often leads to discrimination towards the unregistered households in terms of accessing relief. These households are therefore highly vulnerable, as they are not accounted for by official authorities and often do not receive relief. 4. FGDs asked women about security threats (such as sexual and physical violence) and discrimination when accessing relief. These two questions, and especially the one on security, did not yield much data, which may be explained by the setting of these interviews (i.e. focus-group discussions, conducted in open areas) that may have prevented women to reveal any threats or discrimination. 5. The questionnaire would have benefited from being piloted. For instance, specification on whether some questions were single or multiple answers would have been useful for the teams. Definition of key terms such as household, head of household or disability would have also helped the teams to understand questions more quickly. Finally, some questions would have benefited from being changed from percentage to number as respondents found it easier to provide numbers. 5 In Dolakha district. Page 7

8 MAP Page 8

9 MAIN FINDINGS Demographics The total population for the six targeted VDCs is approximately 35,841 for 6,919 households (see Table 1). The average household size is 5 members across VDCs at the exception of Yamuna Danda where households are larger with an average of 7 members. Table 1. Population per VDC Number of Households Total Population Yamuna Danda Kunchok Mangkha Pedku Tauthali Yamuna Danda Total A rather significant proportion of households are headed by women (13%) across the six VDCs, with a predominance in Yamuna Danda (24%), Kunchok (22%) and Pedku (17%). About 30% of the households are headed by an elderly member across VDCs; but this goes up to 57% in Tauthali, 41% in Yamuna Danda and 37% in Yamuna Danda. Only a minority of the households are headed by children (0.5%), especially in Mangkha or do not have any ablebodied member (2%). Details on the number of households per caste can be found in Table 2. Table 2. Number of Households per Caste per VDC Dalit Chhetri Tamang Thami Newar Barhaman Sherpa Other (e.g. Giri, Gurung, Magar, Pahari) Yamuna Danda Kunchok Mangkha Pedku Tauthali Yamuna Danda Total Page 9

10 The large number of women or elderly headed households should be taken into account as these households may be more economically vulnerable and may face more discrimination or difficulties in accessing and transporting relief material. The needs and capacities of women and elderly people should also be acknowledged when programming activities. Contextual Background 70% of the ward leaders reported that their wards have been affected by both earthquakes. When asked which earthquake caused the most damages, 46% of the ward leaders said that both earthquakes caused major damages, followed by the 12 th May earthquake (31%) and by the 25 th April earthquake (22%). In terms of access, the majority of the wards were accessible by car (85%), 4x4 (96%) and trucks (76%) prior the earthquakes. Only 2 wards in Yamuna Danda were reportedly not accessible prior the earthquake. Accessibility following the earthquakes has not been much impacted 6. 83% of the wards are still accessible by car, 93% by 4x4 and 74% by trucks. Four wards in Yamuna Danda and Mangkha, however, were reported not accessible by road since the earthquakes. Yamuna Danda and Mangkha VDCs seem to be the least accessible by trucks. Accessibility should be taken into account when planning future activities. 6 Or if it had been, roads had been cleared up by the time data was collected. Page 10

11 Shelter Type of Housing Ward leaders reported a total of 6,743 houses before the earthquakes, indicating that some households shared houses. Mud and stones houses along with mud, stone wall and CGI roofing were the most popular type of houses across the six VDCs. Mud and stones houses were mostly built in Yamuna Danda (76%) and in Kunchok (40%), while mud, stone walls and CGI roofing were mostly found in Yamuna Danda (97%), Tauthali (85%), Pedku (86%), Kunchok (57%) and Mangkha (56%). Other types of house were also found although in limited number (see Figure 1 7 ). Figure 1. Type of House per VDC Baramchae Kunchok 40% 76% 57% 23% 1% 1% 1% 1% 1% Mangkha 24% 56% 5% 1% 14% 0.04% Pedku 14% 86% 0.4% Tauthali 13% 85% 2% Yamuna Danda 3% 97% Mud and stone houses Concrete stone walls with CGI roofing Concrete blocks/bricks with concrete roofing Mud, stones walls with CGI roofing Concrete blocks/bricks with CGI roofing Other (RCC and stalk roof) Almost all houses (96%) have been either destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Out of 6,743 houses, only one in Tauthali had reportedly not suffered from any damages. 4% of the houses have suffered from repairable damages. Yamuna Danda (96%) followed by Yamuna Danda (93%), Kunchok (82%) and Mangkha (81%) were the worst affected VDCs in terms of destruction. Houses in Tauthali (99%) and Pedku (91%) VDCs suffered most in terms of nonrepairable damages. Details can be found in Figure 2 below. 7 Data compared to the number of houses and not number of households. Page 11

12 Destroyed house in Sindhupalchok Figure 2. Level of House Destruction per VDC Baramchae 96% 4% 1% Kunchok 82% 16% 3% Mangkha 81% 11% 8% Pedku 9% 91% Tauthali 99% 1% Yamuna Danda 93% 7% Completely destroyed/collapsed Damaged not repairable Damaged but repairable Following the earthquakes and as a result of the damages and trauma, the large majority of households (65%) are reportedly living in makeshifts shelters made from salvaged material from their previous house. Another 34% of the households are living in tarpaulins makeshift shelters. Women in Tauthali VDC explained their living conditions: We took the CGI roofing [from previous house] to build a makeshift shelter but those who had a roof made of stones, now live in tarpaulins shelters 8. Salvaged material nevertheless is often in bad or broken conditions (e.g. holes in CGI sheets), offering only limited protection to weather condition. 8 Source: FGD conducted with women in Tauthali district on 10/06/15. Page 12

