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Nepal

Background

The Community Trust Index (CTI) for Nepal is a measurement tool to assess and monitor levels of trust in Nepal Red Cross and Early Warning System with communities. It evaluates trust across competencies such as reliability, technical proficiency, and experience, as well as values such as ethics, integrity, and transparency. In May 2025, the CTI was implemented using a mixed-methods approach across three provinces Sudur Pashim, Lumbini, and the Kathmandu Valley capturing perspectives from flood-prone urban and rural settings. The study placed particular emphasis on trust in early warning systems and anticipatory action for floods, alongside broader institutional trust.

Lead: Nepal Red Cross
Partners: IFRC Nepal, IFRC Asia-Pacific, IFRC HQ

Modules

Overall Score
Index scoreThe overall score is the average of the competences and values scores. The competency and values scores are the arithmetic mean of the scores for each sub-dimension. The sub-dimension scores are generated from the weighted average of the response rates to the questions relating to each sub-dimension, using the following weightings.

Results

Between April and May 2025, the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) conducted the Community Trust Index (CTI), which focused on institutional trust. NRCS volunteers and data collectors administered the survey in nine selected districts in Sudur Pashim, Lumbini (western provinces) and the Kathmandu Valley, to capture the level of trust in the NRCS across different social groups in flood-prone areas. A total of 3,538 people participated in the survey (50.2% female and 49.8% male).

A random stratified sampling approach was applied in NRCS operating districts, with stratification by age group, gender, and educational status. Additional distinctions were made between rural and urban settings to ensure inclusive representation. The questionnaire assessed competencies such as reliability, technical proficiency and experience, as well as values such as ethics, integrity and transparency. The resulting CTI provides a robust baseline for tracking changes in institutional trust over time, as well as informing targeted actions aimed at strengthening the relationships between institutions and their respective communities.

Community trust by population profile

Trust in the community varies according to population profile. Volunteers report the highest level of trust (7.9 out of 10), followed closely by those receiving support (7.6 out of 10). People with no relationship to the NRC show a comparatively lower level of trust (6.5 out of 10). This suggests that those who are most directly engaged with the services have stronger confidence than the wider community.

Volunteers

Volunteers are individuals who actively participate in various Nepal Red Cross programs, initiatives, or projects.

People receiving support

Individuals who directly receive benefits or support from Nepal Red Cross programs, such as social welfare, healthcare, or education initiatives.

Others

Individual who do not receive benefits or support from Nepal Red Cross programs or engaged with the Nepal Red Cross in general

Perceptions of community trust

Analysis of the trust drivers shows a high level of trust between volunteers and beneficiaries. Those with no relationship with the NRCS are rated the lowest. The strongest dimensions overall are capability, inclusiveness, respectfulness, fairness, and neutrality. Responsiveness, accessibility and relevance are solid but mixed. Transparency and integrity scored lowest, indicating perceived gaps in openness and ethical conduct that require targeted improvement and communication.

  • Overall
  • Volunteers
  • Beneficiaries
Competencies
Values

Geographic analysis

Summary Report

Of all the districts, Banke has the highest scores for both competency and values. Next come Kailali and Bhaktapur, which are strong on competency and Kailali is also high on values, followed closely by Bardiya. Lalitpur and Kathmandu are below the leaders, and Kanchanpur has the lowest scores. In Kailali and Bardiya, values and competency are similar.

Competencies
Top 3
Bottom 3

Values
Top 3
Bottom 3

Findings

According to Nepal’s Community Trust Index, institutions are viewed as more capable than principled. Capability, inclusiveness, respectfulness, fairness and neutrality are considered the most important qualities, while transparency and integrity are considered the least important. Banke tops both dimensions, with Kailali and Bhaktapur close behind, while Bardiya is clustered near the leaders. Kathmandu and Lalitpur are lower down the rankings overall, with Kanchanpur ranking last.

Sampling

Population

  • All Respondents

  • Men

  • Women

Region

Age Group

Limitations

The Community Trust Index

The Community Trust Index, developed by the IFRC Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) Unit, is an evidence-based tool to measure and enhance trust between humanitarian organizations and the communities they serve. The Community Trust Index is measured through Competencies and Values.

Discover the Index