Partnering with Communities to Improve Life in the Villages

PSI Partnered Villagers Live a Challenging Life

The Average Income in Nepal Remains Low

Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world, with about 25% of its population living below the poverty line. The average income levels in the urban and rural areas are roughly the same: $300 vs. $251 per month.

Household Income is Farming-Based

The National Census of Nepal provides a regional snapshot of PSI's four partner-villages: Fasku (1,100 households), Gajarkot (1,300 households), Ramjakot (900 households) and Rupakot (1,100 households).

The Nepal Census Provides a Snapshot of the Four Communities Served by PSI

One in every five people who have jobs in Nepal, are employed in agriculture, the largest employing industry. Trade industry had the second largest share of employment (17%), followed by construction (14%).

Nepal’s unemployment rate is at 11% but there are major disparities between the rates for male and females, among provinces, and between urban and rural geographic locations where unemployment rates can surge into the 30% range.

  • Average household size is 4.
  • Over 90% of the residents depend upon substance agriculture for their welfare and livelihood.
  • Over 95% of the households own their own homes.
  • Up to 30% of the households are without a toilet facility.
  • The percent of homes lacking piped-in drinking water ranges from 20%-60%.
  • Two of the four villages, Rupakot and Fasku, are served by electricity which provides light in the 66%-95% of the households.
  • Solar energy and kerosene provide the fuel source for light in the remaining two villages, Fasku and Gajarkot.
  • Solar energy is being used by 70% of the households.
  • Wood is the most common fuel source for cooking in 66% to 99% percent of the households.

The Dalit Social Class

The percent of the PSI-partnered communities recognized as members of the Dalit social class ranges from 4%-20%.

The Dalits are considered to be the most discriminated people under the Nepali caste system. They are discriminated against in religious, economic, educational, and political spheres. Because of their ‘untouchable’ status, they suffer most from continued poverty and have few-to-no opportunities for improving their standard of living. Many Dalit children are unable to attend school more than two years.

Your Financial Help Can Provide:

  • convenient access to clean and fresh drinking water,
  • improved sanitation in the home and community,
  • education regarding improved and sustainable agricultural techniques,
  • strengthened power sources for household use,
  • grants to women’s groups for community social projects and events.
  • emergency relief for disasters affecting home, health and subsistence.

A $100 contribution can fund the cost of delivering clean drinking water to an additional three households.

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