13 Salvaged and holed CGI sheet used by households A temporary shelter In addition to the lack of building material, living conditions remain challenging for most households, as women revealed their fear over insects, snakes and forest animals coming into their temporary shelter. Besides, many households also raised their concern regarding the coming monsoon, which will make living conditions even more strenuous. Women in Tauthali summed up their helplessness in terms of shelter: The rainy season is coming, how can we survive here? If there is no food, it is not a problem but life is difficult without a shelter 9. Vulnerabilities of Type of Housing Ward leaders were asked to rank the vulnerabilities of the different types of housing, from 1 as being the most vulnerable to 3. Mud and stone houses scored an average 1.4, and were ranked by 91% of the ward leaders. 57% of the ward leaders ranked this type of housing in the first position and 31% ranked it in second position. Mud and stone houses are therefore considered as one of the most vulnerable to earthquake. Mud, stone walls and CGI roofing houses scored an average of 1.6, and were ranked by all (100%) ward leaders. 43% of the ward leaders ranked this type of housing in the first position and 57% ranked it in second position. Mud, stone walls and CGI roofing are therefore also considered as prone to destruction and damages during an earthquake. Concrete stone walls and CGI roofing scored an average of 2.9, and were ranked by 74% of the ward leaders. 63% of the ward leaders ranked this type of housing in the third position. Concrete blocks/bricks and CGI roofing, along with concrete blocks/bricks and concrete roofing both scored an average of 3, although only 9% and 20% of the ward leaders respectively, ranked these types of house in the third position. 9 Source: FGD conducted with women in Tauthali district on 10/06/15. Page 13

14 Assistance Received 72% of the ward leaders reported that their wards received shelter assistance after the first earthquake, while 100% of the wards received assistance after the second earthquake. As detailed in Figure 3, the large majority of households received tarpaulins. Most of the VDCs, at the exception of Yamuna Danda, received only tarpaulins. It is of note that 69% of the ward leaders reported their dissatisfaction over the quality of the tarpaulins received. Shelter assistance has been mainly provided by the government (reported by 87% of the ward leaders), followed by INGOs (74%) such as Oxfam, Plan Nepal, ACTED, Save the Children, Child Fund, LWF. Local NGOs, such as Tuki Sang and NRCS provided shelter assistance in 50% of the wards. Banks, corporations and individuals (in 43% of the wards) also reportedly contributed to the distribution of shelter relief. Figure 3. Shelter Assistance per VDC (multiple answer) 0.2% 3% 10% 36% 77% 99% 100% 99% 100% 64% 29% Baramchae Kunchok Mangkha Pedku Tauthali Yamuna Danda Tarpaulins only Tarpaulins with rope and tool kit (shelter kit) CGI sheets with insulation material Tarpaulins with rope CGI sheets only Local NGOs seem to be more active in Pedku, Tauthali and Yamuna Danda VDCs and to a lesser extent in Mangkha. INGO tend to be operative in Kunchok, Mangkha, Yamuna Danda, Tauthali and to a lesser extent Pedku. The government mostly distributed in Yamuna Danda, Pedku, Tauthali and Yamuna Danda, while other sources of assistance were operative in Tauthali and Kunchok. Shelter Needs of the Communities Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of their community in terms of shelter assistance. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. Page 14

15 CGI sheets scored an average of 1.2, and were ranked by all (100%) ward leaders. 83% of the ward leaders ranked this item as the most urgent need (rank 1). CGI sheets are therefore considered by communities as the most urgent needs. Tool kits scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 87% of the ward leaders. 28% ranked this item in second position and 28% in fifth position. Assistance with building shelters scored an average of 3.1 and was ranked by 65% of the ward leaders. Rope and nails scored an average of 3.7, and were ranked by 67% of the ward leaders, mostly in third (19%) and fourth (26%) positions. GI/steel wires scored an average 3.4, and were ranked by 44% of the ward leaders, and by 19% of the ward leaders in fourth position. Insulation materials scored an average of 3.5 and were ranked by 48% of the ward leaders. Training for safer building scored an average of 3.7, and was ranked by 44% of the ward leaders. Timber for frame scored an average of 3.1, although it was only ranked by 19% of the ward leaders. Tarpaulins and bamboos scored an average of 3.7 and 3.5 respectively. Tarpaulins were requested by 20% of the ward leaders, while only 4% mentioned the need of bamboos. Women s Perspective on Shelter Needs Women leaders were asked to rank the needs in terms of shelter assistance, as per women and girls needs. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. CGI sheets scored an average of 1.2, and were ranked by 98% of the women leaders. 87% of the women leaders ranked CGI sheets in first position. This correlates with ward leaders answers, and thus strengthens the need to distribute CGI sheets to households as soon as possible. Assistance with building shelter scored an average of 3.3, and was ranked by 70% of the women. This also correlates with ward leaders answers and may be explained by the fact that a rather lager proportion of households are either headed by a woman or an elderly person. Tool kits scored an average of 3.5, and were ranked by 72% of the women leaders. 22% ranked tool kits as a second priority and 22% ranked it as a fifth priority. Training for safer building scored an average of 3.6, and were ranked by 67% of the women leaders. 19% ranked training for safe building as a third priority and 22% as a fifth priority. Rope and nails scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 59% of the women leaders. 22% of the women ranked rope and nails as a fourth priority. Page 15

