situation report tharparkar

7/25/2019 Situation Report Tharparkar

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TharparkarSituation AssessmentFebruary 2015

The study conducted to assess the situation of the most affected areas by the drought like situation during last three

years in District Tharparkar, Sindh - Pakistan. It focuses to reveal the Socio-economic conditions and the situation of

Food & Nutrition, Health, Water & Sanitation and Livelihood.


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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief

ii

List of Acronyms

BHU Basic Health Unit

DHQ District Headquarter

FGDs Focus Group Discussions

KG Kilogram

KM Kilometer

LHV Lady Health Visitor

NIC National Identity Card

RHC Rural Health Clinic

RO Reverse Osmosis

TBAs Traditional Bith Attendant

THQ Tehsil Headquarter

UC Union Council

USD United State Dollar (Currency)

WASH Water and Sanitation and Hygiene


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i

Contents

THARPARKAR 1

CLIMATE ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

CULTURE ERROR!BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

RESOURCES 2

OVERVIEW OF REPORT 2

SCOPE OF THE STUDY 3LOCATION 3

POPULATION 4

METHODOLOGY 4

QUESTIONNAIRE 4

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS 5

FINDINGS 7

FOOD AND NUTRITION 7

HEALTH 10

SOCIO ECONOMIC 14

WATER AND SANITATION 23


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ii

RELIEF 27

CONCLUSION 29

RECOMMENDATIONS 30

SHORT TERM INTERVENTIONS 30

MEDIUM TERM INTERVENTIONS 30


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Chapter:Tharparkar

1

TharparkarThe district derives its name from Thar and Parkar. The name Thar is from Thul, the general term for the region

sand ridges and Parkar literary means to cross over. It was earlier known as Thar and Parkar dis trict, but later

became one word Tharparkar. The district bounded on the north by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts, on the

east by Barmer and Jaisselmir districts of India, on west by district Badin and on the south by Rann of Kutch. The

total area of the district is 19,638 kilometers.

The district is mostly deserted and consists of barren tracts of sand dunes covered with thorny bushes. The ridges

are irregular and roughly parallel, that they often enclosed sheltered valleys, above which they rise to a height of

some 46 meters. These valleys are moist enough to admit cultivation and when not cultivated, they yield luxuriant

crops of rank grass. But the extraordinary salinity of the subsoil and consequent shortage of potable water

renders many tracts quite uninhabitable. In many of the valleys the subsoil water collects and forms large andpicturesque salt lakes, which rarely dry up.

The district has a tropical desert climate. In summer, when it is too hot during day time, the nights are remarkably

cooler. April, May and June are the hottest months during the day. December, January and February are the

coldest months. The mean/average maximum and minimum temperature during this period are 28C and 9C

respectively. There are wide fluctuations in the amount of rain fall from year to year and the yearly average for

Population 1,251,455

Number of Taluka/Tehsil 04

Number of Union Councils 44

Number of Villages 2,188

Number of Health Facilities 37

DHQ 01THQ 03

RHC 02

BHUs 31


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Chapter:OverviewofReport

2

some areas is as low as 100 mm. Most of the rain falls between July and September, during the south -west

monsoon, and is often concentrated in a period of two to three days.

Culture

Tharparkar is a heterogeneous society in term of religion and culture. The area is a symbol of religious harmonyas both Hindu and Muslim population living as one community. The tribes and castes in Tharparkar adopt

kaleidoscopic settlement pattern rather than territorial segregation. Successive waves of invasion have therefore

created a mosaic of cultures and ethnic groups in Thar. But all have, in time, bowed to similar means of

production and to a common material culture.

The thaires are honest, hard-working people and are very generous in hospitality. The gatherings between castes

are largely restricted to men. The locale for such interactions being the autak, each hamlet will have at least one

autak situated a discrete distance beyond the thorn hedge of the family quarters. Failing an autak the nearest

shady tree is designated for meetings with outsiders. Women largely communicate within their own caste, withinwhich they marry exclusively. Opportunities for meeting women of other castes become more restricted with

higher status. Rajput women observe strict purdah (Seclusion) while poorer Bajeer, Bheel, Menghwar and Kohli

are freer to undertake their field tasks.

Potential in Resources

Tharparkar is rich in minerals, the coal deposits of the district is one of the largest coal deposits of the world

spread over 9000 square kms. Other major mineral include granite, china clay and salt. Presently there is no

industry in the whole district although it has large potential with reference to its geographical position and

natural resources. The area is poor in agriculture as it completely depends on rain water.

