Nepal is facing unprecedented crisis in implementing development programmes and projects due to the escalating armed conflict between the state and the radical Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) affecting the development process in the country. Therefore, effective implementation of the Tenth Plan/PRSP in the present situation to achieve the four pillars envisioned by the plan is highly questionable. Due to conflict many of the well-off families have migrated to the district head quarter, or urban centres in Terai or Kathmandu leaving rural areas with a shortage of working force. Livelihoods of poor and disabled families, who cannot afford migration or go elsewhere, have miserable life caused by the country’s prevailing conflict. The paper is mainly based on the experience and lessons learned from the Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Component (SCWMC) of the Natural Resource Management Sector Assistance Programme (NARMSAP) implemented through the Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and its line departments and supported by Danida. Regional office of the NARMSAP was visited during first half of 2005 to discuss and gather views from the regional staff on the issue to prepare this paper.
