Inter-province resource pooling framework in Western Nepal: Views from provinces needs, priorities and challenges
In the realm of disaster risk management, resource pooling refers to the collaborative effort of two or more entities, such as governments, communities, the private sector, and development partners, to combine physical and virtual resources to enhance preparedness and facilitate effective response and relief measures, especially in case of mega disaster, where the capacity of any single stakeholder may prove insufficient. One means to achieve this aim is by creating an Inter-Province Resource Pooling (IPRP) mechanism to leverage the existing resources in an efficient and predictive manner and improve coordination among stakeholders in the event of a mega-disaster.
In the case of western Nepal’s three provinces namely Lumbini, Sudurpaschim and Karnali, the local supplementary issues to contextualize the IPRP framework are identified in the form of local needs, challenges, and priorities, within the framework and supplement it to achieve maximum effectiveness and suitability. The findings highlight that while there is a broad consensus on the IPRP framework’s need and its six key elements, each province has a different approach in operationalizing it to suit its existing practices, institutional frameworks, and future priorities. The brief highlights the need for further engagement and collaboration in areas of common interests and reinforces the need for flexibility in the IPRP framework.