Regional Aquifer Systems in Arid Zones - Managing non-renewable resources
ASSESSMENT REPORT ON DROUGHTIN ARID ZONES OF SINDH - … · 2 thardeep rural development programme...
Transcript of ASSESSMENT REPORT ON DROUGHTIN ARID ZONES OF SINDH - … · 2 thardeep rural development programme...
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THARDEEP RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
EMERGENCY UNIT
ASSESSMENT REPORT
ON
DROUGHT SITUATION IN
ARID ZONES OF SINDH
2004
Author Ram Anandani
ASSESSMENT TEAM Lala Neel Amber, Nasreen Khan, Riaz Rajar, Ashok Lilani, Ramzan Kumbhar,
Saleh Mangrio, Fozia, Khadim Hussain Soomro, Sawai and Rahim khan
THARDEEP RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, Mithi (69230), Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan
Tel: 0092-2342-61819, 61462, Fax: 0092-2342-61379 E-mail: [email protected]
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A Thardeep Publication
Author
Ram Anandani
Head Office:
Near Dargah Hussain Shah, Siran
Mithi (69230), District Tharparkar Sindh Pakistan
Tel: 0092-2342-61462/61661
Fax: 0092-2342-61379
TRDP Emergency Unit Office
Near Circuit House, Behind Gird Station
Kanji Colony, Mithi (69230), District Thaarparkar
Sindh, Pakistan
Tel: 0092-2342-61819
Coordination Office
F-178/3, Block-5, Kehkshan Clifton Karachi
Tel: 0092-21-5868791-3
Website: www.thardeep.org
All Rights Reserved
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Acknowledgement
The author deeply acknowledges the efforts of all those colleagues who have
contributed to the production of this document. Special thanks to Dr. Sono
Khangharani, Chief Executive Officer TRDP for providing editorial support and
technical guidance in finalizing this report.
Last but not least, thanks to all Assessment Team, Emergency Unit Team and Field
Based Social Mobilization Team for their valuable input and comments.
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Contents
1 An Over View of Sindh Arid Zones 06
2 OBJECTIVES OF ASSESSMENT 09
3 Modus Operandi 09
3.1 Data collection from sample villages of SAZ 09
3.2 Joint Men and Women Community Conference 10
4 Drought Status in Arid Zones of Sindh SAZ 11
5 Impact & issues 12
5.1 Impact on population 12
5.2 Impact on Crop 13
6 Rainfall pattern and water scarcity 14
7 Livestock and fodder 15
8 Migration 17
9 Women & children and Drought 18
10 Conclusion 19
11 Recommendations 19
12 References 20
13 Annexure 21
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Abbreviations
SAZ Sindh Arid Zone
ADB Asian Development Bank
mm Millimeters
SW-NE South West-North East
TRDP Thardeep Rural Development Programme
Sq. Km Square Kilometers
NGO Non Government Organization
UC Union Councils
HH Household
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Glossaries
Thar Desert area of Tharparkar & Mirpur Khas
Nara Desert Area of Sanghar, Khairpur & Sukkur
Kachho The area that situate in the arm pit of mountain
(Gawar, Bajhar, The names of Crop Mong, Moth)
Khahore East-North area of Chachro Taluka
Mukhtiarkar A Government Official on Taluka Level
Guwarti Husk of Cluster Bean ( Gawar)
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Foreword…
The arid regions in Pakistan are suffering a dry span due to incomplete amount of
monsoon rainfall, resulting depletion in ground water resources. Recuperating from the
earthquake, drought and flash floods during past few years, the farmers once again are
entering in the crunch of another extremely bad year. Though the shortage of water is
affecting an estimated 10 million human population directly in Sindh, of which Sindh
Arid Zones (SAZ) is hit the most. For 70% of the population in rural areas of the SAZ,
the major source of income is rain-fed agriculture and livestock.
Before taking proper corrective measures in situation like this, the support of facts and
figures about the prevailing conditions is vital. One of the major roles that Thardeep has
played in all the emergencies in SAZ is the collection, dissemination and utilization of information
at the very right time. We brought about the report on drought -1999 and 2002 in the first week
of October. This enabled all the stakeholders to launch an early operation of humanitarian aid, which contributed significantly in improving the situation.
