Murree Biodiversity Park on Socio-economic Survey the adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park...

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

Murree Biodiversity Park

Socio-economic Survey Ba

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The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Published by: Environment Protection Department (EPD), Punjab and IUCN Pakistan

Copyright: © 2014 IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Murree Biodiversity Park - Baseline Report on Socio-economic Survey was developed by the below mentioned resource person, with technical assistance of IUCN Pakistan and financial support by the Environment Protection Department, Punjab , Pakistan. Citation is encouraged. Reproduction and/or translation of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorised without prior written permission from IUCN Pakistan, provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission from IUCN Pakistan.

Citation: EPD Punjab (2013). Murree Biodiversity Park - Baseline Report on Socio-economic Survey. IUCN Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan. 38 pp. Resource person: Faiz Muhammad Kakar

Editor: Taymoor Arif

Design: Azhar Saeed & Taymoor Arif, IUCN Pakistan

Cover photograph: Taymoor Arif

Available from: IUCN Pakistan Islamabad Programme Office House: 2, Street: 83 Embassy Road, G-6/4 Islamabad, Pakistan Tel: +92 (51) 2271027-34 Fax: +92 (51) 2271017 www.iucn.org/pakistan

MBP- Socioeconomic Baseline Survey 1 | P a g e

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................... 4

2. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 7

2.1. Overall objective of the study ...................................................................................... 9

2.2. Specific objectives ........................................................................................................ 9

3. METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 10

3.1. Study design: ..............................................................................................................10

3.2. Data collection: ...........................................................................................................10

3.3. Collection of the secondary data: ................................................................................10

3.4. Primary data collection: ..............................................................................................10

3.5. Study universe: ...........................................................................................................11

3.6. Study Sample: .............................................................................................................11

3.7. Questionnaire development: .......................................................................................11

3.8. Pre-testing of questionnaire: .......................................................................................12

3.9. Data entry: .................................................................................................................12

3.10. Data analysis: ..........................................................................................................12

3.11. Report writing .........................................................................................................12

4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION .................................................................................... 13

4.1. General Information of the Villages: ............................................................................13

4.2. Infrastructure and facilities of the village: ....................................................................13

4.3. Status of Natural Resources: .......................................................................................17

4.4. Land Resources: ..........................................................................................................17

4.4.1. Cultivable and non-cultivable area ............................................................................................ 17

4.4.2. Land ownership: ......................................................................................................................... 17

4.5. Water Resources: ........................................................................................................18


4.5.1. Poultry Keeping ......................................................................................................................... 19

4.6. Education Situation .................................................................................................... 19

4.7. Income groups and sources ........................................................................................ 20

4.8. Agriculture ................................................................................................................. 22

4.8.1. Orchards .................................................................................................................................... 23

4.9. Health facilities: ......................................................................................................... 24

4.10. Forests ................................................................................................................... 24

5. NEED IDENTIFICATION ......................................................................................... 26

6. RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 27

ANNEXURE l: Glossary ................................................................................................... 29

ANNEXURE ll: Questionnaire – FGD ............................................................................... 30

ANNEXURE III: Questionnaire – Household .................................................................... 35

ANNEXURE IV: Participants – FGD ................................................................................. 38


LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Description Page No.

Table: 1 Target Area household status 13

Table: 2 Household structure condition 13

Table: 3 Households access to black top roads 14

Table: 4 Percentage of households having the facilities 15

Table: 5 Cultivable and non-cultivable area in target area 17

Table: 6 Shamilat and Land coverage by construction in target area 18

Table: 7 Livestock Population 18

Table: 8 Detail of students in target area 19

Table: 9 Number of literates and teachers in target area 20

Table: 10 Percentages of the literate inhabitants in target area 20

Table: 11 Average Income Group 20

Table: 12 House hold income (sector wise) 21

Table: 13 Orchards in the target area 23

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Description Page No.

Figure 1 Household constructions status 14

Figure 2 Households access to roads 15

Figure 3 Infrastructures of the target area 16

Figure 4 Households access to communication 16

Figure 5 Income Group in District 21

Figure 6 Major livelihood sources sectors 22

TABLE OF ANNEXURE

Annexure Description

Annexure l Glossary

Annexure ll Questionnaire for Individual Households

Annexure lll Questionnaire for Focused Group Discussion

Annexure IV List of participants of FGD


1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Murree is the most popular hill station and a summer resort of Pakistan. The valley is blessed with one of the most beautiful and diverse ecological habitats of the country, therefore a unique and highly diverse fauna and flora inhabit in these hills. An elevation variation of about 5000 feet over an aerial distance of just 25 km has produced sharp variations in physiographic features, precipitation and temperature providing habitat to flourish several distinct forest types.

The Punjab Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (PHUD&PHED) through its Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) had planned an Area Development Scheme (ADS) near Sunny Bank, Murree at a prime piece of land measuring 40 acres. Following the past decision of the Punjab Government to abandon the most controversial New Murree Township Project and imposing a ban on developing new housing schemes in the Murree Valley, PHUD & PHED also decided to shelf the idea of developing the housing scheme and offered the land to the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) for developing a biodiversity conservation park.

Punjab Environment Protection Department decided to carry out socio-economic assessment study of the adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park through IUCN for identification of the area’s needs and for placing practicable recommendation for livelihood improvement of the local inhabitants.

The proposed study has been carried out in four villages/localities: Sandhiyan, Dhar Java, Chitta Morh and Sunny Bank, which are adjacent to Murree Biodiversity Park.

