Colorado State University Researchers Rally to Aid Nepal Earthquake Relief

Strategic Insights -

A team of researchers from Colorado State University's Feed the Future Innovation Lab leapt into action after the devastating earthquake in Nepal, rallying friends and family to raise funds and deliver essential supplies to affected villages. Led by Tarendra Lakhankar, Ph.D., Jeeban Panthi, and others, the team raised approximately $10,000 and delivered crucial aid, including 1,000 blankets, 1,500 kilograms of rice, and 1,500 batteries, to the hard-hit region. The lab's work in the area, focusing on improving farming efficiency, provided a foundation for the relief efforts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers, affiliated with the Feed the Future Innovation Lab, mobilized a fundraiser, collecting approximately $10,000, to support relief efforts in Nepal.
  • The team delivered essential supplies, including 1,000 blankets, 1,500 kilograms of rice, and 1,500 batteries, to the affected villages.
  • Researchers, including Jeeban Panthi and Kabita Gautam, played a crucial role in coordinating the relief efforts, including gathering supplies and leading the delivery team to the affected region.
  • The lab's demonstration farms, established in Nepal, had been operational for about two years, providing a foundation for the community to rebuild and adapt to the new circumstances.
  • The researchers' integrated research efforts have helped small-scale livestock holders adapt to environmental and health impacts of climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
  • Lab member Ajay Jha, assistant professor of global horticulture and plant-soil-water management at CSU, had been in Dhading earlier in the week and was just leaving Nepal when the earthquake hit, providing valuable insight into the affected region.

Statistics:

  • Approximately $10,000 was raised through the fundraiser.
  • 1,000 blankets, 1,500 kilograms of rice, and 1,500 batteries were delivered to the affected villages.
  • The lab's demonstration farms had been operational for about two years prior to the earthquake.
  • The researchers have helped local farmers create a fodder and feed market, a water users group, and a milk cooperative.
  • The community had seen a significant increase in income, with farmers making three to four times their previous income within a year.

Sources:

  • Colorado State University: "A team of researchers affiliated with Colorado State University's Feed the Future Innovation Lab"
  • Feed the Future Innovation Lab: "Tarendra Lakhankar, Ph.D., Jeeban Panthi"
  • City College of New York: "NOAA-CREST Center"
  • CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences: "Dr. Richard Bowen"
  • UNICEF: "working to help provide critical aid to children and families"
  • American Red Cross: "has a chapter in Nepal and is providing shelter and medical aid"
  • Direct Relief: "providing medical supplies and staff to local hospitals in Nepal"