The assessment of drought-2004 is a beginning of work to tackle the current emerging
situation. The findings would hopefully facilitate all the stakeholders to design and plan
interventions in practical and sustainable manner. It would also contribute to understand
the needs and perceptions of the different layers of community. I hope the endeavor,
would bring relief to the needy community living in the villages.
I am very thankful to all our friends in Government Department, Press and Local NGOs
who contributed the process of assessment. Thardeep is indebted to all the villagers who
actively participated in the conferences and sharing views and giving suggestions to the
assessment team.
I appreciate Thardeep team for their efforts to make it possible and regards in high
esteem the encouragement and guidance, we received from the Thardeep board of
directors. Let me take this opportunity and acknowledge the support from our partners;
Novib and ActionAid Pakistan, and Maroora Coordination Council Tharparkar for
providing support to bring this report.
Sono Khangharani
Chief Executive Officer
TRDP-Sindh
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What is Drought?
Though the term drought generally referred to a deficiency in rainfall and its consequence
quantitative definitions of a drought vary across the situations.
The droughts are divided into the following types, based on the physical characters and
the impact of the social economic system, both in time and space. (Sinha, 2000:31)
Metrological Drought: A Situation arising from inadequate and mal-distribution of rain
fall
Hydrological Drought: Condition denoting reduced stream flow and inadequate fling of
reservoir, tanks or drying up of water in the surface water storage structure.
Soil moisture Drought: Inadequate soil moisture particularly in rain fed areas which
may not support crop growth.
Agricultural Drought: Characterised by low moisture level and shortage of water
resulting in crop failure.
Socio-Economic Drought: reduction of availability of food and income losses on
account of crop failure endangering food and social security of the people in the affected
areas.
Ecological Drought: When the productivity of natural echo-system falls significantly as
a consequence of distress induced environmental damage.
Famine: When large scale collapse of access to food occurs which without intervention
can lead to mass starvation.
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An Over View of Sindh Arid Zones
Sindh is the Southeastern province of
Pakistan, it is spread over 140,914 sq
kilometers, and the province of Sindh can be
divided longitudinally in three distinct
sections of almost equal size. The Western
part is a hilly tract known as Kohistan; the
central portion a fertile valley irrigated by the
River Indus and in the Eastern lays the desert
section. The Sindh Arid Zone comprises of
the Kohistan and the Eastern desert of Thar.
Spread over 68,000 Sq. Kms., it constitutes
about 48% of the total geographical area of
the province. Except for their extreme aridity
due to scanty and erratic rainfall, the two
component tracts have widely different
geomorphologic characteristics and distinct
profiles. Various kinds of land/soil types
encountered in the Arid Zone can be placed in
following broad categories:-
1) Thar Region
2) Nara Region:
3) Kohistan Region:
1) Thar Region:
It consists of Talukas of Diplo, Mithi, Nangarparkar and Chachro of Tharparkar
district and a part of Umerkot in Tharparkar and Mirpurkhas districts with a
geographical area of about 22,000 sq. kms.
2) Nara Region:
The area comprises of desert portions of Sukkar, Khairpur and Sanghar districts
extended over 23,000 sq. kms.
3) Kohistan Region:
It comprises of the entire western hilly tract and the vast expanses of flat land
locally called as “Kachho”, extending from Kubo Saeed Khan in the north of
Manchar Lake in south. The total area of the region is about 23,000 sq. kms.
Nomadic tribesmen of different ethnic backgrounds, who have traditionally been
livestock producers, populate the area.
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According to the 1998 census the population of the SAZ is 1640356 showing an increase
of 64.4 %percent over last 17 years. At the same time the population of the livestock
grew with nearly the same pace, and is estimated to be lore than five million, the
livestock has grown noticeably, and appears to have been the main reason for the increase
in livestock as a means to augment the incomes of the growing population. At present the
livestock can no longer provide the sufficient income, and it appears that people are now
working for longer periods in the barrage area to augment their incomes, and to provide
additional feed for their livestock.
Table 1 projects population growth in the Arid Zone should the present rate of growth go
unchecked
Region Official Population
1981 1990 1998 %age
Sindh Province 19000000 26,800,000 30439893
Thar Region 596,000 819 1,167,000 56% of Arid zone
Nara Region 159,000 210 311,000 29% of Arid zone
Kohistan
Region 303,000 417 593,000 15% of Arid zone
Total Arid Zone 1058,000 1455 2071000 5% of Sindh Province
The major source of SAZ economy is substance agriculture and livestock. Both activities
depend on erratic pattern of rainfall. The monsoon in SAZ starts from 2nd week of June
and continues to the end of September. If the adequate and timely rains do not occur
during this period, a situation like drought emerges resulting in acute shortage of food,
fodder and water.
