For more than two decades, dZi Foundation has walked alongside some of the most remote and underserved communities in Nepal’s eastern hills. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones: improving food and water security, expanding access to education, and strengthening the infrastructure that connects people to their dreams.
dZi has supported over 61,000 people across 13 communities. Today, these communities and their local governments have institutionalized support processes and taken full ownership of long-term sustainability. As these communities thrive with access to basic infrastructures and knowledge in their own hands, we are excited to bring our support to five new municipalities and one existing.
Downstream of the eastern hills, there are families that still lack basic needs and are acutely vulnerable to a changing climate. In this exciting period of growth, dZi is expanding our support to these communities.
Koshi: A Basin of Untapped Potential
The Koshi River Basin is one of Nepal’s most diverse and vibrant landscapes, stretching from the towering heights of the Himalayas down to the fertile plains. It is a region defined by water and resilience, supporting over 39 million people across Nepal, China, and India, with over 10 million in Nepal.
While the region is integral to Nepal’s economy and culture, the statistics reveal a stark reality for those who call it home:
- Economic Barriers: 40% of inhabitants live below the poverty line.
- Climate Vulnerability: Over 116,000 households are at constant risk from floods, landslides, and erratic weather.
- Disaster Impact: More than 73,000 families are currently struggling with the aftermath of natural disasters.
Building on decades of deep-rooted experience, dZi is embarking on a new partnership with six local governments—Belaka Municipality, Hanumannagar Municipality, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality, Gadhi Rural Municipality, Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality, and Sunkoshi Rural Municipality. dZi is bringing more than aid to the Koshi River Basin; we are bringing a proven model of community-led development designed to last.
Over the next three years, dZi will support 7,200 marginalized households and indirectly reach over 28,000 households (approx. 175,000 people) through integrated intervention:
- Access to Essential Services (health, education, water accessibility, and resilient infrastructure)
- Inclusive local economic development and livelihoods
- Disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation
- Evidence-based policy and knowledge management
With the start of our interventions, we are already seeing program outcomes in these areas as we invest in women charting their own paths toward economic independence.
Sita runs a small stall selling quick snacks like chips, fruits, water, and more on a very busy Highway to meet her end needs; Despite full dedication, she always experienced low customer flow. With the support from dZi, she invested in a fridge to expand her business, adding chilled drinks and juices in her stall for customers to enjoy their ride break. Now, she is attracting more customers than ever before, and her sales have almost doubled on a daily basis, thereby strengthening her livelihood.
She says, “I am the sole breadwinner for the family. My husband cannot work due to his health issues. The newly purchased fridge has helped me increase my sales and generate more income. I am incredibly happy.”
Extending dZi’s support across the Koshi River Basin is more than just geographical expansion; it is about 7,200 households accessing pathways to the secure futures they envision, especially poor and marginalized people having the support of knowledge and resources to build sustainable and prosperous lives. It's about ensuring that entrepreneurs like Sita have the support they need to thrive.
The Koshi River is often called “River of Hope," and dZi is honored to help the communities along its banks turn that hope into a lived reality.
Stay tuned as we share more stories from the field in this new chapter.