Overview of ReportOver the last three years, Tharparkar is facing drought like situation. The Pakistan Meteorological office stated the

reason of calamity is low rainfall during monsoons in last three years. This resulted in local crop failure, deaths of

livestock. The death of large number of small livestock is associated with serious lack and deficiency of food for

the animals. The food insecurity has affected mainly the women and children. Malnutrition is largely prevailed


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Chapter:OverviewofReport

3

among women and children. Recently the Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports that 259,947

families are affected. Most of the population of Tharparkar has minimal access to social services including

improved water sources, food secure and healthcare. The death toll hit 650 at close of 20141.

The ongoing drought like situation is depriving the food and nutrition situation for rural communities. Severalfactors have contributed to increasing food insecurity, including significant losses of livelihoods, consistent

outflow cattle and reduced cereal stocks across the region. The high food prices make basic food items

inaccessible to drought-affected households. Insufficient access to food, acute lack of access to safe and drinkable

water storages, lack of adequate hygiene practices, and low access to health services worsen already high

malnutrition rates, and increase the risk of more deaths of the vulnerable children and women.

In the context of high risks to the humanity, RAHMA Islamic Relief conducted a situation assessment. The study

may not work as highly scientific source of information but this report is providing an analytical overview based

not merely on qualitative but also quantitative data regarding the situation. It was initially planned as a rapidneed assessment but in the context of the broader and deeper dynamics of the problem drought like situation

for last three years, we tried to grasp maximum information in a document that help in devising humanitarian

response activities after understanding the problem. It might also help to plan further studies on this area.

Scope of the study

To determine the vulnerability of drought affected communities in Taluqa Mithi and Chachro in district

Tharparkar.

LocationFollowing are eight Union Councils of Taluqa Mithi and Chachro selected, which are most affected areas as per

available secondary data.

Taluqa Chachro:Arnero Lakha, Bajeer, Chachro, Mithro Charan and Wawdi Dora.

Taluqa Mithi:Barach, Lonihar, Dairh Sar, Malanhore Veena and Mithi.

1Inter Press Service Report Jan 2015


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Chapter:Methodology

4

Population

The overall population of the district is 1254000. The study focused two taluqa Mithi and Chahro. The population

of Taluka Mithi is 330,000 and Chachro 488,000. Cluster sampling strategy was adopted. The assessment team

managed to access 8 union councils of the both taluqas and incorporated the views of 294 individuals through

questionnaires and FGDs.

MethodologyFollowing tools were adopted to collect relevant information from the local population:

Questionnaire

An Interview questionnaire has been formulated and the copies have been disseminated among the people of

different villages and town areas. All the interviews were semi-structured, based questionnaire prepared having

both close and open ended questions. Overall, it comprised of 32 questions exclusive of the demographic

information about the interviewee and his/her village. First four questions are related to the affects of the

ongoing drought like situation. The Questions#5 to 8 were incorporated to explore the socio-economic conditions.

Questions# 9 to 16 elaborate health situation and the facilities available for the population especially the women

and children. The questions #17 to 22 are relevant to the WASH situation. Question #23 to 25 are specifically

depicting the available opportunities for the youth. Questions #26 to 30 are illustrating the Food Security

situation and the last 2 questions are reflecting the already existing relief and support mechanism.


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Chapter:Methodology

5

Outcomes:received filled questionnaires from 112 individuals including 30 women

Focus Group Discussions

FGDs were conducted through consultations with community representative to have an in-depth view about the

ongoing situation and the reflections of the actual life of an individual suffering from the drought like situation.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

ArneroLakha

Bajeer

Chachro

MithrioCharan

WawdiDora

Barach

Lonihar

DairhSar

M

alanhoreVeena

CollegeMithi

Chachro Mithi

No. of Respondents w.r.o Locations


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Chapter:Methodology

6

The participants of the FGDs were selected on the basis of following attributes:

- The participant is a local inhabitant

-

He/she is a representative/notable

-

Having substantial information about the target village/UC- The forum represents both genders

-

The group is balance in term of representation of tribes and religions

-

The participants belongs to different professions including farmers, cattle growers, teachers, business,

labours etc

Outcomes: Total number of participants in all FGDs was remained 182 individuals. The area wise detail is given in

the following graph.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Arnero

Lakha

Chachro Mithrio

Charan

Wawdi

Dora

Barach Lonihar Dairh Sar Malanhore

Veena

Chachro Mithi

No.ofParticipants

FGDs' Participents w.r.o locations


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Chapter:Findings

7

Findings

Food and Nutrition

Figure 1: Major Crops of the Area

The above graph shows the Major Crops of the area. On the basis of information collected from the respondents,

most cultivated crop is Bajra, whereas the second largest crop is Gawar and the other crops cultivated at small

scales included Rice, Mong and wheat.

