Strategic framework for resilient livelihoods in earthquake-affected areas of Nepal
On 25 April, Nepal experienced a catastrophic earthquake that not only took the lives of over 8,000 people, injured over 22,000, and displaced over 100,000, it also affected the livelihoods of over 2.28 million households and pushed an additional 700,000 people below the poverty line. In light of this, ICIMOD, together with the National Planning Commission of the Government of Nepal, has prepared this report to provide insights into how to restore, revive, and revitalize livelihoods focusing on the various socioeconomic challenges towards a strategic framework for designing and implementing actions, particularly those in the 14 most affected hill and mountain areas. This publication aims to complement the Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) of the Government of Nepal by providing insights into the livelihood dimensions of the earthquake and its socioeconomic and livelihood impacts. It explores the strategic choices and options for developing resilient livelihoods post-earthquake, and details a number of key elements of a strategy for livelihood recovery to inform the Government of Nepal’s post-disaster policies and strategic plan. It provides guidance towards a long-term strategy for the transition from reconstruction and restoration to sustainable livelihoods that are more resilient to future disasters.