The Village of Managaun
Managaun is located about a 10-hour drive from the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu. The village is home to approximately 375 people, who primarily rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
At an altitude of around 2,600 meters, the main crops grown include potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and other vegetables. Additionally, villagers keep animals such as goats and chickens, further increasing the demand for water. In total, Managaun requires over 200,000 liters of water daily.
The houses in the village are relatively evenly distributed across the hills and are surrounded by agricultural fields. Managaun spans a hilly landscape with elevation differences of about 180 meters. Key facilities in the village include a school, a health post, and a church.
The climate in Managaun is subtropical, with a monsoon season from June to September. During the dry season, however, water sources become scarce, significantly affecting not only drinking water availability but also agricultural irrigation. Some sources dry up completely, forcing villagers to collect water from sources outside the village. The nearest suitable water source is 3.5 km away.
The goal of our project is to improve the water supply in Managaun to enhance the quality of life for the village community and support local agriculture.
Needs Assessment
During a project visit to Managaun in the fall of 2024, a comprehensive analysis of the water supply situation was conducted. Various questions were asked to understand the needs of the villagers and to tailor the planned water supply system to the local conditions.
It was determined that approximately 60 hectares of land in Managaun are available for agricultural use. However, due to water scarcity, these fields cannot always be fully irrigated, as not all sources provide a continuous water flow.
On average, each household reports a daily water requirement of 225 liters.
The majority of villagers stated that, with improved access to water, they would use the additional supply primarily for agriculture. Most villagers cultivate land plots ranging from 5 to 10 Ropani, which corresponds to an area of approximately 2,500 to 5,000 m².
Agriculture is central to the village’s economy, with 94% of the population relying on farming for their income.
At the same time, about 70% of residents lack year-round access to a reliable water supply. Outside the rainy season, they must rely on distant water sources to meet their needs. This challenge affects even the elderly, who sometimes have to walk up to 120 minutes to fetch water.