“In the heart of challenges, Ghodesim Village found a lifeline in the form of an irrigation canal, reshaping their landscape and fortunes.”

The village’s survival was attributed to the construction of an irrigation canal; technical personnel from Tila Rural Municipality had initially estimated a 25-meter concrete canal, yet the villagers, despite their limited expertise, successfully built a 65-meter canal with the same resources.

According to group member Kal Bahadur Rokaya, “Previously, we had to prioritize tending to the irrigation canal over all other tasks, but now we no longer need to devote our time solely to it.” Krishna Rokaya, the group’s President, adds, “With the completion of the canal, water no longer enters the village, adequately irrigating approximately 25 hectares of land. This canal even generates electricity to light up the village. Over the past six years, we’ve formed livelihood improvement groups, planted trees, and built gabions to prevent landslides, all with the assistance of PACE Nepal.”

Despite being unable to secure support for irrigation canal construction from government and non-governmental entities in the district, Pace Nepal played an instrumental role in facilitating and advising the initiation of the canal construction process in Ghodesim village, collaborating with local authorities. Despite facing limited resources, the community received a modest contribution of Rs. 20,000 from Tila Rural Municipality. PACE Nepal extended a grant of Rs. 100,000 and an additional Rs. 576,000 for labor costs, totaling Rs. 676,000 for the Ghodesim small irrigation project.

Ghodemahadev, located in Jumla District, Tila Rural Municipality Ward No. 7, is marked by geographical challenges and backwardness. While Nagma Market lies on one side, the village contends with both flooding and aridity, leaving its problems unresolved. The canal has mitigated some of these issues by providing irrigation to local lands on a smaller scale. Fear of water entering the village during the rainy season and damaging homes, coupled with concerns about inadequate irrigation water, had made life difficult for Ghodesim residents.

Previously, in this village plagued by geographical constraints, PACE Nepal has undertaken diverse initiatives since 2069 B.S. The food security project implemented by PACE Nepal has facilitated year-round access to fresh vegetables through household greenhouses, a remarkable shift from relying solely on seasonal produce during the rainy months.

This project serves as a noteworthy example. Vice President Vishnu Buddha expresses profound gratitude to PACE Nepal for its swift and substantial assistance. Village executive VADA member Laxmi Rokaya extends appreciation to Karitas Nepal and PACE Nepal, while highlighting the anticipation for support for further irrigation channels.

With the completion of the canal, water no longer enters the village, adequately irrigating approximately 25 hectares of land. This canal even generates electricity to light up the village. Over the past six years, we’ve formed livelihood improvement groups, planted trees, and built gabions to prevent landslides, all with the assistance of PACE Nepal.”