Though the overall objective of the study was to map the socio economic status of the population residing adjacent to Murree Biodiversity Park yet the identification of basic needs of the area with intensive participatory practices and concrete recommendations were also considered to be the specific objectives.

For achieving the aforesaid objectives a survey was conducted through several applying Participatory Rural Appraisals (PRA) techniques. Initially it was decided that sampling would be conducted in representative number of villages in the target area identified through satellite image. However, after assessment of population and villages in the area it was further decided all the villages would be surveyed. Therefore 4 villages were surveyed. During the survey individuals, Forest Department officials, groups of community members, focused groups, farmers and notables were interviewed along with personal observations and transect walks. For collection of data a detailed questionnaire was developed and pre-tested in the target area.

As the crux of the study assessment the following results have emerged:

1. In target area the Abassi tribe is living in majority in all target villages. Most inhabitants of the district are sedentary however; about 10% of population is migratory (temporary). The well-off families stay for two to three months in Rawalpindi/Islamabad during extreme cold weather of Murree. They also migrate to the other warmer areas of the Punjab Province during winters and come back in summers.

2. There are approximately 450 households in the target area and the average households in the village vary from 4-10 from each other due to the size of villages.


3. The result of the study regarding type of construction of houses revealed that about 91% houses are Packa (steel sheets, bricks and concrete) however 36% houses have maintained Kacha (mud and wood made) rooms to keep themselves warm during winters. Almost 58% of the households have direct access to black top road and the rest of 42% have indirect access.

4. Inhabitants of all the four villages in the target area have to approach hospital or a dispensary in Murree town to avail health facilities. Furthermore, they have to approach Murree town to avail the facility of veterinary hospital.

5. 93.3% of the villagers have access to electricity from the national grid; likewise almost 73.3% inhabitants are benefiting from local water sources and have developed local supply system. Few of the households have access to personal tube wells.

6. No Natural gas has been provided to the area however 49% villagers are using LPG cylinders in their houses.

7. Main sources of water for irrigation, drinking and livestock in target area are springs and partially tube wells. About 90% of irrigation and drinking water need is being fulfilled by springs. Tube wells contribute about 05% to irrigation.

8. Almost 100% of the population is enjoying the facility of phone; while 78% have access to TV transmission. A general post office (GPO) is also available in Tehsil Headquarter Murree. While almost all the households (100%) can receive radio transmission, only 47% households have radio sets.

9. Overall area of the villages comprises of mountains. Cultivable areas are mostly in small chunks terraced.

10. The result of the study about the natural resources illustrates that 40 to 60% of the land of the target area is cultivable. Out of cultivable area, about 50% of land is being cultivated while the rest of the 50% is not being cultivated. About 20% of the total area is forest and rangeland. Here it is necessary to clarify that 90% of the total rangeland is being utilized by the community. The reasons for no-cultivation are mainly shortage of water storage, financial resources, human resources and disputes etc.

11. 30 goats, 9 Cows, 1 bull and 10 horses have been recorded from 45 households. Due to harshness of weather households are not tending sheep in their homes. Moreover in the presence of horses, the donkeys are also very rare in the area. Inhabitants use the horses for transport and as well as for income generation as some visitors hire horses for riding in the summers on nominal payments.

12. Approximately 200 male and 225 female students go to schools in the target area of selected 4 villages. There were 6 males and 4 females having a master’s degree. 11 males 8 females have attained bachelor degree, while 22 males and 17 females are matriculate students.

13. Major livelihood sources in the target area is personal business such as shop keeping (24.4%) followed by transport (20%). 17.8% are earning from daily labor and 13.3% are dependent on income from horse riding tourism. Agriculture, livestock, government jobs, and other sources such as foreign remittance and working in guest houses are also contributing in the livelihood of the target area.


14. The results of the study showed that less than 1% of the population can be ranked as destitute, earning less than 10 to 20 thousand of rupees per annum. About 44.4% of the population is able to earn up to 10 thousand per month, 26.4 of family feeders are earning 10 to 20 thousands rupees per month and major portion of this group is involved in daily wages and other private jobs. A sufficient number of the inhabitants (about 20% are earning up to 50 thousand and finally there is no family feeder in target area who earn more than one hundred thousand (100,000) rupees per month.

15. Major crops of the target area are wheat and maize in Rabi season while fruits (apple, apricot, peach and plums), potato and fresh vegetables are also grown in the target area.

It’s important to note that only four villages neighboring MBP have been surveyed during the study, hence the information and data of the study may not match with the data of the whole tehsil or district.


2. INTRODUCTION

Murree is one of the seven tehsils of Rawalpindi District in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Murree is a beautiful mountainous valley located at 49 kilometer away from Federal capital Islamabad and 400 km east of Lahore City, the provincial capital of the Punjab. It is located in the northernmost part of Punjab province where it borders the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Murree Tehsil lies between 73.3903°East longitudes and 33.9042° North latitudes and consists of 15 Union Councils.

It is famous for its dense forest and pleasant weather. Its altitude reaches up to 2,291.2 (7,517.1 ft) meters above mean sea level and has an approximate population of 176,426 people according to 1998 census.

According to the 1901 census of India, Murree Tehsil had a total area of 668 sq. km and contained 1 town (Murree) and 258 villages and the total population was recorded as 52,303 which was an increase of 14.3% from 1891 - of this only 1,463 were literate. The population density was 78 heads per square kilometers.