During the FGDs, it was discussed that the farmers could not cultivate their crops for last 3 years due to

insufficient and untimely rain. The farmers responded on the question that agriculture in Tharparkar iscompletely depending on the rain and there is no other source of water like rivers and water channels. The

aforementioned crops can be cultivated if their land receive rain water before 15 August and there is no

agricultural use of the rain after mid of August. During the visit to the area, the assessment team visited twelve

villages but it has observed a little agriculture field only in one village, which received rain few months back. All

other villages were completely barren land or having some bushes like ugg, which is not eatable for the animals.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Wheat Rice Bajra Gawar Mong

AxisTitle

Number of Respondents


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Chapter:Findings

8

Figure 2: Daily Food Items Taken

The above graph shows the daily food items commonly consumed. It is estimated that 39% people use wheat indaily food, 13% take rice, 4% use Bajra, 26% use vegetable in daily meal, 8% use dall, 8% use Milk and only 2 %

use ghee.

It reflects that iron and protein rich foods like meat and milk is almost missing from the routine food, which is a

major cause of the weak health especially among the women and children. During the FGDs the cattle growers

illustrated the situation in a different way. They consider that although the population is generally poor and hard

to afford the cost of dairy products, however it is also due to lack of the animals. The animals have been shifted to

other areas of Sindh due to unavailability of locally grown fodder and the bushes. The farmers cannot purchase

the high cost fodder, which is hardly available in a limited quantity from the local market. In the result, they prefer

to relocate to other areas although they realize that they have to face financial and social constraints in relatingtheir animals.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Wheat

Rice

Bajra

Vegetable

Dall

Milk

Ghee



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Chapter:Findings

9

Figure 3: Breast Feeding Practice

The above graph shows the breast feeding practice. It is estimated that 44% women feed their child for six

months, 48% women feed their child for a year and only 5% women feed their child for 2 years.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

One Month Six Months 1 Year 2 Years

NumberofRespondents


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Chapter:Findings

10

Health

Figure 4: Child Birth Treatment Method Adopted

The above graph shows the preferred service for a Child Birth. It is estimated that 73% people prefer to avail the

service of a traditional birth attendant (Daai), who is experienced in conducting deliveries at home but not trained

from any medical institute as well as not aware about the hygienic and safe delivery methods, 14% prefer Lady

Doctor at a hospital, 5% prefer health visitors and 8% didn't answered the question.

The table reflects that the recent news about shocking number of the mortalities of the babies/children less than

1 year is only those which delivered or treated in a hospital. Considering the trend of deliveries by TBAs, it is

assumed that the actual number of such mortality is much higher what is being reported through the media as itgets such data from the hospitals only. The assessment data reveals that actual number of mortality is at least 5

times higher than the reported data.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Lady Doctor

Healt Visitors

Traditional Birth Attendent

Not Answered



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Chapter:Findings

11

Figure 5: Distance from Nearest Medical Facility

The above table shows the distance from nearest health facility most likely a dispenser, LHV or a private clinic.

The assessment team found only two proper hospitals during the assessment, first the DHQ Hospital Mithi and the

second one at Chachro. It is estimated that 53% of the respondents need to travel 1 to 10 KM for nearest health

facility, 16% have to travel 16 to 20 KM, 12 % have to travel distance of 21 to 30 KM whereas 19% have to travel

a long distance of 45 KM.

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

1 to 10 KM

16 to 20 KM

21 to 30 KM

45 KM

Number of Respondent


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Chapter:Findings

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Figure 6: Vaccination against Five Diseases

The above chart shows that how many of the children are given with the vaccination against five diseases. It is

estimated that 36% do not give vaccination to the children and 64% children are given the vaccines.

Yes

64%

No

36%


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Chapter:Findings

13

Figure 7: Under Five Child Checkup

The above chart shows that where the child under five is taken for the checkup. It is estimated that 61% goes to

doctor, 21 percent visit dispenser and 18% visit child specialist for checkup.