16 Insulation materials scored an average of 3.3, and were ranked by only 39% of the women leaders. GI/steel wires scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 39% of the women leaders. Tarpaulins scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 26% of the women leaders. Bamboos scored an average of 3.5, but were only ranked by 11% of the women leaders. Timber for frame scored an average of 4, and was ranked by 17% of the women leaders. Recommendations Shelter assistance remains a priority for most households who have been living in poor quality and undignified shelter since the earthquakes. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Prioritise the distribution of shelter assistance relief. The distribution of tarpaulins have covered most of the population in the 6 assessed VDCs. Relief should now focus on providing more sturdy construction material such as CGI sheets or cement and bricks, to enable households to rebuild durable shelters and to protect themselves against the monsoon and winter seasons. Distribution of shelter material should be combined with Build Back Safer awareness sessions. Programme and distribution activities should take into account the rather significant proportion of women and elderly headed households. In this regards, if heavy material (such as CGI sheets) is distributed, ACTED should ensure that vulnerable households can still access the relief, either by providing transport incentives or by directly hiring porters to deliver door-to-door. Vulnerable households, such as those headed by women and elderly, should also be provided assistance in building shelters. While ACTED has already been implementing Cash For Work activities aimed at helping these households, AMEU would recommend continuing implementing such activities, especially when households will transition from building temporary to more permanent shelter. As per ward leaders and women s ranking, the 5 most urgent needs in terms of shelter are the following: CGI sheets (1.2), Assistance with building shelter (3.2), tool kits (3.4), GI/steel wires (3.4) and insulation materials (3.4). Page 16

17 Non-Food Items While access to durable shelter may prevail over other priorities, non-food items (NFI) needs also remain dire. Women during FGDs expressed their lack of access to NFI such as hygiene kits or kitchen sets. Women in Pedku explained their situation: We don't have access to hygiene items, we had a little bit, but it has been finished and the market is closed. [ ] We use ashes to clean kitchen pots. We have no shampoo, pads, or toothpaste because the market is closed. Some people do not have [kitchen] pots. Some managed to take their pots from their broken house, but some households were left with nothing 10. Women in Tauthali experience similar challenges, as hygiene items remain rare in their local market. Assistance Received Distribution of non-food items (NFI) varied across VDC, as shown in Figure 4. Yamuna Danda, Yamuna Danda and Pedku are the VDCs that have received the most NFI kits. Overall, bedding was the most distributed NFI with 51% of the total population having received a kit. On the other hand, solar lamps had not been distributed to any ward. Figure 4. Percentage of Households who Received NFI 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 99% 100% 100% 61% 34% 41% 28% 36% 17% 15% 10% 9% 7% 2% Baramchae Kunchok Mangkha Pedku Tauthali Yamuna Danda Tool kits Bedding Kitchen sets Hygiene kit All VDCs but Tauthali received hygiene kits. Although it is of note that not all wards in these VDCs received the kits. For instance, only 10 wards (2 in Yamuna Danda, 3 in Pedku, 1 in Mangkha, 1 in Kunchok and 3 in Yamuna Danda) were provided with hygiene kits; and in only six wards was the total population covered by the distribution. Out of these 10 wards, only 30% of the ward leaders reported their satisfaction over the quality of the hygiene kits. Regarding the other kits, only 29% 11 of the ward leaders said they were satisfied with the quality of the items received. 10 Source: FGD conducted with women in Pedku district on 10/06/ Out of those who answered the question. Page 17

18 NFI relief was mostly provided by INGOs (as provided by 46% of the ward leaders) such as Oxfam, Nanglo Foundation, Save the Children, LWF, WFP, Child Fund Japan. Local NGOs such as Tuki Sang and NRCS distributed relief in 44% of the wards. The government (37%) and other sources such as individuals, cooperative, Christian community and the Bangladesh Medical College (30%) also reportedly provided relief. INGOs tended to cover all VDCs but Yamuna Danda, while local NGOs seemed more active in Pedku, Tauthali and Yamuna Danda. The government covered 9 wards in Tauthali, 5 wards in Yamuna Danda, 4 wards in Kunchok and 2 wards in Pedku. Other sources of assistance tended to be more active in Tauthali, Yamuna Danda and to a lesser extent in Kunchok. NFI Needs of the Communities Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of their community in terms of NFI assistance. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 3 with 1 as being the most urgent. Kitchen sets scored an average of 1.7 and were mentioned by 87% of the ward leaders with 43% of them ranking it in the first position and 30% in second position. Kitchen sets are therefore considered by communities as the most urgent NFI need. Solar lamps scored an average of 1.9 and were mentioned by a total of 57% ward leaders across ranks, and by 24% of ward leaders as the most urgent need (rank 1). Bedding kits, despite the high number of kits already distributed, scored an average of 2.1, and were mentioned by 67% of ward leaders across ranks. 28% of the ward leaders ranked it as the third most urgent need and 22% as the most urgent need (rank 1). Tool kits scored an average of 2, and were only mentioned by 33% of the ward leaders. Hygiene kits scored an average of 2.5 and were mentioned by 56% of ward leaders. 28% of the ward leaders ranked it on the third position and 26% on the second position. Women s Perspective on NFI Needs Women leaders were asked to rank the needs in terms of NFI assistance, as per women and girls needs. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. Kitchen sets scored an average of 1.8, and were mentioned by 89% of the women leaders. 44% and 26% of the women ranked kitchen sets in first and second position respectively. Menstrual sanitary pads and related items scored an average of 2.6, and were mentioned by 54% of the women leaders. 15% of the women ranked menstrual pads in the first position and 15% in second position. Page 18

