Implemented by the partner NGO "IIDS" The SRDPP is implemented by a long-term partner organization of Helvetas-Nepal, the Institute for Integrated Development Studies (IIDS). The programme follows a participatory approach on the assumption that participating community members are the principal actors in their self-reliance development. The most socially and economically disadvantaged people are encouraged and supported to establish their own organizations at the grassroots level. The programme was started in 1996 and covers 18 VDCs in Nawalparasi.

• A total of 3,500 members have organized themselves into 205 income-generating groups (IGGs); 50% of the group members are women, 29% Dalit, 57% Janjati and 8% Muslim.

• Groups have federated into 18 savings and credit cooperatives (SCCs) or coordination committees (CCs) at VDC level and a total of 1,795 persons have taken membership.

• The IGGs, SCCs and CCs have collected a total of NRs 9,341,163 for their Self-reliant Fund. The fund has been mobilized among the participating members to address their needs, both consumptive and productive.

• Operations of the programme have been handed over to SCC or CC in 12 VDCs, remaining programme to be handed over in 2006/2007.

• More than 600 members have mobilized loans for income-generating activities such as vegetable farming, livestock raising, fisheries, small trade or business and other initiatives.

• Families were also supported for citizenship certificates, birth certification, access to school and health services and other needs.

IIDS facilitates the programme through social mobilization staff and technical advice.

• Income-generating groups are the main local actors;

• Groups federate into SCC or CC; and

• SCC and CC link to banking services for mobilizing additional funds.

The programme is jointly supported by Helvetas and Fastenopfer with an annual budget of approximately NRs 26,00,000.

CONTACT DETAILS

IIDS
P.O. Box 2254, Kathmandu, Nepal
Ph. 01- 4371006;
Email: iids@wlink.com.np

3. SELF-RELIANT DEVELOPMENT OF THE POOR BY THE POOR (SDPPP)

Implemented by the partner NGO “RSDC” The Self-Reliant Development of the Poor by the Poor Programme (SDPPP) is working in 12 and 10 VDCs of Bardiya and Banke districts, respectively. The vision of the programme is the transformation of the disadvantaged communities into dignified and self-reliant society, liberated from existing precarious economic conditions, social exploitation and ill practices.

OUTCOMES

• Cognitive and analytical faculty of the rural poor are enhanced for a better understanding and control over their environment and participation in decision making processes.

• Spirit of solidarity, co-operation and self-empowerment, self-esteem and self-confidence are built among the poor for liberation from deprivation.

• Material conditions of the poor are improved by enhancing their capacity for efficiently managing their available resources.

• Income of the marginal section of the rural poor communities is increased through agricultural and micro enterprise development activities. 

PRESENT STATUS

·          A total of 4,576 households have formed 202 Income Generating Groups (IGG) groups with 13% Dalit, 46% Janjati and 41% various other minority groups

·          IGGs have federated into 16 VDC-level Swabalamban Saving and Credit Cooperatives Limited (SSACCOL) with a fund mobilization of NRs 19,895,943.00 among the member households

·          Members are supported with technical assistance from the programme and financial resources from their savings for agricultural income generation (vegetable production, fruit cultivation and livestock)

·          Local resource persons are developed to provide technical advise to groups at local level

·          Rights based issues are tackled through gender sensitization, legal training and child rights support

·          Women are supported to develop their enterprising ideas (e.g., snack preparation, sweet making, beads weaving)

·          Awareness is raised among families about the causes and suffering of uterus prolapse

·          SSACCOLs are gradually taking responsibility for programme implementation

PARTNERSHIP

SDPPP is implemented by RSDC

·          Income generation groups which federate into SSACCOL

·          Local Resource Persons capacitated to provide technical advise at local level

FUNDING

The programme is jointly supported by Helvetas Nepal and Fastenopfer.