Locations
Livelihoods Improvement and Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the Areas Affected by the Jajarkot Earthquake
Summary
The project provides recovery and rehabilitation support to communities affected by the November 2023 Jajarkot earthquake, with funding from the Government of Japan. It targets five local governments across Jajarkot and Rukum West districts. In addition to recovery and reconstruction efforts, the project places strong emphasis on strengthening local government capacities and enhancing disaster preparedness. Over a 12-month period, it will support the rebuilding of essential community infrastructure, construction of prefabs for delivery of basic services, promote community-led recovery, and enhance resilience—working in close collaboration with UN-Habitat, development partners, and local governments.
Background
Nepal is one of the most disaster-prone countries, with nearly 80% of the population vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards, including earthquakes, storms, landslides, floods (notably from glacial lake outbursts), forest fires, and droughts. The earthquake that struck western Nepal on 3 November 2023 severely affected the districts of Jajarkot and Rukum West in Karnali Province. It caused significant damage to community infrastructure, including irrigation systems, homes, and public buildings—disrupting essential services and livelihoods. Leveraging its extensive experience in disaster risk reduction and recovery, UNDP will support recovery and rehabilitation, while fostering long-term resilience.
Targeted Achievement
- 149,495 people benefit across the five project municipalities
- 10 prefabricated buildings constructed
- Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) plans developed or updated for 5 local governments
- 1,000 people trained in disaster response, with at least 30% participation from women and youth
- Livelihood assistance provided to 400 households, including 30% led by women
- 35 small-scale community infrastructures reconstructed or repaired to support resilient livelihoods
- 2 cold storage facilities operated to preserve agricultural produce and enhance market access
- Psychosocial counselling provided to 400 community members, with a minimum of 30% representation from women, youth, and marginalized groups
Project Outputs
Output 1: Local and district level governance in earthquake-affected areas strengthened to ensure continuity of basic service delivery, support long-term reconstruction, and enhance disaster preparedness
Output 2: Earthquake-affected community resilience enhanced in selected districts and local governments
GEDSI
The project is designed with a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens, ensuring the active participation of vulnerable communities, including marginalized groups such as women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and youth throughout its implementation. Key features of the project include the construction of accessible prefab structures and facility centers, psychosocial support for 400 community members—30% of whom will be women, youth, and marginalized groups—and livelihood support for 800 individuals, with 30% coming from women-led households.
Related Materials:
Project details:
| Project Status | Active |
| Project Period | March 2025-February 2026 |
| Project ID | 00120172 |
| Focus Area | Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery |
| Geographic Coverage | • Jajarkot District: Nalgad Municipality, Bheri Municipality, Barekot Rural Municipality • Rukum West District: Aathbiskot Municipality, Sanibheri Rural Municipality |
| Source of Funding | Government of Japan and UNDP |
| Implementing Partners | UN-Habitat, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives in Karnali Province, District Administration Offices, Local Governments |
| Budget | USD 1,719,212 |
Contact Details
| Contact | CO Focal Point Pragyajan Yalambar Rai Portfolio Manager Email: pragyajan.rai@undp.org | Project Focal Point Sudhir Kumar Risk Management Specialist Email: sudhir.kumar@undp.org |
