New-found skill helps leading a prosperous life – a success story of Ram Avatar from Sonaha’s Land
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Authors
Prakash Khadka
Issue Date
16/03/2017
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Development , Disasters
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Abstract
A three-month long cane furniture training organised by the Nepal Flood Resilience Project (NFRP) in Sonahagaun of Bardia district in Western Nepal has transformed Ram Avatar Tharu. Ram Avatar, one of the 15 training participants, learnt making cane furniture and has managed to make a profit of NRs. 18,500 (1 USD = NRs. 100) selling different types of cane products within three months. Earlier, life was difficult for him earning a living as a daily wage labourer in nearby Rajapur market which sometimes took him to India in search of employment. However, the situation of Ram Avatar and his family has changed in the recent times after he started earning well, utilising his furniture-making skills to support his family. Happy with his new life, he says, “The new-found skill has helped me lead a prosperous life.” Patabhar–9, Sonahagaun situated on the western banks of Karnali River is one of the most vulnerable communities in Bardia district with a population of 1,288. One of the 219 families living in Sonahagaun, Ram Avatar’s family of seven fully depended on agriculture. Out of the 12 kattha (1 kattha = 720 square feet) of land his family held, 3 kattha has turned into river bed due to floods turning the family into food insecure with food lasting for only 6-7 months a year. NFRP, aiming to empower the vulnerable communities along Karnali River Basin through diversification of livelihoods, organised the three-month cane making furniture in Sonahagaun. After the training, Ram Avatar has been utilising his skills to support his family. Apart from agriculture, makes cane furniture products like table, chair, flower vase, muda (a stool), rack, cloth hanger, bangle holder, basket, etc., in free time and earns extra income. The income is spent on children’s education, health care, and purchase of food supplies and house essentials.
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