It is concluded that people prefer doctor. Reason is probably unavailability of the child specialists in a nearest

location.

18%

61%

21%

To Child Specialist

To a Doctor

To Dispenser


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Chapter:Findings

14

Socio Economic

Figure 8: Profession of the Respondent

The above chart shows the profession of the respondents. It is estimated that 21% of the respondents are doing

un-paid work, 8% are farmer, 23% are doing government jobs, 30% are doing labor work, 12% are doing privatejob, 6% are doing their own small scale business. It is concluded that majority of the population is doing low

waged labor work.

Farmer

8%

Govt. Servant

23%

Labor

30%

Prvt. Job12%

Business

6%

Un-Paid Work

21%


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Chapter:Findings

15

Figure 9: Education of the Respondent

The above chart shows the education of the respondent. It is estimated that 8% of the respondent's education is

Master level, 28% respondent's education is Bachelor level, 16% respondent's education is Inter level, 3%

respondent's education is High School level, 5% respondent's education is primary level, 1% respondent's

education is 12th and 9% respondents are illiterate.

1%5%3%

30%

16%

28%

8%

9%

12th Continue Primary High School Matric Inter Bachelor Masters Illiterate


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Chapter:Findings

16

Figure 10: Year of Last Rain

The respondents asked that when did the last rain they have seen. The 60% respondents answered that last rain

was received in 2011, 12% respondents answered 2012, 7% respondents answered 2013 and 21% answered

2014. However, during FGDs the participants shared that proper rain is not received for last three years.

However, untimely rain received in recent years was little in quantity. As mentioned earlier, the income of themajority of people depend on agriculture especially on animal growing are suffering from extreme poverty. The

growers are having no income and now running their lives through obtaining loans. Some young people are going

to other cities and trying to search job of unskilled labour.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

2011 2012 2013 2014


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Chapter:Findings

17

Figure 11: Number of People Migrated

The above graph shows that how many people migrated due to lack of rains. It is estimated that 67% answered 0

to 500, 2% answered 501 to 1000, 3% answered 1001 to 1500, 2% answered 1501 to 2000, 12% answered 2001to 5000, 1% answered 2000 and 13% stated that no one migrated.

It is concluded that numbers majority of the people prefer to stay in their areas although they face constraints due

to lack of rains. During FGDs, the participants clarified their opinion about less number of internal displacements.

The respondents said, population is extremely poor and unable to even afford the cost of relocation of their

families. A participant says that he require at least Rs. 35000 for the traveling and living cost of his family for

only one month, then he might be able to get some odd job but again his income will be insufficient to survive in a

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

0 to 500 501 to 1000 1001 to 1500 1501 to 2000 2001 to 5000 20000 No one


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Chapter:Findings

18

town or a city. Instead of migrating along with family, the people prefer to send one or two men from each family

for income generation to the cities like Badin, Hyder Abad and Karachi. Moreover, some of the farmers informed

the assessment team that it is hard to find a suitable alternate place for their cattle. They have to walk hundreds of

miles and spend several weeks to reach another place whereas several animals die during such traveling due to

their poor health, lack of water and fodder, and hectic journeys. Furthermore, due to climate change, people on

such far flung areas are also suffering from lack of water and fodder; therefore they mostly do not accept their

cattle rather they use to purchase their animals in low prices.

Figure 12: Monthly Income

The above graph shows the monthly income of the respondents having any type of income direct or indirect. It is

estimated that the income of 53% respondents is 2000 to 5000, income of 17% respondents is 5001 to 10000,

income of 7% respondents is 10001 to 15000, income of 7% respondents is 15001 to 20000, income of 14%

respondents is 20001 to 25000 and 2% respondent's monthly income is 3000.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

2000 to

5000/Month

5001 to 10000 10001 to 15000 15001 to 20000 20001 to 25000 30000/Month


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Chapter:Findings

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It is concluded that majority of the respondents (53%) have extremely low income less than Rs. 5000 per month,

which is equal to 1.6 USD per day per household whereas the widely considered poverty line is 2 USD per dayper adult. Generally in Pakistan, only one person earns bread and butter for his/her family. So, If we divide the

household income 1.6 USD on 3 (assuming each household comprised of 3 adults), per adult income appeared as

0.53 USD per day. Hence, the Poverty in Tharparkar is at least 4 times more severe than the internationalstandard of Poverty.