19 Hygiene kits scored an average of 3.2, and were mentioned by 83% of the women leaders. 22% ranked the hygiene kits in second position, and 19% in fifth position. Solar lamps scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 70% of the women leaders. 22% of the women ranked solar lamps as a fifth priority. Water storage scored an average 3.4, and was ranked by 67% of the women leaders. 24% of the women ranked water storage in third position and 24% ranked it as a fourth priority. Bedding kits scored an average of 3.5, and were ranked by 87% of the women leaders. 26% and 22% ranked bedding kits as a fourth and fifth priority respectively. Tool kits scored an average of 3.6, and were ranked by 33% of the women leaders. Recommendations Even though it may be ranked lower than shelter in terms of priority, NFI assistance nevertheless remains critical. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Increase NFI distribution in order to cover all households in each targeted ward. Prioritise the distribution of kitchen sets, as households are often left to cook in unsanitary conditions (e.g. outside, over fire pots, sometimes with proximity of dust/animals). Items in kitchen sets should include pots for cooking and/or pressure cooker. Prioritise the distribution of hygiene kits, as households and especially women face difficulties accessing basic items such as soaps, shampoos or sanitary pads. The lack of hygiene items may lead to the spread of diseases in the near future, and should therefore be prioritised by NGOs. When asked how many hygiene items were used on average per household per week, women reported that households consume an average of 4-5 soaps/household/week (used for bathing and laundry). In terms of sanitary pads, women declared needing about 3-4 packs/household/month. AMEU strongly recommends conducting community mobilisation with women in order to assess whether they would prefer to receive reusable pads or non-reusable/plastic pads. This is an important step that should not be overlooked, as some women who had received non-reusable/plastic pads shared their confusion over the items. Provide water filter and water storage in order to purify the water collected for drinking purpose. Women in Pedku reported having received purifying tablets but said they prefer to receive filters as they last longer. As per ward leaders and women s ranking, the 5 most urgent needs in terms of NFI are the following: kitchen sets (1.7), solar lamps (2.6), hygiene kits (2.8), bedding (2.8), tool kits (2.8). Page 19

20 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Main Sources of Drinking Water Gravity water supply schemes are the most common source of drinking water, with a total of 605 schemes covering up to 99% of the population. Pedku and Tauthali VDCs have the highest number of schemes, with 208 and 181 respectively. Yamuna Danda had the lowest number of schemes, and only 87% of its population reportedly benefiting from the gravity water supply schemes. All wards had between 1 to 60 schemes. Details per VDC are shown in Table 3. Table 3. Distribution of Gravity Water Supply Schemes per Household VDCs Average Number of Schemes per Household 12 Yamuna Danda 1 scheme/ 20 households Kunchok 1 scheme/ 35 households Mangkha 1 scheme/ 41 households Pedku 1 scheme/2 households Tauthali 1 scheme/ 8 households Yamuna Danda 1 scheme/ 6 households In three VDCs (Yamuna Danda, Kunchok, and Mangkha), ward leaders also mentioned springs/streams as a main source of drinking water, providing water to 1,069 households. Damages to Water Sources 13 36% of the gravity water schemes and 63% of the springs were reported as damaged yet still functional. Additionally, 20% of the schemes and 37% of the springs/streams were reported as completely destroyed and non-functional. Damages to water infrastructures have left up to 77% of the population with no or limited access to drinking and daily use water. Yamuna Danda, Kunchok and Mangkha are the most affected VDCs with 100% of their population having no or limited access to water. In terms of type of damages, 50% of the ward leaders reported that pipes had been damaged/destroyed due to landslides, and 83% reported that water tanks had been destroyed. Some ward leaders also reported a combination of the two. Women s Perspective on Water Damages 81% of the women leaders reported that their main water sources had been damaged by the earthquakes. It is of note that women leaders from Yamuna Danda reported that their water sources had not been damaged, although this differs from ward leaders data who reported water tank damages to the gravity water supply schemes. Women who are the ones usually in charge of collecting water for domestic purposes now have to travel an average 1.8 km to reach the closest water source. In Kunchok, the 12 As per household benefiting from the scheme, and not total number of households. 13 See Annexes 2 and 3. Page 20

21 average distance goes up to 3.6 km. This negatively impacted women and girls by increasing the time to collect water (reported by 54% of the women leaders), increasing their domestic workload (39%), increasing the distance to access water (35%), and limiting water usage to drinking or bathing (39%). WASH Needs of the Communities Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of their community in terms of WASH assistance. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 3 with 1 as being the most urgent. HDP pipes scored an average of 1.5, and were ranked by 87% of the ward leaders across ranks. 52% of the ward leaders as the most urgent need (rank 1). This may be explained by the fact that a large proportion of pipes were destroyed by the earthquake and that all ward leaders declared that HDP (plastic) pipes are the main type of pipes used. Cement/ concrete for tanks scored an average of 1.9, and was ranked by all (100%) ward leaders. 52% ranked it in second position. Source protection scored an average of 2.8, and was ranked by 61% of the ward leaders. 50% ranked source protection as a third priority. GI pipes scored an average of 2, and were ranked by 39% of the ward leaders. Aggregate, iron rode, RVT construction material and the need to find a new source were also mentioned by 6 ward leaders. Latrines and Hygiene Practices Prior the earthquake, 99% of the households had septic tank latrines. Only 59 households (about 1%) in Kunchok and Mangkha had no latrines. Ward leaders reported that those with no latrines practiced open defecation, or (for a minority) shared latrines with other households. Following the earthquakes, access to latrines has been tremendously impacted, with up to 78% of the households having no access to latrines. The remaining households either use septic tank latrines (12%) or pit latrines (11%). Those with no latrines now reportedly practice open defecation, use temporary latrines or use their previous private latrines despite the damages to the infrastructures. In terms of hygiene practices, all ward leaders declared that households practice handwashing after defecation and prior eating or cooking. Recommendations Latrines, along with food and shelter have been identified by communities as one of the main priorities. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Page 21

22 Most VDCs were Open Defecation Free before the earthquake. The lack of latrines leading people to practice open defecation poses a serious threat to the health of communities and dignity of individuals, especially women. WASH rehabilitation therefore should be considered a priority by NGOs. Distribute material for rebuilding latrines. This would most likely include toilet pan, cement, pipes, CGI sheets. Either cash could be provided to households to allow them to buy the material directly, or material could be provided should it be unavailable in the local markets. Cash for Work with local plumbers could also be implemented to rehabilitate damaged gravity water supply schemes. Distribute water tanks either a ward level or household level. This would likely contribute to decrease the burden of water collection for women. Page 22