Geographical Map of Tehsil Murree

Tehsil Murree is bordered to the north by Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to the south by Islamabad, on the east lies AJK, and to the west lies Haripur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It has a total geographical area of about 697.5 sq.km1, out of which the total forest area is about 175 sq.km2

The tehsil is blessed with a good land resource base in qualitative and quantitative terms. About 25% of its total geographical area is under forests. The arable land is only approximately 40% of the geographical area, and is under increasing population pressure. The land is very fertile and suitable for high value horticultural crops on account of which its value productivity is high. The potential for expansion of arable land is however almost non-existent. The tehsil’s population is on the other hand, increasing continuously. Considerable construction activity is also going on and is expected to accelerate in future. Therefore, the land to human ratio is getting worse with time and the hazards to forests are also increasing at alarming rate.

(46463 acres).

Murree forests in Pakistan constitute the highest tourism values with trees in some patches more than hundreds years of age. The aesthetic value of these forests is the contributing source of national economy through nature based tourism and recreational opportunities and play an important role in contributing to local livelihoods

These forests have been supporting an immense treasure of floral and faunal diversity. However, degradation of these forests has started due to increasing requirements for fuel wood, construction timber, fencing material, water, minor forest products and grazing. These “Old Growth” forests have started yielding its area to the human habitation and showing signs of

1 Tehsil Office, Punjab Revenue Department, Murree. 2 Murree Forest Division, Punjab Forest Department.

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deterioration in the form of soil erosion and decreasing ground cover that is essential for maintenance of watershed values.

Murree Biodiversity Park

The Punjab Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department (PHUD&PHED) through its Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) had planned an Area Development Scheme (ADS) near Sunny Bank, Murree at a prime piece of land measuring 40 acres. Following the past decision of the Punjab Government to abandon the most controversial New Murree Township Project and imposing a ban on developing new housing schemes in the Murree Valley, PHUD & PHED also decided to shelf the idea of developing the housing scheme and offered the land to the Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) for developing a biodiversity conservation park.

This socio-economic baseline of areas adjacent to MBP is a part of larger baseline that also assesses the floral and faunal diversity of the forest area in context. This study will not only be helpful as a planning tool but would also play a role as a guiding document for the decision makers who intend to contribute for uplifting the living standards of the inhabitants of target area and for assuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

It’s important to note that only four villages neighboring MBP have been surveyed during the study, hence the information and data of the study may not match with the data of the whole tehsil or district.

The total area of MBP calculated through GIS mapping comes out to be 17.59 hectares (43.47 acres). It is surrounded by four villages/localities: Sandhiyan, Dhar Java, Chitta Moor and Sunny Bank; which constitutes the target study area.

In all villages of the study area, forests are being used by the local communities to fulfill their requirements of fuel wood, livestock grazing, fencing around houses/farms and timber for construction. Major threats to these forests are posed by land use change by expansion of agriculture and habitation, livestock overgrazing and illicit wood cutting.

The main sources of livelihoods in target area are private jobs, daily wage in public & private sectors along with partial foreign remittance, agriculture and livestock.


(Source: MBP – Management & Operations Plan)

Satellite Image of Target Area of Study in Tehsil Murree

OBJECTIVES

2.1. Overall objective of the study

The overall objective of this study was to map the socio economic status of the population residing adjacent to Murree Biodiversity Park.

2.2. Specific objectives

The specific objectives of this study were:

1. To assess the social services and infrastructure situation in the adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park.

2. To seek information about the livelihood sources and income ratio of the inhabitants of adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park.

3. Identification of basic needs of the area with intensive participatory practices and suggesting concrete recommendations for development of the target area, were also considered to be the specific objectives.


3. METHODOLOGY

This study was carried out during 2013-14. During research, interactive participatory approach and general observation technique was emphasized upon. Two main sources of data collection (secondary and primary) were focused upon to ensure that reliable and authentic data and information is available. In this context the information from studies conducted by IUCN, district profiles and other relevant documents developed by Federal Government and Government of Punjab have been illustrated time and again in the study.

3.1. Study design:

Prior to initiating the research work it was planned that along with data collection forms, the target group should be engaged directly; therefore different types of participatory tools were used for interaction with respondents during the research period. A questionnaire was developed covering the information of main components such as social services, facilities situation, existence of infrastructure, potentials of natural resources and a mapping of poverty prevailing. The questionnaire was also pre-tested.

Along with questionnaire, the universe for the research, sample size, target area, stakeholders, level of farmers and other aspect were identified with the guidance of the concerned stakeholders.

The detail of the study design process is as under:

3.2. Data collection:

The study is based on the two types of data, secondary and primary. Efforts were made to investigate all the feasible sources to collect the secondary data to avoid duplication and to save time. The detail of secondary and primary data is as:

3.3. Collection of the secondary data:

A number of studies, booklets, district profiles and web pages were reviewed to understand the background of the issues of socio-economic condition in target area and existing challenges for livelihood. These materials were analyzed to draw national and regional context of the socio-economic conditions. Knowledge sought from literature review, also supported to comprehend the issue, developing questionnaire for primary data collection, getting information through personal observations and interpersonal communication sessions followed and authenticated the inferences drawn.

For making the primary data collection relevant and informative, the secondary data was focused to be collected from concerned and representative villages and individuals. Secondary data was also collected from IUCN, Government of Punjab and NGOs. The data was analyzed to draw the existing picture of the livelihood practices.

3.4. Primary data collection:

Primary data for the study was collected in four villages of the target area adjacent to the Murree Biodiversity Park through a structured questionnaire comprising of close and open ended questions. Primary data was collected from villages, community notables, government officials, groups through PRA techniques like focused group discussions, probing, interviews, transect walks and personal observations.