Figure 123: Impact on Income

How the droughts like situation in last 3 years affect income of the respondents? 70% respondents faced negative

impact on their income, whereas 9% respondents could manage improvement and the 21% respondents see no

change in their income.

It is concluded that income of the majority of respondents decreased, which coupled the adverse affects along

with consistent price hike of daily consumption items.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Increased Decreased No Change


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Chapter:Findings

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Figure 134: Income w.r to Needs

84% of the respondents consider that their income is insufficient to address their basic needs; only 5%

respondents are earning more than their needs whereas 11% respondents are fully spending what they earn.

Figure 145: Major Spending

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

More Less No Change

28%

33%

20%

19%

Livelihood Debt Health Education


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Chapter:Findings

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The above chart shows the proportion of spending in major areas. It is estimated that 28% spend their income on

livelihood, the income of 33% respondent is consumed in debt returning/giving, 20% spend their income on

health and 19% spend their income on education.

It reflects that the income of most respondents is consumed in debt servicing, which is followed by livelihood.

Nearly equal numbers of respondents spend their income on education and health.

Figure 156: Recreational Sources

The graph shows the recreation sources available to the youth of the area. It is estimated that 63% respondent

spent their extra time in play grounds in playing different sports, however, here it should be noted that proper

play grounds are not available in Tharparkar. However, since the area is a dessert, there is no restriction to play

cricket, football and other games at any place. 10% respondent spend their time in arts and handicraft activities,

24% respondents uses drugs as a recreational or entertaining activity and 3% perform nothing in their free time.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Sports Arts and Handicraft Use of Drugs None


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Chapter:Findings

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Figure 17: Vocational Centers

During the assessment it was observed that trainings of vocational and income generation skills are not availableon local level except a technical college in Mithi. It is estimated that 9% respondent answered yes that such

training are available whereas a large majority 91% respondent answered as No. Hence, the majority of youth are

either jobless or work as unskilled labour on low daily wages.

Figure 168: Places for Job Hunting

9%

91%

Yes No

58%

33%

9%

Karachi Haiderabad No where


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Chapter:Findings

23

The above chart shows that which the most suitable place for the job-hunting is. It is estimated that 58% of the

respondents go to Karachi for job-hunting, 33% go to Haiderabad and 9 go no-where.

Water and Sanitation

Figure 19: % Existence of Home Toilets

The above chart shows the existence of toilets at homes. It observed that 34% respondent answered 0% (means

no home toilet at all), 33% respondent answered 25%, 21% answered 50%, 6% answered 100% and 6% didn't

answered the question. It is concluded the ratio of home toilets is very low. Only 6% homes are such who have

home toilets. It is showing a very poor WASH condition in the area. During FGDs. the situation was further

elaborated that the toilets are partially available in Mithi and Chachro town but completely missing and notexisting at all in villages. The participants of the FGDs had a view that water is not available for drinking so how

they can use it for toilet purpose. Moreover, cost of toilet is not affordable for the common households.

34%

33%

21%

6%6%

0% 25% 50% 100% Not Answered


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Chapter:Findings

24

Figure 170: Type of Water Facility

The above graph shows the source of water available to the people. 8% have facility of water supply for thepeople living in Mithi, however the water is brackish. 1% get water from hand pumps and 91% get it through the

wells available in the surrounding of their villages. It concluded that the well is the most reliable and desirable

source of water.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Water Supply Handpump Well

NumberofRespond

ents


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Chapter:Findings

25

Figure 18: Quantity of Water required for daily use

The above graph shows that how much quantity of water bringing by the people on daily basis. It is estimated that

36% respondent bring 50 Lt of water daily, 48% respondent bring 30 Lt of water daily and 16% respondents

bring 10 Lt water daily. It is concluded that mostly people bring 30 Lt water daily for a household. In Mithi and

Chachro, people are purchasing water, where the RO plants are available. However, people complaint in the FGDs

that they are allowed to take 2 gallons of water, which they consider insufficient for a normal size family.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

50 Lt 30 Lt 10 Lt

NumberofRespondents


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Chapter:Findings

26

Figure 19: Who is responsible to bring?