23 Health Access to Health Facilities Governmental health facilities are an average 3.3 km away from households, this goes up to 5.4 km in Mangkha, with one ward leader claiming that the closest governmental health facility was 15 km away. 76% of the women leaders reported that their usual governmental health facility has been damaged, although it is of note that no health facility seems to have been impacted by the earthquakes in Yamuna Danda. All ward leaders reported that governmental health facilities were still accessible and open. However, ward leaders declared that activities are being run from tents (reported by 35% of the ward leaders) or damaged building (52%). Only 17% of the ward leaders reported that activities are being run from the undamaged building of the health facility. Furthermore, eight ward leaders from Tauthali and one from Yamuna Danda, reported that the governmental health facility had been shifted to another ward (see Figure 5). Women in Tauthali described their situation: the governmental hospital has collapsed. But we made a makeshift cottage and activities are running there. If someone is too injured then he or she will go to Kathmandu. He or she will have to go by himself/herself; it costs around 6,000-7,000 NPR to go to Kathmandu by bus. If it is not too serious, we go here [i.e. local health facility]. The hospital is in this ward, it takes about 20 minutes to walk there. There is medicine and staff available 14. This shows the limitations of some health facilities in terms of the provision of emergency care for severe injuries, forcing households to travel to urban health facilities to access medical care. This is further concerning as 43% of the women leaders reported that households often have no or little money to spare on healthcare. Figure 5. Location of Activities since the Earthquakes 35% 52% 17% 17% Tents Undamaged building Damaged building Shifted to another ward The latrines of the health facilities in all VDCs but Yamuna Danda were reported being damaged. In terms of caseload, health facilities doubled the number of admissions since the earthquakes, with the health facilities in Kunchok admitting the highest number of patients both prior and after the earthquakes. 14 Source: FGD conducted with women in Tauthali district on 10/06/15. Page 23

24 Private health facilities also tend to be available to communities, although they often remain further away than governmental facilities, with households having to travel an average of 7 km to the nearest one. It is of note that Yamuna Danda VDC does not seem to have any private health facility, while one ward leader in Pedku and in Tauthali also declared the unavailability of private facilities. Most of the private health facilities were reportedly still accessible. Medical assistance provided by NGOs remains low, with only 24% of the ward leaders confirming their presence and accessibility in their VDC. Healthcare Needs Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of the governmental health facilities. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 3 with 1 as being the most urgent. Medicines scored an average of 1.4, and were ranked by all (100%) ward leaders. Medicines were ranked in the first position by 67% of the ward leaders, and in second position by 30% of the ward leaders. Staff scored an average of 2, and was ranked by 72% of the ward leaders. 33% of the ward leaders ranked the need of staff as a second priority. The reconstruction of the building scored an average of 2.4, and was ranked by 69% of the ward leaders. 28% and 33% of the ward leaders ranked the reconstruction of building as a second and third priority respectively. WASH (latrines and water access) rehabilitation scored an average of 2.8, and was ranked by 44% of the ward leaders. 37% of the ward leaders ranked WASH rehabilitation in third position. Tents and tarpaulins scored an average of 2.2, although they were only ranked by 11% of the ward leaders. Access and rubble clearing scored an average of 1, although this was only ranked by 4% of the ward leaders. Recommendations Considering the large number of casualties across Nepal and especially in Sindhupalchok following the earthquakes, providing healthcare services and improving health facilities infrastructures remains a priority in most VDCs. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Rehabilitate health facilities infrastructures, including damaged latrines. Cash for Work activities could be implemented to rehabilitate health facilities. Hygiene promotion, such as refresher trainings, could also be provided to health staff, as basic hygiene practices may be overlooked when running activities in makeshift and unconventional shelters. Distribute medicines to health facilities. However, considering ACTED s lack of medical expertise, AMEU would recommend partnering with a medical NGO. Page 24

25 Food Security Assistance Received All ward leaders reported that their community received some kind of food relief since the earthquakes. All households (100%), across VDCs, for instance, received rice, 98% received sugar and salt, 80% received oils/fats, 63% received lentils or dhal, 32% received tea and spices, 4% received food for young children and 2% received vegetables. No households received any meat or fish, fruits or eggs. This data correlates with the food basket procured by WFP. Yamuna Danda, Mangkha and Kunchok are the VDCs that received the most food relief. Details on food relief received per VDC can be found in Figure 6. Figure 6. Food Relief Received 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Baramchae Kunchok Mangkha Pedku Tauthali Yamuna Danda Rice Vegetables Oils/fats Food for young children and infant Lentils Tea and spices Sugar and salt Around one quarter (24%) of the ward leaders reported that households have already consumed the food relief distributed; this is especially true in seven wards in Mangkha (see details in Figure 7). Around one quarter (26%) of the ward leaders reported that households have reportedly two weeks left of food relief. This is mostly the case in five wards in Pedku and in six wards in Yamuna Danda. Women in Pedku shared their situation: before the earthquakes, we had enough food like rice, corn, wheat but all crops were destroyed by the earthquakes. We received relief 2-3 days ago. We received rice. It will last 15 days. We received relief frequently, each time around 2, 3 or 4 kg. In total we received 30 kg. We don't have vegetables, and after two weeks we don't know what we will do. [ ] We don t have enough rice to survive 15. Around one quarter (24%) of the ward leaders reported that households have more than four weeks left of food relief. This is the case in all nine wards in Tauthali. However, 15 Source: FGD conducted with women in Pedku district on 10/06/15. Page 25

