Localization and background
The project is located in Jumla, the capital of the Karnali zone. The Karnali zone is the most rural and least developed region in Nepal. Rich at natural resources it is cut off of the remainder of the country, as well as of transportation and information means, medical supply and activities of development policy.
95% of the people are active in agriculture, which allows them to feed their families half of the year. The remaining months are only survived through casual labours in other districts and national emergency programmes.
The Karnali zone is located in the northwest of the country and borders on China (Tibet). The population is 276.000, and the area extends to 21.351 km², equivalently to 15% of Nepal. 45% of the landscape is above 4.500 m, further 47% over 2.500 m. The height, vegetation and temperature don't allow for cultivating the usual national foodstuffs. Also only one harvest is possible per year. Main production is realized by animal breeding (declining), herb breeding and cultivation of food.
The malnutrition of 74% of the children shows the significant food problem of the region.
The Karnali zone consists of 5 districts, which are divided into 5 zones and 134 Village Development Committees (VDC). In none of the districts passable roads are present, so that as the only means of transport of the region irregular and expensive airplanes operate. Therefore electrical supply and industries are likewise missing.
Education centers above the college level are not available and most schools therefore miss academically trained teaching staff. Mostly graduates of the School Leaving Certificate (SLC) become the new teachers in schools. Most of the young people move away to Kathmandu or Nepalgunj. Specialists and academically trained staff are only willing to work in this region for high salaries and promises of the government.
The life expectancy is 45.4 years and the illiteracy rate is 75% (women 92%) and the yearly income at about 5.024 NRS (59 €). 17.9% of the people are from low castes or from leprosy families, so they are immensely reduced in their fundamental rights.
6 hospitals and 145 health posts (partially Sub Health Posts) are responsible for the medical supply of all inhabitants in the 5 districts.
One district hospital in Jumla with only one physician serves 86.000 persons.
The Karnali zone is located in the northwest of the country and borders on China (Tibet). The population is 276.000, and the area extends to 21.351 km², equivalently to 15% of Nepal. 45% of the landscape is above 4.500 m, further 47% over 2.500 m. The height, vegetation and temperature don't allow for cultivating the usual national foodstuffs. Also only one harvest is possible per year. Main production is realized by animal breeding (declining), herb breeding and cultivation of food.
6 hospitals and 145 health posts (partially Sub Health Posts) are responsible for the medical supply of all inhabitants in the 5 districts.