The above graph shows that 65% respondents believe that the woman of a household is responsible to bring the

water on daily basis and 35% consider that men bring or purchase the water. The assessment team visited 12

villages and observed that women are everywhere walking while carrying pots with them whereas no man found

who is bringing water. However, few men are transporting water through donkey carts to sale it to other and it

was their income source.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Women Men

NumberofRespondents


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Chapter:Findings

27

Relief

Figure 20: Government Aid

The above chart shows that either government is assisting the people or not with reference to drought like

situation. It is concluded that 61% people answered no, and 39% answered yes. The people who answered yes

explained during FGDs that Govt. is providing free wheat floor in quantity of 50 KG to every NIC holder on

quarterly basis.

39%

61%

Yes No


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Chapter:Findings

28

Figure 21: Non-Governmental Aid

The respondents were also asked that whether they receive assistance from any non-governmental organization

or not. 80% people replied that they have not received such aid, whereas only 20% people said that they received

non-governmental aid.

20%

80%

Yes No


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Chapter:Conclusion

29

ConclusionThe study revealed some shocking facts about the impacts of drought like situation for last three years. The

economic status of the respondents reflects the income of the majority is far less than the income fall under

poverty line. People especially the farmers having no choice except taking loans for survival and spending a

handsome portion around 33% of the income on debt servicing. Majority especially the women and children areseverely malnourished due to consistent drought like situation and inability to cope the price hike of the basic

consumable food items.

Health situation is also extremely poor. The actual death toll of the newly born babies and the infants is at least 5

times higher than the reported data by the national media. The reason is non-existence of the data about the

deaths happened at homes. The study revealed 73% people prefer the delivery at home by a TBA. During the

FGDs, it was noticed that the drought is not only a factor of the high mortalities of children, other factors like

believe system is also responsible for such casualties. A LHV revealed that mostly rural women think that they can

avoid a very costly c-section procedure by bearing a weak baby, thus some of them intentionally take less food to

make sure normal delivery.

The population even at the district headquarter can hardly access to the drinkable water, which is being provided

through RO plants. The vast majority population living in far flung villages has no access to such RO plants and

they have no other option except drinking or using brackish water available in a very limited quantity. However,

during the visit, the assessment team observed a positive trend that some water wells were recently constructed

with support of philanthropists and NGOs but such wells will be hardly in hundreds while the need is in

thousands in the context of scattered large population. These water wells work to some extend but lifting water

from 250 to 350 feet depth is itself a costly and hectic job.

The district is famous in producing valuable handicrafts but no vocational skills center found during the visits of 8UCs. It has only one technical college at Mithi, which is insufficient to produce skilled individuals. Though the

district is already poor in agriculture but in the context of consistent drought like situation in past 3 years, it is

now more important to enable the youth to become useful and supportive arms for their households. During the

FGDs, the team noticed that majority youth is either completely jobless or earning meager income through

unskilled labour in different cities.


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Chapter:Recommendations

30

Overall, the area is going through an alarming situation. The women, children and the youth are the most

vulnerable segments of the society. However, integrated and well coordinated humanitarian efforts can reduce

such vulnerabilities. It is the right time to convert the threats in to opportunities because the whole Pakistani

nation is sensitized and willing to support the humanitarian response.

Recommendations

The recommendations include both short term and medium term interventions because it is not a quick disaster

that can be settled down with quick responses only. Furthermore, these recommendations are based on the need

identified and prioritized during the FGDs.

Short term interventions

Consistent Nutritious Support for the pregnant and lactating women: it may help to reduce mortality rate of

the newly born and under 1 year babies. Obviously, a healthy woman can bear a healthy child. Such

intervention should not be limited to distribution of FIs but an awareness campaign may also be

incorporated to such interventions.

Cash/Food for Work Projects to enhance income.

Livestock improvement projects should be devised as the animals are weak due to lack of natural fodder in

form of bushes

Installation of summer pumps on existing water wells and hand pumps will ease the access to water and lift

the extra physical exertion from shoulders of the women.

Medium & longer term interventions

Digging of new wells and rehabilitation of old wells. Water is the top priority of the community as well.

Income generation skills through Vocational and Technical Trainings. Training centers should be

established at least at Taluqa level.

Innovative low cost latrines may be designed and promoted as per local needs and situation.

Development of model villages, where basic facilities like water, latrine, health awareness, food security

and education is available.


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Chapter:Recommendations

31

Promotion of local tradition to attract tourism industry and to create market for the local handicrafts and

products like ceramics, wool, honey etc

situation report tharparkar

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