26 women s opinion in Tauthali differed from ward leaders. They explained: We received food five times. In total, each household received 60 kg of rice, as well as dhal, salt, sugar and oil, noodles, biscuits. It will last 20 days. We received the food one week ago. So we will not have any problem for the next two weeks. If we have money we can purchase food, but we don t have money, so we won t be able to buy food. Wheat crops have collapsed, so there is no wheat now. [ ] We don t have Lactogen for children, it is not in the market 16. Figure 7. Distribution of Food Relief 3 weeks 9% More than 4 weeks 24% 2 weeks 26% Already consumed 24% 1 week 13% Less than 1 week 4% Food relief has been mainly provided by the government (reported by 87% of the ward leaders), followed by INGOs (67%) such as Oxfam, Save the Children, Child Fund, LWF, Red Cross. Local NGOs such as Tuki Sang, Lama Association, Magar Samaj, Phase Nepal and NRCS provided food relief in 46% of the wards. Banks, Christian communities and individuals (in 46% of the wards) also reportedly contributed to the distribution of food relief. Local NGOs seem to be more active in Pedku, Tauthali and Yamuna Danda VDCs. They did not distribute food relief in Mangkha or Kunchok. INGO tended to be operative in all six VDCs but especially in Yamuna Danda, Pedku and Tauthali. The government has reportedly distributed food relief in all VDCs. Other sources of assistance are active in Kunchok and Tauthali. Food Needs of the Communities Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of their community in terms of food relief. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. 16 Source: FGD conducted with women in Tauthali district on 10/06/15. Page 26

27 Rice scored an average of 1.1, and was ranked by 98% of the ward leaders. 94% of the ward leaders ranked rice as the most urgent need in terms of food. Lentils (dhal) ranked an average of 2.4, and were ranked by 87% of the ward leaders. 65% of the ward leaders ranked lentils as a second priority. Oils/fats scored an average of 3.4, and were ranked by 96% of the ward leaders. 48% of the ward leaders ranked oils and fats in third position. Sugar and salt scored an average of 3.5, and were ranked by 85% of the ward leaders. 31% of the ward leaders ranked sugar and salt in third position, while 35% ranked it as a fourth priority. Vegetables scored an average of 3.7, and were ranked by 43% of the ward leaders. 20% of the ward leaders ranked vegetables in fifth position. Food for young children and infant scored an average of 4, and was ranked by 31% of the ward leaders. 15% of the ward leaders ranked food for young children and infant as a fifth priority. Tea and spices scored an average of 4.5, and were ranked by 48% of the ward leaders. 31% of the ward leaders ranked tea and spices as a fifth priority. Meat and fish scored an average of 4.7, although they were ranked by only 6% of the ward leaders. Fruits scored an average of 4.7, although they were ranked by only 6% of the ward leaders. No ward leaders reported the need to receive eggs, which may be explained by the fact that eggs are more or less available to households through their poultry. Women s Perspective on Food Needs Women leaders were asked to rank the needs in terms of food relief, as per women and girls needs. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. Rice scored an average of 1.3, and was ranked by 98% of the women leaders. 81% of the women leaders ranked it as the main priority (rank 1). Lentils/dhal scored an average of 2.6, and were ranked by 81% of the women leaders. 54% of the women leaders ranked lentils/dhal as a second priority. Oils/fats scored an average of 3.1, and were ranked by 93% of the women leaders. 20% of the women ranked oils/fats in second position, and 46% ranked oils/fats in third position. Vegetables scored an average of 3.3, and were ranked by 59% of the women leaders. 20% of the women ranked it in fifth position. Sugar and salt scored an average of 4, and were ranked by 80% of the women leaders. 50% of the women ranked it as a fourth priority. Tea and spices scored an average of 4.6, and were ranked by 37% of the women leaders. 26% of the women ranked it as a fifth priority. Page 27

28 Food for young children and infant scored an average of 3.7, and was ranked by 24% of the women leaders. Meat and fish scored an average of 3, and were ranked by 13% of the women leaders. Fruits scored an average of 4, and were ranked by 7% of the women leaders. Eggs scored an average of 4.3, and were ranked by 7% of the women leaders. Recommendations Food relief remains one of the top three priorities identified by communities. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Distribute food, especially in the less targeted VDCs such as Yamuna Danda and Pedku. While all communities have received food relief, households will likely face food shortages in the following days or weeks. Items distributed should include food for young children and infant as well as food for pregnant women. As per ward leaders and women s ranking, the 5 most urgent needs in terms of food are the following: rice (1.2), lentils (2.5), oils/fats (3.2), vegetables (3.5) and sugar/salt (3.7). Page 28

29 Infrastructures and Education In terms of road access, 68% of the wards are linked to a main road, and 26% of the wards are located on the main road. 91% off these roads are functional, while the remaining is not repairable with manpower. In terms of education, 48 schools (32 primary schools and 16 secondary schools) were recorded, although this may include some double counting (e.g. one school for more than one ward). On average, there are 195 students per school 17, and schools are about 1.4 km away. All schools have been destroyed by the earthquakes, yet 63% of the ward leaders reported that the schools are still open but operating in tents, tarpaulins or in makeshift shelters. 70% of the ward leaders reported that schools have damaged latrines and would therefore require WASH rehabilitation. Women leaders reported various impacts on children s education, such as the difficulties to teach classes in makeshift/tents shelters, the inability to afford education fees for their children, and the fear to send their children to study in or next to damaged buildings. Education Needs Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of the school facilities. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 3 with 1 as being the most urgent. The reconstruction of the building scored an average 1.7, and was ranked by 57% of the ward leaders. 33% of the ward leaders ranked the reconstruction of the school building as a first priority. WASH (latrines and water access) rehabilitation scored an average of 2.3, and was ranked by 67% of the ward leaders. 43% of the ward leaders ranked it as a second priority. School supplies scored an average of 2.4, and were ranked by 52% of the ward leaders. 30% of the ward leaders ranked school supplies as a third priority. Tents and tarpaulins scored an average of 1.3, although they were ranked only by 28% of the ward leaders. 20% of the ward leaders ranked tents and tarpaulins as a first priority. Recommendations A number of schools across Nepal, and in Sindhupalchok, have been severely damaged by the earthquakes, which as a result has negatively impacted the education of thousands of children. Going back to school is a priority for children as it enables them to go back to a normal life. Furthermore, according to UNICEF 18, the longer children are out of school after a disaster, the less likely it is for them to ever go back to the classroom. It is therefore crucial 17 This may include some double-counting (accessed 02/07/15) Page 29

