DFIDs programme in Nepal : Sixth report of session 2009-10, Vol. 2: Oral and written Evidence

DFIDs programme in Nepal : Sixth report of session 2009-10, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal Minutes

Nepal has the potential to make great economic progress if it can overcome the barriers which have held it back for so long. Hydro-schemes could transform the economy and there are huge opportunities for tourism in a country of great beauty which lies between the huge markets of India and China. Nepal has made impressive progress towards meeting many of the MDGs, particularly in health. The economy has grown, as remittances have increased from Nepalis working overseas. Yet Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and faces many challenges, which have held it back, including corruption, poor infrastructure, and political instability. Nepal is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, facing the challenges of earthquakes and the effects of climate change. DFID Nepal's budget has increased significantly in recent years. DFID claims that this has meant that over the last four years it has been able to have a major impact, including building or maintaining over 4,000km of roads in remote areas; providing over 350,000 people with safe latrines; improving the livelihoods of nearly 500,000 people through work on forestry; and making over 3 million people better able to withstand the effects of climate change and natural disasters.

Government response to HC 854, session 2014-15 (ISBN 9780215085788)

Incorporating HC 1041-i, session 2008-09

This report finds that UK aid has helped deliver progress in Zimbabwe since the Government of National Unity was established a year ago, but governance, human rights and provision of basic services are still falling well below the needs of the people. The Department for International Development (DFID) allocated £60 million for humanitarian and development assistance in the country in 2009-10. This support has been effective in reaching poor and vulnerable people. UK aid should continue, given the scale of ongoing need - two million people are estimated to require food aid this year - and should be increased in the sectors where it is making the greatest impact. Aid should continue to be channelled through non-governmental organisations and multilateral agencies. Emergency aid is making a difference but it cannot be turned into sustained development support without a long-term political settlement. The report condemns the electoral manipulation, abuse of state power, land seizures, and violence against political opponents and civil society which President Mugabe's ZANU-PF have inflicted on the country for many years. Many skilled workers left the country, leaving the health and education systems in particular near collapse. The report concludes that the international community's longer-term focus should be on strengthening the capacity of the Government of National Unity so that it is better placed to determine its own development priorities and to deliver them.