Collaborative Governance for Sustainable Development in Nepal: Lessons from Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects

Abstract

This study investigates the role of collaborative governance in promoting sustainable development in Nepal by analyzing two large-scale infrastructure projects: a prominent hydropower company and a major water supply project. Using thematic analysis, the study involved coding, categorization, and theme identification through twelve interviews with key stakeholders. The findings highlight significant gaps in the governance structures of these projects, particularly in terms of resilience, equality, and well-being. Despite achieving technical success, both projects failed to adequately address broader social and environmental goals, leading to the marginalization of local communities and a decline in their well-being. The study is limited to these two projects and does not account for governance frameworks in other sectors or smaller-scale projects. Future research could expand by studying additional infrastructure projects or comparing governance practices in similar economies, thereby enhancing the potential to generalize the findings. The study addresses equity and inclusivity in collaborative governance for infrastructure development a relatively underexplored area in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and equitable governance frameworks to achieve sustainable growth in underdeveloped economies.