An Overview on Socio-economic Impact of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Program A case study of Gurmikhola Sub-watershed In Siraha District

Abstract

Nepal is situated in between China and India. It is a mountainous country where most of the people are under the poverty line. The country is divided into various watersheds. Soil conservation and watershed management program are lunched under the Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management on these watersheds. I/N/GOs have supported on this program through DSCWM. Soil conservation program is launched in 55 district of Nepal through DSCOs. Various activities are implemented but none have tried to analyze the impact and influence of such program. The purpose of the study was to analyze the socioeconomic

impact of SCWM program implemented within the Ghurmikhola subwatershed.

For this, 55 respondents were taken randomly applying random sampling method, necessary data for analyzing SCWM program were gathered through interview, group discussion and field observation methods. The data are tabulated, presented and analyzed concurrently. It is found that 253 activities were implemented under physical & IGA activities and 48 found more succeeded giving good impact. Furthermore, people of that watershed are eager to implement such types of activities knowing the importance of them. IGA activities have raised the income level of people, extension and awareness activities have raised the knowledge of people in SCWM program. Similarly plantation has added the greenery and helped in yielding the water sources every year. People participation in implementation of program is increasing. Deprived, dalit and women are involved in CDG's meeting and decision making process. They involved from the very beginning of planning, implementation, benefit sharing and maintenance works. People of the watershed seem to be cheerful and proud on the DSCWM program. They have understood the importance of DSCWM program and its activities.