To understand the present situation of SAZ, it is necessary to keep in mind some
important aspects of daily life of the population and is summarized in a more general way
below.
1. Mean annual rainfall is generally low and irregular in time and space, though
concentrated in summer (July/August). For the Kohistan region, it reaches 200-250
mm, for Upper Thar 200-250 mm and for Lower Nara 150-200 mm (ADB 1991a).
Water availability for human consumption, watering and rain fed agriculture remains
the dominant constraint factor.
2. Subsistence production prevails and market orientation is still relatively low but of
growing importance. Besides occasionally sold livestock to cover cash needs, regular
culling and de-stocking is not practiced (ADB 1991c, d, e). It is a characteristic for
such pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities to maximize number of livestock in
order to cope best with irregular droughts. Capital investment and savings are mostly
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done in buying large animals (cattle, camels) and small livestock (goats), Herren
(1989: 22).
3. The present government is focusing on the construction of
road network in Thar and Nara on priority basis. The
reason for this development has been the availability of
vide range of mineral resources (Gas, oil, and coal) in the
areas.
4. Population density is high in Thar (14/Km2) compared to
Nara (7/Km2) and Kohistan (8/Km2).
5. The ecological and physiographic context is different for
Kohistan and Thar/Nara (ADB 1991).
The mountainous landscape of Kohistan is predominated by
limestone mountain ridges and intermountain gently sloped
pediments, fans and plains. Run-off harvesting by bunds
and diversion structures for rain fed agriculture is a
traditional practice. The shallow and mostly freshwater
wells are quite abundantly found in the alluvial fans.
On the other hand the sandy Thar and Nara is part of a greater sand desert extending to
the neighboring Indian areas. SW-NE running parallel dune ridges alternating with
interdunal “valleys” and plains are dominating the landscape.
6. A most dominant fact is the geographical location of SAZ.
The economically attractive and highly productive irrigated
Indus Barrage Area with quite important settlements (e.g.
Hyderabad with about 2 mil population) is at a maximum
distance of 80-100 km for the most remote areas of SAZ. The
Indus Barrage area is a traditional target-area for important
seasonal labor migrations of SAZ people including livestock.
On the other hand, the Indus Barrage area is to be considered
also as a chance for SAZ-people, since it represents a
relatively nearby zone with a buffer function in periods of
droughts including the possibility for seasonal labor and dry
season fodder.
7. The over-average rainfalls of the 1990 season resulted in a
good biomass production of fodder. Livestock migration therefore hardly occurred
due to the good fodder situation.
Due to the increased population pressure from both (human and livestock) erratic pattern
of rainfall, absence of road network, water, electricity, food shortage and its isolation
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from the rest of Pakistan is adding to the sense of impending doom. With the passage of
time land management has become less effective resulting in increased desertification
and degradation.
The effects of these changes is that the SAZ population is no longer able to survive the
period of drought and hence more than 90 percent of them are in a cycle of bad debt to
moneylenders to whom they have to pay large sums of interest along with principal
amount.
OBJECTIVES OF ASSESSMENT
The objective of current drought assessment was to understand and know the nature and
volume of the drought-2004 and to spell out its social and economic consequences.
Evaluate the effect of the drought on the animal and human population. For this purpose,
Thardeep Emergency Unit team in a meeting on 4th
August 2004 developed an
assessment methodology, included the following four main activities;
MODUS OPERANDI
Data collection from sample villages of entire Arid zones Regions of Sindh.
Conducting dialogue and inviting suggestions through community (represented by men
and women both) conference inviting participants from Thar, Kachho and Nara as the
primary affected population.
Discussing and gathering secondary data from the government and NGO offices at
the district head quarters at Mithi, Khairpur, Chundko, Dadu, Johi, Sewhan, Diplo,
Nagarparkar and Chachro taluka offices.
Collecting data from livestock markets, grain & fodder markets, hospitals & schools.
Data collection from sample villages of SAZ
The data collection was built upon the results of the
conversation of men and women community conferences. On
the basis of issues raised in the discussion a checklist was
prepared (Annexed) that included a series of open - ended
questions to be asked during the field visits.
