This paper describes tools and lessons learned in operationalizing the principles of good local water governance and mult ple- use water services for food security in mid- and far-western Nepal. In these poor, water-scarce and food-insecure regions, the Rural Village Water Resources Management Project has shown that integrated water resources management for both blue and green water is a must. Water use master plans (WUMPs) and a participatory step-by-step approach, both backed up by a gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) strategy, ensure appropriate and fair use of scarce water resources. Multiple-use water services (MUS) maximize livelihoods opportunities in a difficult environment.
