Attachments
Executive summary
Nepal is highly prone to disasters such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, fires, and lightning. In September 2024, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in the East Koshi basin, particularly affecting the Saptari and Sunsari districts. The floods displaced households, damaged crops, and disrupted livelihoods.
In 2024, Nepal activated its Coordinated Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework to reduce the impact of forecasted floods, reaching over 64,000 people in high-risk areas like Saptari and Sunsari with early assistance. To assess the effectiveness of aid from FAO, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WFP, a Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) study was conducted in February 2025. Using a mixed-method approach, the study surveyed 885 households through quantitative and qualitative methods.The sample included beneficiaries of FAO (305), UNFPA (301), UNICEF (168) and WFP (295). Data was collected using household surveys, focus groups and key informant interviews, ensuring comprehensive assessment of the intervention’s effectiveness. The focus group discussions involved beneficiaries of anticipatory actions from WFP, FAO, UNFPA, and UNICEF across Saptari and Sunsari districts, including recipients of cash assistance, agricultural inputs, and dignity kits. Key informant interviews were held with Disaster Risk Management (DRM) representatives, mayors, and health personnel from hospitals and birthing centers involved in implementing the interventions, particularly those related to UNFPA’s Inter-Agency Reproductive Health (IARH) kits. The survey was conducted digitally, using WFP’s corporate Mobile Operational Data Acquisition (MODA) platform. Overallquality assurance of the study was ensured through rigorous enumerator training and data validation at all key stages. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, privacy and anonymity, were prioritized.
The survey showed 65.4 percent female respondents, with marginalized groups like Terai/ Madhesi Dalits, Muslims, and Janajatis well-represented. Literacy levels were low; over half of the respondents were illiterate or had no formal education. Most respondents were aged 25–49 years, with UNICEF cash recipients including older individualsabove 50 years. High female participation and low literacy rates likely influenced the understanding and use of the interventions. While the programmes successfully reached marginalized and vulnerable groups, limited literacy may have reduced beneficiaries' ability to fully understand and utilize the support. This suggests the need for adapted communication strategies to maximize the effectiveness and long-term impact of the interventions.
Most households (90.5 percent) lived in their own homes, often vulnerable kacha houses1(58.8 percent). About 4.9percent of respondents had disabilities, and 11percent of households included a member with disability. The fact that 81.5percent of respondents identified flood risks as a major concern, yet 32.4 percent did not receive early warnings and 33 percent took no action even after receiving warnings, suggests significant gaps in the early warning systems and community preparedness. This indicates an urgent need for programme implementers to strengthen early warning dissemination and ensure that messages are actionable and accessible, especially for vulnerable populations. Immediate attention is needed to improve both the coverage and effectiveness of warning mechanisms to reduce disaster risks.Floods entered the homes of 68.2 percent of the assisted households (FAO – 65%; UNFPA – 58%; UNICEF – 80%; and, WFP – 90%). The floods caused significant damage to homes, crops (29 percent total loss), livestock (28 percent loss), and businesses, leading to food insecurity and economic challenges.
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