30 to ensure that schools are able to resume their activities as soon as possible. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Rehabilitate schools infrastructures, including damaged latrines. Cash for Work activities could be implemented to rehabilitate school facilities. Distribute school supplies (from books/notebooks to furniture). Page 30

31 Livelihoods Main Livelihoods Households main livelihoods in Sindhupalchok revolve around subsistence agriculture, with most households combining more than one activity. In this regard, 94% of the households cultivate crops and 79% rear livestock. Only a minority runs businesses, holds governmental jobs or is employed in private businesses (see Table 4). Table 4. Main Livelihoods Main Livelihoods % of Households Crop agriculture 94% Livestock rearing 79% Agro-business (vegetables selling, restaurant, etc.) 3% Non-agro business (small shops, etc.) 2% Governmental job 7% Services and tourism 1% Rice, vegetables, corn, wheat, potatoes, millet (known as Kodo), and oil crops are the most cultivated crops by households. Other cultivated crops include barley, grain amaranth and legumes, although these seem to be grown only by a minority of households. All these crops are mostly used for household s consumption. In terms of livestock reared, chicken, goats and to a lesser extent cows are both raised for household s consumption and for income. Pigs and bees were also mentioned to be raised, although only a few households rear them. Ward leaders reported that around 62% of the households 19 lost their agricultural land, 80% lost their harvest and 78% lost their agro inputs such as tools, seeds or storage facilities. Ward leaders reported that 42% of the households 20 lost livestock, and 15% lost grazing land. Women in Pedku described the impact of the earthquakes on their livelihoods: Land is fragmented everywhere, we still have corn but it is dry from the sun, and we have nothing to plant because we were told by the government to not plant because the land is too fragmented and there are landslides Out of the households whose main livelihood is crop agriculture. 20 Out of the households whose main livelihood is livestock rearing. 21 Source: FGD conducted with women in Pedku district on 10/06/15. Page 31

32 Similar situation is found in Tauthali, where women said: Before the earthquake, we were satisfied with our livelihoods, we had crops such as vegetables, kodo, corn, wheat and vegetables. There is no business, only subsistence agriculture. We don t have enough productivity to sell our products. The earthquakes destroyed all livelihoods, all the crops. Some crops were due to be harvested during the earthquake period but they have been damaged. We harvested and took it in the house but the house has been destroyed. [ ]The land is too fragmented in some areas. On the hillside it is difficult to plant because the land is fragmented and we are scared of landslides 22. This combined to the trauma of the earthquakes may explain why 22% of the women leaders and 24% of the ward leaders reported that households are not ready to restart their livestock rearing/agricultural activities. It is of note that households in Kunchok especially, tend to be less ready than other VDCs in restarting their livelihood activities. Division of Labour According to women leaders, women are mostly involved in crop agriculture and livestock rearing. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more involved in running small businesses. Men are the main income provider, with women contributing to around 40% of the household s income. Although it is of note that women in Yamuna Danda tend to have a lower contribution rate to the household income. This would need further investigation, but it could be explained by the fact that women tend to be less involved in income generating activities (but more in subsistence activities such as farming) or that women s contribution to the household s income is less recognised by communities. Women tend to be the ones in charge of pre-harvest and harvest activities, while men are mostly in charge of harvest and post-production activities such as sales and processing. It is of note, that in Tauthali, women tend to be in charge of post-production activities, unlike other VDCs. Both men and women tend to make decisions regarding pre-harvest, harvest and post-production activities. It is of note that in Yamuna Danda, women only are involved in decision making regarding pre-harvest and harvest activities (see Table 5). Table 5. Division of Labour in Agriculture In charge of (conducting) Pre-Harvest In charge of decision-making Pre-Harvest Harvest Post-production activities Harvest Post-production activities 22 Source: FGD conducted with women in Tauthali district on 10/06/15. Page 32

33 In terms of livestock rearing, women tend to be the ones taking care of livestock on a daily basis, while men are the ones in charge of sales. It is of note that in Yamuna Danda, women are also involved in the later, while in Tauthali women only are in charge of selling livestock produce. Both women (in Yamuna Danda, Kunchok and Mangkha) and women and men tend to be involved in making decision regarding daily care of livestock and regarding sales (see Table 6). Table 6. Division of Labour in Livestock Rearing In charge of (conducting) In charge of decision-making Livestock care Selling livestock produce Livestock care Selling livestock produce / Assistance Received Only a small proportion (35%) of the wards received livelihood assistance. Approximately 20% of the households received assistance in the form of seeds distribution. It is of note that all VDCs but Mangkha received livelihood relief. Livelihood assistance has been mainly provided by the government followed by INGOs such as Oxfam and FAO. Ward leaders also mentioned that other sources (although these were not specified) provided livelihood relief. INGO tended to be operative in Yamuna Danda and to a lesser extent in Kunchok. The government mostly distributed in Yamuna Danda and to a lesser extent in Pedku and Tauthali. Other sources were more active in Kunchok. Livelihoods Needs of the Communities Ward leaders were asked to rank the needs of their community in terms of livelihoods assistance. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. Seeds scored an average of 2.3, and were ranked by 91% of the ward leaders. 39% of the ward leaders ranked seeds as a first priority. Shelter for livestock scored an average of 2.6, and was ranked by 96% of the ward leaders. 37% of the ward leaders ranked shelter for livestock as a first priority, and 20% ranked it as a fifth priority. Livestock scored an average of 3, and was ranked by 65% of the ward leaders. 24% of the ward leaders ranked it in third position. Animal feed scored an average of 3.1, and was ranked by 65% of the ward leaders. 20% of the ward leaders ranked it as a third position. Page 33

34 Storage units scored an average of 3.2, and were ranked by 61% of the ward leaders. 18% of the ward leaders ranked storage units in second position. Tools scored an average of 3.8, and were ranked by 67% of the ward leaders. 28% of the ward leaders ranked tools as a fifth priority. Vocational training scored an average of 3.7, and was ranked by 52% of the ward leaders. 20% of the ward leaders ranked it as a fourth priority. Women s Perspective on Livelihoods Needs Women leaders were asked to rank the needs in terms of livelihood relief, as per women and girls needs. They were given a list of items which they had to rank from 1 to 5 with 1 as being the most urgent. Seeds scored an average of 2.1, and were ranked by 93% of the women leaders. 50% of the women leaders ranked it as a first priority. Shelter for livestock scored an average of 3.1, and was ranked by 94% of the women leaders. 28% of the women leaders ranked it as a second priority. Vocational training scored an average of 3.2, and was ranked by 59% of the women leaders. 22% of the women leaders ranked vocational training in second position. Tools scored an average of 3.3 and were ranked by 63% of the women leaders. 22% of the women leaders ranked tools in third position. Livestock scored an average of 3.1, and was ranked by 69% of the women leaders. 22% of the women leaders ranked it as a fourth priority. Animal feed scored an average of 3, and was ranked by 57% of the women leaders. Storage units scored an average of 3.7, and were ranked by 59% of the women leaders. 22% of the women leaders ranked it as a fourth priority. Recommendations Supporting households to rebuild their livelihoods is an essential step in increasing communities resilience. AMEU would therefore recommend the following: Many households reported their fear over the damage in their land (fragmented/cracked land). Providing some technical support over the dangerousness of their land may enable to lessen some of the trauma and encourage households to start re-planting. Activities could involve mini-assessments done by agronomists for each arable plot. Cash for Work could also be implemented to rehabilitate plots, whenever possible. Distribute seeds and/or livestock and agro inputs such as tools or storage units. This activity could follow the technical assessment done by agronomists. As per ward leaders and women s ranking, the 5 most urgent needs in terms of livelihoods are the following: seeds (2.4), livestock (3), animal feed (3), storage units (3.4), vocational training (3.4). Page 34

35 Head of the household Whole Household Female Adult Member Male Adult Member Use savings Sale of Remaining Productive Assets (seeds, tools, livestock, land, etc.) From a formal institution From an informal institution (moneylender) From family/friends Food expenses (less meal, less food/meal, etc.) Health Education External assistance Detailed Needs Assessments- Sindhupalchok Coping Strategies Women and ward leaders were asked how households will cope with the loss from the earthquakes. The large majority of households will, according to leaders, cope by using their own savings, taking loans from their social network such as friends or family members, and to a lower extent from informal/formal networks. Even more concerning is the number of leaders who reported that households will reduce their expenses, notably in terms of food, health or education. This was found to be more prevalent in Yamuna Danda, Kunchok and Mangkha VDCs. Considering that most of the households were already economically insecure prior the earthquakes, it can be assumed that these coping strategies will negatively impact households, and further deepen their vulnerability by depleting their resources and increasing their indebtedness. Figure 8. Coping Strategies of Households 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Labour Migration Savings and Assets Loans Reduce Expenses Other Ward leaders Women leaders Average A rather high percentage (36%) of leaders also reported the expectations of communities to rely on external assistance provided by the government or by NGOs. In this regard, while it is crucial to provide relief assistance to households to enable them to save on costs and not rely on negative coping strategies, it is also essential that relief assistance encourages communities to build back resilient livelihoods in order to lessen their dependence on external aid. Page 35

36 Conclusion The earthquakes have impacted households on multiple levels, affecting not only their shelter but also their food supplies, access to latrines and water, and access to basic hygiene and cooking items. Shelter kits remain the most crucial priority for the households, followed by access to latrines/wash and food. Future activities should therefore focus on the aforementioned sectors. AMEU suggests the following general recommendations Activities should strongly take into accounts the needs of female and elderly headed households, notably in terms of transport and assistance for building shelters. NFI kits should include specific items aimed at pregnant women and young children. Hygiene kits should acknowledge the quantity of items used by households on a weekly basis. Access to WASH and latrines remains a critical necessity for communities and should be prioritised by NGOs activities. Furthermore, it is assumed that households will reconstruct toilets should they be provided with construction material. Rehabilitation of water sources should also be prioritised in order to not only decrease the burden on women s domestic workload but also to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases. Households will face difficulties in accessing food in the coming days/weeks. As such, activities should include either food or cash distribution to allow households to buy staple food items. Many households lost their main source of income/food, and have bleak prospects for the future. Households plot size has often been dramatically reduced due to landslides and cracks. This may have a severe impact on households food security as most of them usually use their harvest for internal consumption. It is therefore essential to implement livelihood recovery activities in order to build households resilience, to mitigate displacement and migration, and to reduce the risk of communities relying on external aid for survival. Many women expressed their psychological trauma over the impact of the earthquakes, such as their fear of aftershocks. AMEU would therefore strongly recommend providing psycho-socio counselling to targeted communities. NGOs should remain aware and careful of discrimination during distribution, as vulnerable households (e.g. elderly, uneducated ) tend to face challenges in accessing relief from local authorities (e.g. VDC leaders) or relief committee members. Page 36

37 ANNEXES Annex 1 Main Markets Page 37