Around 2785 members from 1492 households in 120 villages
of Thar Desert, Nara desert and Kachho were interviewed
during the assessment. The villages included were 54 from
Thar Desert, 26 from Nara desert and 40 from Kachho.
The team also had discussion with other key persons; like Head
Master of Primary and Secondary Schools, Doctors, Shopkeepers, Flour Mill owners,
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Cattle traders, Transporters, Carpet Contractors, NGO representatives, Mukhtiarkars,
District Health Officers, Veterinary Officers, District Education Officers, Blacksmiths
and Moneylenders. The impressions were recorded in accordance with the given checklist
and in the shape of case studies.
Combine Community Conferences of Men and Women
TRDP team in a workshop designed a checklist to be used as
an instrument to facilitate the men and women community
conference on the issue of drought. The contents of the list
were tested and amended with groups of villagers including
men, women and children at 14 respective units of TRDP.
TRDP Social mobilization teams randomly selected and
visited 85 villages in 28 union councils in an area of Thar,
Nara and Kachho regions. In the dialogue and discourse the
objectives of assessment were explained to the villagers and
then were asked to select at least 2 representatives from each
the male and female Para Development Committees to
participate in the conference.
A total number of 168 village representatives including men,
women and children from 85 villages of 28 UC of 4 districts
participated in the discussion and brainstorming exercises in
community conference organized at Emergency Unit Office
Mithi.
Main focus in discussions was to define the nature and size
of the drought and to highlight its consequences on the
overall socio-economic in SAZ.
Drought Status in Arid Zones of Sindh SAZ
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The Arid Zones of Sindh, having 48% of
the area and only 1% of water resources
of the entire province are in the grip of a
severe drought. Rain usually begins
falling across much of the Sindh Arid
Zones during the middle of June,
commencing the monsoon season, which
runs through the end of September.
Annual precipitation in a good year
ranges between 200-300 millimeters (app.
8-12 inches), mostly during monsoon
season. The main crops sowed
immediately after the rain in SAZ, are
sorghum, Bajra (millet) and guwar. These
crops require at least three rains of 100-
150 mm in intensity are required in a one-
month interval for the crops to reach
maturity. A good year in the SAZ is
considered when it rains a minimum of
three times during the monsoon season.
Population in rural areas of SAZ, the
major source of Income is rain-fed
agriculture and livestock. According to
the 1998 census the population of Arid
Zones of Sindh is 2.041, SAZ and
livestock population of 5.053 million and
has a land area of 68,000 sq. km. At the
moment, all the regions i.e. Thar Desert,
Nara and Kachho in the SAZ are under
the clutch of worst drought. Failure of
monsoon observed in all the regions i.e. -
Thar Desert, Nara and Kachho of the arid
zones of Sindh reeling under drought which affecting nearly 1.6 million people and
3329 villages having 5.053 million livestock. Although this drought is affecting an
estimated 10 million people in all over Sindh province, it is SAZ that is suffering the
most. The severity of the drought can be judged from the fact that Nara and Kachho has
not received single drop of rain during this monsoon of this year only Thar Desert
received sporadic and aberrant rainfall. 100% crop has been destroyed due to water
scarcity. All this has caused loss of livelihood leading to mass migration in search of
livelihood.
Impact & issues
Impact on population
GENERAL DETAILS OF THE SAZ
Total Populations (in 1998)
Thar Region 1,167,000
56.34% of Arid Zone
Kachho/ Kohistan 593,000
28.63% of Arid Zone
Nara 311,000
15.03% of Arid Zone
2,071,000
5% Of Sindh
Total area („000 sq. km)
Thar 22000 Sq. Km
Nara 23000 Sq. Km.
Kohistan 23000 Sq. Km
68,000
48% of
Sindh
Total districts 05
Total cultivable area in
hectares 1,302,789
Estimated food grain
production (tonnes) 542,650
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The recurrent
droughts in SAZ
have affected the
livelihoods of the
people due to crop
loss and water
scarcity. The
human population
along with their
cattle has started
migration towards
cities and other
adjoining district
Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, khairpur, Dadu and Sukkur. The fodder
and drinking water are becoming scarce. People have started
migrating to the neighboring province Punjab and Karachi
Hyderabad in search of casual labor. According to newspaper
reports, there have been trends of people coming back from
these states as the labor rate has gone down and it is
increasingly becoming difficult for them to survive. Reports
have been received from various sources, which state that there
has been considerable reduction in the hemoglobin levels of
pregnant women and the weight of children below the age of
five years.
Lachhmi w/o Uodo, 30 year’s old polio affected married woman
having three children is living in village Khari Bheel of Taluka Diplo.
She has not able to walk properly since birth due to the polio. Her
family is under debit of rupees 5000 since five years. They have five
acre land which they ploughed in the month of June, but due to the
delay of monsoon rains, all the seed, which he had taken from the
shopkeeper on debt, had vanished. She said, we would have to plan to
return the whole debit to money lender and shopkeeper. They also
had planned to give the education their three children after the return
of their debit. But the failure of monsoon rain, the situation of
drought damaged their dreams for their better future. Now her
husband cuts the trees and sells the wood in the Diplo and earns 20 to
30 rupees daily which is not sufficient for their daily food
requirements. All relatives were migrated to the barrage area during
the month of August and now her family has planned to migrate with
in two weeks. I feel difficult to walk and we have no other source of
travel therefore this drought situation make a trauma for our family,
she explained. This drought has increased their debit and broken the
dreams of the better future of their children.
(case study by : Lala Neel Amber
Impact on crops
Affected population and livestock statistics
Total
districts
in SAZ
Affected
districts
Affected
villages
in SAZ
Total
population
of SAZ
Affected
population
Affected
livestock
5 5 3329 2.071
million
1.6 million
(approx) -
78.39 % of
total
human
population
5.053 million
(approx)
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According to the current statistics, in 3329 villages Crop is being adversely affected due
to drought this year, due to sporadic rain fall, wind storms and scarce moisture content in
soil, only 1067009 hectare crop sown as
comparison 1,302789 hectares of last good
season. The whole crop has been destroyed
due the hostile drought conditions and
approximately people have invested Rs. 300
millions in the form of seed, feed and food
during this year. Consequently all the hopes
of recovery of estimated out-put Rs. 3077
millions from crop has been vanished, which
will lead serious food in security in the
regions in next couple of months.
Affected crop statistics
No. of affected villages
Percentage
damage to
crops
3329 100 %
Total cropped area - 1067009 hectares
Estimated financial loss due to crop
failure Rs 3077million
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The Increasing Rates of Grain
0 200 400 600 800 1000
May
june
july
August
SeptemberM
on
ths
Price In Rupees
Guar Bajhar Moth wheat Flour Mung
Rainfall pattern and water scarcity
The Arid zones of Sindh are rain fed areas and 90% of cultivation directly depends upon
on rainfall, however 35 % cultivation of Kachho areas depends on torrential water and
tube wells.
Salient features of Monsoon Behavior in SAZ
Usually monsoon in Sindh Arid zones start from 15th
June, but this year started on
26th
June followed by long dry spell.
Only Thar Desert received sporadic and aberrant rainfall whereas Nara and Kachho
has not received single drop of rain in current monsoon.
In general only 9 rainy days observed during monsoon against 28-34 days in normal
season.
Rain fall is highly inadequate and aberrant in nature.
The period of Monsoon is short, around three months. Its onset is late and withdrawal
early, in comparison to previous years.
In Thar Desert People has sowed crops on 1.2 million acres during 2nd
week of
August which is dependent on next rain fall which is aberrant and uncertain.
Good precipitation occurred only in 38 union councils in Thar Desert at the end of
monsoon after a long dry spell.
Where as 4 Union Councils of Khahore area of Chachro taluka, 4 Union Councils of
Umerkot Taluka have not received monsoon completely and 4 union councils of
Mithi taluka has received partially monsoon rainfall in 1st week of August 2004.
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During this year up to 28 September, 2004, the Thar Desert has received rainfall just 38
mm in Diplo taluka, 56.1 mm in Mithi taluka, and 13 mm in Chachro Taluka and 62 mm
in Nagarparkar taluka Where as Kachho and Nara has not received single drop during the
current monsoon season. Over all SAZ received 58.1 mm rain during the current
monsoon, against normal of the 300 mm, the deficit of rainfall is -80.64%.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Aug-
04
Rain in Thar
Rain in Kachho
Rain in Nara
The Graph of Rainfall in SAZ
However, it may be too little, too late for many crops in the area which resulted in severe
shortage of food, fodder, and drinking water and employment opportunities. Almost all
the arid regions are suffering from sharp depletion of ground water. This year seems to be
an extremely bad year for farmers, already hit by drought, earthquake and flash flood in
the previous couple of years. This in turn affects the water resources causing severe water
scarcity. Due to the overall deficit rainfall of nearly 80% in the entire Arid Zones of
Sindh, the major impounding reservoirs like Nain Nari, Kukrani, Angai ,Drig
wah,Painjlahi, Nain Gaaj Sluice, Ranasar, Khorbiyoon, Ghuhro, Bhodisar, Ranpur and
Gagi Shah spring dried up affecting the drinking water supply to major cities, towns and
villages. Deficient rainfall has also very adversely affected the recharge of ground water
aquifers, wells, tanks and other water reservoirs. As time progresses, the water supply
arrangements to habitations large and small are going to be seriously aggravated till the
arrival of the next monsoons in July 2005.
Livestock and fodder:
Cattle and other livestock are the most important source of
livelihood in Arid regions of Sindh, especially for the poor, and
occupy an important role in the over all economy. In economic
terms the livestock sector in the Arid Zone is already significant,
contributing about 30% to the value of the provincial livestock
sector - mostly in meat, and meat by-products, hides and wool.
The annual value of livestock and livestock products marketed
each year from the Arid Zone is estimated at Rs 750 millions,
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contributing nearly 30% of wool production, 55% of meat and10% of all milk production
in the province.
The grasses which sprouted in June have vanished, only few people have fodder collected
from last year, which will sustain only for two months. The rates of dried fodders such as
Millet stocks (Kana) and husk of cluster bean (Guawrti) increased 100%. According to
the visit of livestock market in Islamkot, Mithi, Chachro and Jhangara, people have
brought about 7000, livestock heads as compared 4500 in previous week for sale but on
the other hand purchasers were very few and 30-40% rates were declined as compared to
two weeks ago. Till to date 57.56 % cattle migrated to wards adjoining barrage areas of
SAZ, migration of cattle is expected 90% during the next month.
The Rates of Cow
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
May June July August September
Months
Pri
ce
Cow forMilk
Cow forMeat
Calf
The Rates Of Goats & Sheep
0
500
1000
1500
2000
May
June
July
Aug
ust
Sep
tem
bet
Months
Pri
ce Goat
Sheep
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Migration:
The human population along with their cattle has started migrating from Thar, Kachho
and Nara arid regions of SAZ as the fodder and drinking water are becoming scarce.
People have started migrating to the neighboring cities and other adjoining districts
Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, khairpur, Dadu and Sukkur in search of casual labor. A report
conducted by TRDP field staff in 100 villages reveals that 28.71 earning heads of
families (From Thar and Kachho) and 43.15% HH with their families have migrated in
search of employment towards the Indus plain for cotton picking and rice harvesting up
to 28th
September 2004. According to newspaper reports, there have been trends of
people coming back from these areas as the labor rate has gone down and it is
increasingly becoming difficult for them to survive
The severity of drought will further boost if any relief measures could not be performed
SAZ will face ten months dry season and situation will be worst. Though no food
emergency exists at the moment there are very strong possibilities that by the end of
November/ December people will start facing severe food and fodder shortage in drought
affected areas. In worst case scenario, based on the 1999-2000 worst drought experience,
2.5 million livestock and 0.8 million people may require emergency support.
Overall 43.15% Migration recorded in SAZ. The Region wise
breakup:
12%
30%58%
NARA KACHHO THAR
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Women & children and Drought
Women and children are the most affected groups in the drought. Women especially
pregnant and lactating mothers - Women are the focal point of rural socio-economic
activities. The lack of food, fodder and water in many areas is
resulting in migration of men in search for employment. This
affects the health and well being of the women and children as
well. The reports from various sources, indicates that there has
been considerable reduction in the hemoglobin level of
pregnant women and the weight of children below the age of
five. All this leads to:
Reduction in food availability because of inherent
biases in food distribution as it is the women who are
the first one to start skipping one meal a day.
Glaring reduction in their hemoglobin levels and
deficiency of iron, calcium and other vital components
especially in pregnant and lactating mothers due to
which there is a high incidence of night blindness and
other ailments in women.
Increased sexual exploitation at home and at new work
places consequent to migration to new places.
Sudden drop out of the children from schools.
35%
25%
20%
Primary Middle High
The percentage of dropout of student in the schools of SAZ
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Conclusion
This is a critical point. In limited market opportunities the heavy influx of labor can turn
the situation to the worst. The current food deficit indicates the state of hunger and any
further deterioration would be beyond the resilience capacity of the poor.
There would be worst time for 28.71 per cent of the households whose earning members
have left for the irrigated areas. The responsibility to secure the food in these families has
been shifted to women members. To make it up the children would go for earning the
livelihood. The food deficit and limited opportunities of livelihood would increase the
vulnerability of women and children. If not tackled carefully and timely this may cause
increase in infant and maternal mortality.
Recommendations
1. The provision of Food, Fodder, Water and Health support is seen as priority areas
of the interventions for the next 10 months of the year.
2. The relief should begin with Fodder followed by food and health intervention. All
this should follow the strategy as TRDP has been doing in the past in similar
situations.
3. Provision of Animal Disease Protection Measures.
4. Establishment of relief centers and prepares the team for relief work.
References
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1. An assessment of drought in Tharparkar Arid Zone 2002 by Allah Nawaz Samoo
TRDP.
2. Tharparkar Rural Development Project Evaluation 1993 by Arif Hassan Govt of
Sindh, Unicef, Save the children Fund UK
3. An Assessment of drought in Tharparkar Arid Zone 1999 by Allah Nawaz Samoo
TRDP.
4. SAZDA progress review June 1991 by Govt of Sindh Planning & Development
Department, And SINDH ARID ZONE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
5. Rural Development Strategy for Sindh Arid Zone by AGRODEV Canada Inc
6. When will fortune open the door? Abdul Fateh Dahri and Abdul Gaffar Thaheem
, Drought assessment Kachho District Dadu 1995-2002 , Village Shad Abad
Welfare Organization Juhi, Dadu.
Annexure 1
25
Survey Schedule
Date Districts Region
16-21, September 2004 Tharparkar Thar Desert
Mirpurkhas
23-25, September 2004 Dadu Kacho Region
26-27, September 2004 Khairpur Nara Region
Community Conference held at Mithi on 30 September 2004. Some 168 Community
Representatives from all three regions attended the community conferences.
Annexure 2
26
Questionnaire:
Economic Losses Overview Survey on Drought in Tharparkar
Date: --------------
01) Basic information
Name of Village: ----------------------------
Deh: ------------------- Union Council: ------------------------Taluka: ------------------------
Population: -------------House Holds: -----------------
02) Agricultural information
Total Land under Cultivation in village: ------------------------acres.
Crop Sowing & Expected yield during good year.
Guwar in acres: ----------Estimated yield----------------Total worth in Rupees: ---------------
Guwarti: --------------------Estimated yield----------------Total worth in Rupees: -------------
Bajra in acres: ------------Estimated yield----------------Total worth in Rupees: --------------
Kana: ----------------- -Estimated yield----------------Total worth in Rupees: --------------
Moong in acres: --------------Estimated yield-----------------Total worth in Rupees: ---------
Til in acres: -------------------Estimated yield-----------------Total worth in Rupees: ---------
Moth in acres: ----------------Estimated yield-----------------Total worth in Rupees: ---------
Kuriyoon: ---------------------Estimated yield-----------------Total worth in Rupees: ---------
Comments----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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03) Migration
No: of HHs completely migrated (Animal + Family): -------------------------------------------
No: of HHs partially migrated: ----------------------------------------------------------------------
No: of HHs migrated to towns within Thar: -------------------------------------------------------
Total population migrated in a year: ----------------------------------------------------------------
No: of children dropped out from school due to drought: ---------------------------------------
27
04) Livestock
No: of livestock migrated from village: ----------------------
No: of livestock sold on throwaway price: -------------------Estimated losses-----------------
Disruption of reproduction cycle (delayed breeding) Estimated losses-----------------
Extra cost on live stock maintenance due to drought Estimated losses ----------------
Livestock mortality
Cow: --------------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Sheep: --------------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Goats: ---------------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Camel: ---------------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Donkey: -------------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Any other: ----------- Estimated Losses: ------------------
Total: ------------------ Estimated Losses: ------------------
Comments----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Water
Impacts on water resources during drought
Change in quality--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in level-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any Consequences in drawing & fetching of water and comments----------------------------
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Over all Views of villagers about impacts of drought:
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Name of Surveyor
Signature of Surveyor
Annexure 3