The SIDRRA project aims to enhance adaptability and strengthen resilience among at-risk communities in Asia and amplify local voices in decision-making processes. It promotes multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that adaptation strategies are grounded in the realities of those most affected. By bridging policy and practice, the project helps local knowledge influence regional resilience agendas.
Under the SIDDRA sub grant scheme, Dalit Women Rights Forum (DWRF) – a member of Duryog Nivaran- is implementing a project entitled “Strengthening the capacity of Women Community Forest User Group (CFUG) members from Tharu and Dalit Communities on Fire Hazard Management” that aims to empower women to play a crucial role in environmental protection and resource management, particularly as frontline defenders against rising forest fires.
Project Overview
In Kailali, Nepal, indigenous Tharu and Dalit communities face systemic marginalization and escalating climate risks, such as forest fires that destroy resources essential for their livelihoods and subsistence. While women are the primary forest users, their participation in governance remains symbolic due to elite dominance, household burdens, and gender-based violence.
The SIDDRA sub grant is not a standalone, but a complementary component to Dunchurchaid (DCA) Nepal’s RESIST initiative. It will build on prior investments, partnerships, and community structures established through RESIST to support the transformation of local governance by bridging the gap between community groups and local government, ensuring that indigenous knowledge drives data-informed policies and anticipatory fire management. Ultimately, the project looks to secure equitable forest access and protect the economic independence of those vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.
Objectives: To empower women from marginalized Tharu and Dalit communities to lead forest fire prevention and management efforts.
The project will work with 5000 women members in 25 CFUGs (60% women and girls from Tharu and Dalit communities) in Kailali District, Nepal, to manage increase thier practive involvement in leadership roles and in fire hazard management.
Expected Outcomes
- Training for Collective Action: Train 50 selected members from 25 CFUGs to take coordinated action against fire hazards, protecting local settlements and biodiversity.
- Early Warning Mechanism: Create an inclusive early warning system for forest fires.
- Mitigation Measures: Introduce at least 8 construction-based mitigation measures to reduce fire hazards, in collaboration with local authorities.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Document and share local knowledge and skills related to fire hazard management.
Insights thus far
The project has made strong progress in enhancing community-based forest governance, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience through integrated capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure interventions.
A key achievement has been the active engagement of traditional leaders (Valmansa), who are male, and influencing them to promote gender equality, inclusive governance, and support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Obtaining their commitment towards more gender-sensitive leadership is an important win toward fair and sustainable forest governance and acceptance amongst the community.
Engagement with local government has further reinforced institutional support. Orientation sessions on fire management systems and policies led to a formal commitment from the Rural Municipality to develop a fire management system for all CFUGs and support future actions with budget allocation and collaboration. Furthermore, collaboration with local Forest Offices has ensured alignment with national policies while providing technical support and addressing community concerns related to forest management and regulatory processes.
A practical resource manual on forest fire prevention and control was developed in Nepali and English, offering clear guidance on causes, impacts, and prevention of forest fires. This has been complemented by capacity-building activities, including orientations for CFUG leaders and hands-on firefighting training for community members. These trainings, which integrated indigenous knowledge with modern practices, have strengthened local preparedness, with strong participation from women.
The project has also advanced climate resilience through the renovation of existing recharge ponds using a cost-sharing approach, ensuring community ownership and sustainability. Renovation work is currently underway.
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