3.5. Study universe:

The study universe was already discussed with IUCN concerned officials and was decided that only inhabitants of the adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park and its immediate surroundings would be considered as study universe. Based on relevant satellite image, appropriate study/sample spots along with villages were identified. Meetings were conducted with key stakeholders and concerned officials for clarification on the study area and respondents. In this furtherance community members were also contacted to focus on the real stakeholders of Murree Biodiversity Park. It was decided that the following steps shall be followed during research for covering and representing the whole universe:

1. Covering all of the adjacent villages, random sampling technique was adapted.

2. Small and large villages were focused to make the study more representative.

3. A rational number of villagers from villages were interacted.

3.6. Study Sample:

For the purpose of sample selection survey team visited the area time and again and consulted all stakeholders. Team leader of the study visited the sites proposed to be included in the study and finally it was decided that adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park would be focused during the study. It was found that approximately 450 households in four villages constitute the target study area and 10% of the study area will be the requisite sample size for the study and hence selected. Such sample size was exercised randomly and each 10th

3.7. Questionnaire development:

household was contacted for interview.

For development of the questionnaire, the basic idea was discussed with the IUCN concerned team members and expert. The outputs and outcomes of the study were considered before the initiation. After getting sufficient information and especially considering the data entry and analysis, a questionnaire was designed. The initial draft was shared with IUCN concerned staff already working in MBP project their and inputs were incorporated and the questionnaire was modified accordingly. A standard questionnaire was developed for the collection of primary data from the field, keeping in mind the indicators and different aspects of the research study. The questionnaire for the survey was pre-tested to assess the appropriateness of the questions in order to collect the required information.


3.8. Pre-testing of questionnaire:

Pre-testing was performed on two forms of questionnaire with different interviewees. Enumerators were supervised during the pre-testing of the questionnaire. Different queries from the enumerators were responded to avoid any sort of misinterpretation. Cultural sensitiveness and time efficiency aspects of the questionnaire were accentuated during the pretesting session.

3.9. Data entry:

After getting information from field, all filled questionnaires were assessed and queries were clarified by the enumerators. References were recorded under each table. Data entry operator was oriented and numbers of tables in the spreadsheet were designed. The tables were displayed and data entry was monitored time and again. Entered data was checked randomly and errors were corrected before analysis.

3.10. Data analysis:

Data analysis was performed using Excel software. Descriptive statistics such as means for continuous and proportion for categorical variables were calculated to check for any missing information and the distribution of key indicators. To assess the differences in different indicators stratified analysis was performed based on area, and other related variables.

3.11. Report writing

On the basis of personal knowledge and the result of the research a report was initially drafted and was shared with IUCN concerned staff members. After receiving feedback a final report was produced.


4. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Consequently upon compilation and analysis of the data, it was revalidated in the field. Key results of the research are as follows:

4.1. General Information of the Villages:

General information about the villages like village name, union council, tehsil, valley, distance from metal road, distance from tehsil Head Quarter, status of migration and tribes living in the village was included in Questionnaire.

Table 1, indicates that in all the 4 villages surveyed there are 450 households in the target area covering 3 union councils partially. As per the status of migration is involved, some of the well-off inhabitants of the tehsil are migrating towards capital area and other parts of Punjab however, most of the inhabitants are settled in villages. Migrants mostly shift to the warmer areas of the Province in winter season.

All the population of the Murree Town comprises of Abbasi, Chaudhary (Raja), Butt and Qureshi tribes.

Table: 1. Target Area household status

Villages surveyed Population covered UC Average HH migrates %

04 450 03 10

4.2. Infrastructure and facilities of the village:

At a 10% sampling intensity 29 houses in villages of the study area are Packa (steel sheets and bricks), 15 consists of both Packa and Kacha construction and only 01 is constructed Kacha (Mud and wood) as illustrated in Table 2.

Table: 2. Household structure condition

Total Respondents

Construction Packa

% age Mix Construction Packa and Kacha

% age Kacha Construction

% age

45 29 64.45 15 33.34 01 2.23

Figure 1, gives a very clear picture about the trend of the household construction and that is almost Packa construction made of steel sheets and bricks. About 34.8% of households have Kacha construction as well and these constructions are for the shelter of the inhabitants especially in cold weather because the warming of Kacha construction is easier than Packa ones however only 2.2% of Kacha households exist with construction in the area.


Figure: 1. Household constructions status

Table: 3. Access to Roads

As the table 3 depicts; about 58% of the villagers have access to black top road and 42% villagers are accessing the main road using shingle road or incomplete road facility. Here it is worth mentioning that due to the topography of the area and mountainous structure of the settlement the accessibility of majority of households to the black top road is almost impossible the reason being that people are constructing their houses on far apart mountain slopes.

Figure 2, expresses about the area with reference to sources of communication. Almost half of the inhabitants are utilizing the facility of black top road while the rest of the half population does not have direct access to such type of facility at door step. The reasons are settlement of the inhabitants on mountains.

Packa Construction 65%

Mix (Packa & Kacha)

Construction 33%

Kacha Construction 2%

Household Structure

Total HH analyzed

HH Access to Metal Road

% of HH to access to Metal Road

HH with no Access metal Road

% of HH with no access to Metal Road

45 26 57.78% 19 42.2%


Figure: 2. Households having access to roads

Table 4 indicates that 93% of houses are electrified and 73% households have been provided with water supply. There is no hospital or dispensary in the village, which depicts that 0% of the total villagers have direct access to health facilities. The same situation prevails for veterinary hospitals which are available only in Murree Town. There is no supply of natural gas in the target area, therefore 49% of the households are using LPG in their homes, likewise there is no bank in the target area however the scheduled and private banks have their branches in Murree Town and are accessible to the target population.

Figure 3 and 4 highlights access to various other facilities. 58% of the households in the target area are enjoying the access to black top roads, 100% households accessing the networks of cell phones, 22% households have installed dish antennas in their houses, 47% households are listening Radios while 78% of households are watching TVs at their homes.

Table: 4.Percentage of households having the facilities

Facility Total HH Facility in HH % HH

Black top Road 45 26 58

Hospital/Dispensary 45 0 0

Electricity 45 42 93

Water supply 45 33 73

Gas supply 45 0 0

Phone 45 45 100

Dish Antenna 45 10 22

Vet. Hospital 45 0 0

Bank 45 0 0

58%

42%

0% 0%

0% 0%

Access to BTR (%age of HH) No access to BTR (%age of HH)


LPG 45 22 49

Radio 45 21 47

TV 45 35 78

Figure: 3. Infrastructures of the target area

Figure: 4. Households access to communication

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Total HH B. Top Road Electricity Water supp. LPG Infrastructure 45 26 42 33 22

Infrastructure

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Total Houshods

Dish Antenna

Phone Radio TV

Infrastructure 45 10 45 21 35

Infrastructure


4.3. Status of Natural Resources:

In Murree tehsil where about most of the population lives in mountains and almost all of the area consist of forests and rangelands, poverty prevails across the valley. Besides forests; the lack of other natural resource like mineral and nonexistence of industries in the valley have worsened the situation. Over population is further exacerbating the situation. Due to strict implementation of forest rules and regulation population living in rural areas is less dependent on forest resources. However livestock is a supplementary factor of livelihood and of income generation because of free availability of grazing facility in the forest area. Deforestation has been almost controlled however somewhere the problem exists hence households are surviving on other business opportunities like private jobs at guest houses, contracts, daily labor and others.

4.4. Land Resources:

4.4.1. Cultivable and non-cultivable area

Cultivable areas are mostly in the villages which is target area of the survey. The analysis covers the area owned by villagers and especially the plain areas mostly found around the Murree Biodiversity Park. Hence as per Table 5, about 40% area of the target area is cultivable out of which only 49% is cultivated and rest 51% is uncultivated. The main reasons for no cultivation are mainly uneven surface of the land, shortage of water, financial constraints for land preparation.

Table 5.Cultivable and non-cultivable area

Total Area of Villages (Kanal)

Cultivable Area (Kanal)

Cultivated of the Cultivable Area (Kanal)

Non cultivated of Cultivable Area (Kanal)

185.8 74 36.2 37.2

Percent 100% 40% 49% 51%

4.4.2. Land ownership:

For assessment of land ownership all the household were queried in details. As reflected in Table 6, all of the households own land being cultivated by them or on which they have constructed their homes. Though the land holding is small due to mountainous topography of the area however they have rights in about 19% of shamilat in area. On one hand the lack of availability of land is an issue while on the other hand the performance of agriculture extension is also a question mark. The introduction of low delta crops, high yielding seeds and varieties of high commercial values are


about invisible in the area and the respondents were found ignorant about the modern agriculture practices and improved crop variety.

Table 6. Shamilat and Land coverage by construction in target area

Total number of HH surveyed

Total Area in Kanal

Shamilat Area covered by Construction

Area not able to cultivate

45 185.8 35.3 43.4 35.2

%age 18.9% 23.3% 18.9%

4.5. Water Resources:

The main sources of water for drinking, livestock and irrigation in target area are springs and tube wells. Details of these water sources are as under:

Springs are the important perennial sources of water in target area for drinking, livestock and irrigation purposes. Operation and maintenance of springs is usually the responsibility of the households however in most of the areas government has provided water through long distance pipelines directly to the households. Though in target area of the survey not a single tube well has been recorded; however in focused group discussion it was told that tube wells have been installed in the valley by well-off inhabitants and are pumping out water for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Due to topography of the Murree Town and regular snow fall in winter season, water is available to all households almost round the year. Heavy rain (1,789 mm or 70.4 in/year – Metrological Department, Murree) fall in the area ensures the regular recharge of springs, the main source of drinking water and irrigation. However in summer the scarcity of the water especially for irrigation is an issue in the area. Inhabitants are unable to get sufficient water for irrigation from springs for the Kharif crops and orchards. There is no mechanism for storing surplus water for irrigation when direly required during hot and dry season. Some of the springs become dry in hot weather especially in summer hence storage structures for irrigation water for promotion of sustainable agriculture is one of the most important need of the people.

Livestock

Most of the area of the tehsil is rangeland hence the livestock is also one of the key source of livelihood. Livestock provides food for household usage and as well as daily and occasionally income to households. Livestock refuse is used as farmyard manure for orchards and other agriculture activities hence rearing of small ruminants is very common. Table 7, indicates that 60% of total population of livestock consists of goats while in other 40% constitutes of %cows, % bulls and % horses.

Table: 7. Livestock Population

Animals Total Animals Total HH Average /HH

Goat 30 45 0.66

Cows 09 45 0.2

Bulls 01 45 0.02


Horses 10 45 0.22

Total 50 45

Table 7 reflects that almost all households have small animals especially goats and about every fourth household is keeping a cow and a horse in the target area. Small ruminants are more than 50% and the large animals are less. The data also expresses that the horses are the main source of transportation, farm work and source of daily income for some of the households who keep horses for visitors’ horse riding in Murree town.

The general livestock diseases recorded were lungs worm, liver fluke, mange, anthrax, foot and mouth disease, enterotoxaemia and goat pox. Data assessment revealed an annual mortality and morbidity rate ranges between 10 and 20% respectively.

4.5.1. Poultry Keeping

There is general trend of domestic poultry keeping at large scale. Almost all households of the target area are rearing poultry. About 115 chicks have been reported in the survey and average poultry per household is 2.5. It is out of place to mention here that poultry plays a key role in food supply of the area. Inhabitants of the area consume eggs regularly and are very common food during the day in most of the houses. The other impact of the poultry is that it is a source of gender empowerment especially in rural area. Female of the households are not only responsible for poultry keeping but also get financial benefits from the sale of the poultry at domestic level. Culturally the male segment is not associated with domestic level poultry business.

4.6. Education Situation

Education is one of the key factors in assessing the socio-economic condition of any area and is more contributing factor than income for uplifting the living standards in society. For assessment of the education status, indicators focusing on total boys and girls; number of total boys and girls going to school and percentage of boys and girls going to school in target area were considered. Likewise for assessment of the literacy situation of the area, indicators of number of master degree holders, number of graduates and matriculates in the target area were also included. Apart from this the number of school teachers and number of religious teachers in madrasas and mosques in target area were also assessed through focused group discussions. In this context the result of different aspects of the education are shown in table 8.

Table 8.Detail of students in target area

Total students Total Boy Students

Total Girl Students

% Boys going to School

% Girls going to School

425 200 225 47.05 52.94

As per Table 09, out of the 45 households surveyed there are 6 male and 4 females who have attained master’s level education. 11 males and 8 females have a bachelor’s degree and there are 20 male and 17 female matriculate students in the target area. Additionally 19 boy students and 8 girl students are enrolled in primary schools in target area. There is one primary and one middle school in target area; apart from public and private schools in Murree town where the kids of well-off citizens of the target area are enrolled.


Table: 9. Number of literates and teachers in target area

MA BA Matric Primary Teachers Mullah Hakeem

Male 6 11 20 19 70 50 2

Female 4 8 17 8 40 20 0

Education system is quite encouraging the in area where the education facilities of both English and Urdu medium are available to inhabitants. Hence as per Table 10, the percentage of Masters qualified households is 22%. Likewise 42% graduates are there in surveyed houses. 86% enrollment in schools for intermediate education is a good indicator for the future livelihood of the target area.

Table: 10. Percentages of the literate inhabitants in target households

Total HH Total MA

% MA Total BA % BA Total Matric

% Matric Total Primary

%Primary

45 10 22.2 19 42.3 39 86.6 32 71.1

4.7. Income groups and sources

Household income could be the best indicator to assess the actual socio economic situation of the target communities. In this context the following categories were defined to assess household income in the area:

Group having income less than 10 thousand

Group having 10-20 thousand annual income

Group having 20-50 thousand annual income

Group of people having 50-100 thousands per annum

And group having above than 100 thousand income annually

The aggregate result of the income is shown in the table 11. Not a single household or ignorable percentage of households have income of more than 100 thousand rupees per month, even in the target area there are about 9% households earning 50-100 thousand rupees per month and the inhabitants of these households comprises the upper middle class of the community. The data indicates that the majority, about 45%, of the households lie in the class who earn only 10 thousand rupees per month and are surviving on daily wages, zakat and charity from well-off people of the area. About 27% are earning 10-20 thousand rupees per month. 20% people of the target area earn 20-50 thousand rupees per month by doing private and government jobs and earning through various other resources.

Table: 11. Average Income Group (Pak. Rupees)

Group Total HH HH of Group % of HH

Less than 10 thousand 45 20 44.4

10-20 thousand 45 12 26.6


20-50 thousand 45 09 20.0

50-100 thousand 45 04 8.8

Above 100 thousand 45 0 0

Total 45 99.9

Figure: 5. Income Group in Target Area

Table 12 and figure 6 indicates that main sector contributing as the income source is shop keeping, which accommodates about 11% of the earners of the target area; followed by transport sector contributing 9% in income generation. Likewise daily labor is also a key sector for income generation and its share is about 8%. Horse-riding is another adding sector in income generation and its share is 6%.

Table: 12.Household’s income (sector wise)

Tota

l HH

HH

invo

lved

in

Agr

icul

ture

HH

dep

ende

nt o

n

Jobs

HH

dep

ende

nt o

n

Busi

ness

Wor

king

in G

uest

hous

es

Invo

lved

in

Tran

spor

t

Mar

keti

ng /

Cont

ract

ing

Shop

Kee

ping

Dai

ly la

bor

Hor

se R

idin

g

45 2 2 2 2 9 3 11 8 6

0-10 thousand

10-20 thousand

20-50 thousand

50-100 thousand

Income Groups


Figure: 06. Major livelihood sources sectors

4.8. Agriculture

The cultivatable area in the surveyed area is about 74 Kanal which constitutes 40% of the total area of the targeted households. Cultivated area accounts for 50%.

As per result of the survey agriculture can be the key contributing factor of livelihood in area. Agriculture can be one of the key sources of income and employment in area especially for those people who are poor and having no jobs. Tehsil Murree is almost a single crop region where as in Kharif season only crops and fruit are produced.

2, 5% 2, 5% 2, 4%

2, 4%

9, 20%

3, 7% 11, 24%

8, 18%

6, 13%

Sources of Income

Agricultre

Jobs

Business

Working in Guest houses

Transportation

Marketing/ Contractor

Shop Keeping

Daily Labor

Horseriding


The detail of cropping pattern in the target area is as follows:

Data indicated that the average yield in Rabi crop at Murree is not very good due to extreme cold weather and snow fall occurring for months in area. Fruit orchards have occupied a maximum area of cultivated land. However major Kharif crops are vegetables such as pumpkins, tomato, potato, chilies, lady fingers, turnips, aubergines (eggplant), pea, green salad and others. Most of the households are growing these vegetables but on very low scale and only for their own use. Most of these vegetables are grown for domestic consumption however some poor inhabitants sell them in local market to make ends meet. None of the farmer is growing a single crop of vegetable on even one Kanal due to non-availability of land and farmers who have a comparatively large piece of land have raised orchards. Farmers are almost not using fertilizer however few of them are using Farmyard Manure (FYM) for their crops.

One other key point revealed as a result of survey is the cultivation of fodder crops such as maize and sorghum by almost maximum number of farmers. Farmers grow it for feeding their animals.

4.8.1. Orchards

Overall the agriculture is not being practiced as primary source of the livelihood in tehsil Murree. The target area is not famous for agriculture or fruit production. However, few valleys are popular for fruit production and the orchards have been established at large scale the fruits grown in the tehsil are Apple, Apricot, Peaches, Plum and others. However, Apples and Apricot are the large scale growing fruits of the Murree town.

In surveyed area very small scale orchards are present. Survey of the target area showed that there is about 17.2 Kanal of land covered with orchards out of which about 9.49 Kanal is covered with apple, 1.65 Kanal with peach, 3.25 Kanal with apricot, 2.3 Kanal with plum and 0.33 Kanal with other fruit orchards.

Data shown in Table 13 reflects that about 215, 31, 81, 28 and 15 no plants of apple, peach, apricot, plum and other fruit types respectively are present respectively in the target area. The overall average annual production of apple, peach, apricot, plum and other fruit orchards is 2,765, 85, 410 , 180 20 Kilograms respectively in the surveyed area.

It is worth mentioning that none of the respondent/household is marketing the production of fruit to markets. They are consuming the production at their homes however the needy and poor farmers sell out their production of fruit in Murree town in ordinary bags. Some of the farmers sell out their production through displaying the fruits on roads and streets.

Table: 13. Orchards in the Target area

Type Area(Kanal) No of Plants Average(kg)

Production/year

HH cropped

orchards

%age of HH

cropping

Apple 9.49 215 2,765 14 31.1

Peach 1.65 31 85 7 15.5

Apricot 3.25 81 410 10 22.2

Plum 2.3 28 180 5 11.1

Others 0.33 15 20 3 6.6


Total 17.2 370

4.9. Health facilities:

As overall health condition in the area is not good however the households have a reasonable access to public and private hospitals and clinics in Murree town. Lady health visitors and lady health workers are available to the inhabitants within a judicious time and distance. Some of the ladies of the households are also working in the villages or in public sector health institutes in Murree town. Due to better ratio of education in females the mobility of the women is not too much restricted and it was told that contraceptive services are also available to both male and female segments of society.

4.10. Forests

The natural resources especially the fragile forests are stressed by high population growth resulting in land use change to habitation and agriculture. The change in land use preferences and conversion of forests into urban areas is resulting in the disappearance of habitats. The process of economic development itself widens inequality and may force the poor to depend heavily on natural resources, while the development models followed, in most instances, have been incompatible with the sustainable use of natural resources. Removal of vegetative cover, tampering surface gradient, vibrations resulting due to movement of heavy machinery and use of explosives, change in drainage pattern and alteration in soil compaction affects the slope stability and may eventually trigger landslides, which is another serious issue. Trees are cut and used as fencing material for the protection of agricultural fields and for constructing houses. Previously the ecosystem could have withstood such practices. Now when housing and agriculture is expanding to


the current magnitude, such practices are negatively affecting the health of forest ecosystems and further straining the already stressed biodiversity.

The main agricultural lands and houses have been developed on the most of the mountains that shapes the valley. In spring and monsoon, high intensity of precipitations occurs that result in fast run-off and flood threatening the agricultural crops and houses by regular land sliding. Clearing of vegetation and intensive erosion are the key issues now emerged evidently. To cope with floods and run-off, people of the valley depend upon government for constructing gabions, spurs and retaining walls.


5. NEED IDENTIFICATION

Main purpose of the study was to assess the socio economic situation of the adjacent locations and villages of Murree Biodiversity Park in Murree and it was assumed that the need of these localities would be identified in detail and recommendations would be placed accordingly. Therefore the following needs have been identified by the respondents from selected villages and were prioritized in the following order by the villagers:

1. Poverty prevails across the rural population of the Murree town and basic need of the inhabitants is income generation;

2. Un employment is an issue in the area and employment is the second priority need of the area;

3. Inhabitants were found in sever trouble due to land sliding at various locations and their mobility becomes restricted of and on hence land stabilization (land sliding control) is third prioritized need of the villages;

4. Soil erosion through intensive run-off during rainy seasons and flood is the regular problem from decades for inhabitants therefore flood control for soil erosion regularization is also a key need of the area;

5. Non availability of all-weather black top road is an issue of the area and the issue emerge transportation problem in the valley;

6. Area is lacking the supply of natural gas and the inhabitants were found very concerned about it. Especially in winter season local people feel themselves in hot water hence natural gas supply is one of the key needs of the people;

7. Land preparation for housing construction and as well as for agriculture is also a prime need of the inhabitants.

Beside these major needs identified above, the survey team also carried out detail focused group discussion in three villages in which the following issues/problems were identified for target area:

1. Irrigation water availability especially in hot weather and summer is key need for livelihood;

2. High irrigation water losses due to poor water management practices especially the storage and efficient use of water is an important need of the people;

3. Low agriculture productivity is highly visible in area and this is just because bleak agriculture extension service. Hence provision of improved variety seeds, high commercial value crops, low delta crops; high efficiency irrigation system and sustainable agriculture practices are main need of the farmers of the area;

4. Livestock production is decreasing and livestock diseases are spreading due to weak extension services of livestock department;

5. Deforestation due to expansion of agriculture land and forest cutting for fuel and construction purposes is an environmental issue therefore fuel wood stocking is the need of the people;

6. Need for improvement of overall infrastructure, like roads, electricity, government institutions, tourism and other in the area.


6. RECOMMENDATIONS

In the light of above mentioned needs identified by individual respondents and by the groups in focused group discussion with survey team the following recommendations have been prepared after extreme consultation from all stakeholders of the study and it is hoped that these recommendations would be helpful for all those individuals, organizations, institutes and line agencies who want to work for the livelihood improvement of the area:

a) For reducing the poverty in area the introduction of cottage industry for agriculture, livestock and other produce is the best option to be emphasized;

b) Likewise for creating of jobs opportunity and to combat unemployment establishment of small scale industry would be very beneficial and it would definitely reduce the pressure on deforestation;

c) Social and on-farm forestry is also better option to be promoted for increasing of the income generation of local people;

d) Promotion of nursery raising and tunnel farming would combat the poverty and would reduce pressure on natural resource;

e) Improvement of sustainable agriculture through water storage availability in critical periods, rehabilitation and extension of perennial water sources (springs) and provision of modern agriculture and livestock services are unavoidable paces to be initiated;

f) Enhance irrigation efficiency system through improved on-farm water management practices (watercourses lining, water storage tanks lining, field leveling etc.) are the key recommendation;

g) Integrated Watershed management for soil erosion control is mandatory to be practiced;

h) Enhanced agriculture productivity through orchard and crop management practices should be introduced;

i) Enhanced livestock productivity through promotion of improved breeds and feeds are potential areas to be focused;

j) Improvement of livelihoods through promotion of eco-tourism activities at feasible sites especially in Murree Biodiversity Park is also a good choice to be opted for;

k) Increase sustainable use of natural resources (forest, water, agriculture and livestock) through capacity building and awareness raising activities especially in the female segment of the society;

l) Introduction of economical building infrastructures that has the capability to withstand the routine natural disasters;

m) Assuring the all-weather metal roads, which is a key step towards development and sustainable mobility of the inhabitants;

n) Forest protection and management through reseeding, afforestation and provision of alternative energy sources to inhabitants of the area;

o) Promote alternative energy sources through demonstration and training;


p) Improve livelihood of communities through promotion of apiculture, floriculture, kitchen gardening and poultry farming interventions;

q) Management of rangelands through rotational/deferred grazing.


ANNEXURE l: Glossary

Term Explanations / Meaning

Springs A spring is a component of the hydrosphere. Specifically, it is any natural situation where water flows to the surface of the earth from underground. Thus, a spring is a site where the aquifer surface meets the ground surface.

Kashmiri A variety of apple comparatively perishable type of low commercial value

Shamilat Unsettled community waste land.

Rangeland

Rangeland refers to expansive, mostly unimproved lands on which a significant proportion of the natural vegetation is native grasses, grass-like plants and shrubs. Rangeland also consists of areas seeded to native or adapted introduced species that are managed like native vegetation.

Watershed

Watershed is the line separating neighboring drainage basins (catchments). The divide lies along topographical peaks and ridges, but in flat country (especially where the ground is marshy) the divide may be invisible – just a more or less notional line on the ground on either side of which falling raindrops will start a journey to rivers.

High efficiency irrigation system

A modern system of irrigation to conserve the water by applying the different techniques of irrigating the crops by pipes

Low delta crops The crops require the less water for irrigation

High commercial value crops

The crops having a high value of market price

Biodiversity Biodiversity is the variety of species, populations, habitats and ecosystems

Ecosystem Ecosystem is a functional unit consisting of living things in a given area, non-living chemical and physical factors of their environment, linked together through nutrient cycle and energy flow

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrosphere�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water�

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquifer�


ANNEXURE ll: Questionnaire – FGD

Questionnaire for Focus Group Discussion


ANNEXURE III: Questionnaire – Household

Questionnaire for Households


ANNEXURE IV: Participants – FGD

List of Participants of Focused Group Discussion

1. Mr. Masood Khan

2. Mr. Balo Khan

3. Mr. Mohammad Nawaz

4. Mr. Imdad Hussain

5. Mr. Mohammad Arshad

6. Mr. Mohammad Zaheer

7. Mr. Mohammad Shabbir

8. Mr. Ehtasham Ul Haq

9. Mr. Bahi Zayaf

10. Mr. Shehzad Gul

11. Mr. Karamat Hussain

12. Mr. Mahmood Sahib

13. Mr. Mohammad Mukhtar

14. Mr. Mohammad Azhar

15. Miss. Zubaida Bibi

16. Miss. Samina Ibrar

17. Miss. Shazia Nazar

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

Islamabad Programme Office House 2, Street 83 Embassy Road, G-6/4, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel +92 (51) 2271027-34 Fax +92 (51) 2271017 www.iucn.org/pakistan

http://www.iucn.org/pakistan�

Murree Biodiversity Park on Socio-economic Survey the adjacent areas of Murree Biodiversity Park...

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