The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded financial assistance totaling $121 million to various NGOs for five new development programmes.

‘Suaahara II’, a five-year, $63 million program has been awarded to Hellen Keller International. The programme is dedicated on improving nutrition in 40 districts through education, water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements, access to health services, and backyard poultry and vegetable farming.

Another programme ‘Feed the Future Seed and Fertiliser Project’ has been awarded to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre.  This is a five-year, $15 million project that will partner with the government and private companies to help farmers get access to better seeds and fertilisers for high-quality productivity in 25 districts.

Likewise International Water Management Institute has been awarded a $2.5 million project ‘Sustainable, Just and Productive Water Resources Development in Western Nepal’. This three-year project aims to support the management of rivers and lakes in Karnali and Mahakali river basins in sustainable ways. 

A project ‘Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project’ has been awarded to FHI360. This five-year, $15 million project will strengthen civil society organisations’ ability to advocate for government effectiveness and accountability. 

Likewise, ‘Program for Aquatic Natural Resources Improvement (PANI)’ has been awarded to DAI Global. This five-year, $25 million project under Nepali government will help communities benefit economically from rivers and lakes and conserve local fish and other wildlife.

“These new projects address both the continuing needs of the Nepali people post-earthquake, and at the same time build sustainable communities that support Nepal’s long-term development goals,” said Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz.