ASSESSMENT REPORT ON DROUGHTIN ARID ZONES OF SINDH

2

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: info@thardeep.org

3

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

4

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.

5

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

6

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

7

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)

8

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

9

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.

10

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

12

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

13

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,

14

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

15

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

16

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)

17

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

18

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.

19

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,

20

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

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Water

Impacts on water resources during drought

Change in quality--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in level-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Any Consequences in drawing & fetching of water and comments----------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over all Views of villagers about impacts of drought:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Name of Surveyor

Signature of Surveyor

Annexure 3

28

THARDEEP RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Emergency Unit

MARKET SURVEY

Date:

City:

Particulars Rate / Kg Last Week Rate /

Kg

Guar ( Cluster Bean)

Bajhar ( Millet)

Mung Bean

Moth (Kidney Bean)

Till ( Sesame)

Chunno ( Rice Bran)

Wheat Flour

Kharr

Name and Signature of Surveyor