Past Projects: Pakistan

Sustainable Livelihoods Rehabilitation  In Konsh Valley

Where:

Mansehra, Pakistan

Who:

CHF and HAASHAR Association

Funded by:

Individual donors and CIDA

Purpose:

To assist 6,000 poor men and women living in earthquake-affected communities to restore their livelihoods sustainably

Situation:

Livestock is the backbone of the farming systems in the Konsh Valley. The earthquake of October 2005 left many buffaloes and cattle dead, and cattle houses destroyed. Tools for farming and kitchen gardening were also lost in the earthquake. The earthquake exacerbated an already precarious situation in vulnerable rural communities, and the Mansehra District valley was one of the hardest hit.

Women and children were among the worst affected. While livestock and livestock shelters have been restored through much of this area, work continues in this new project to improve the livelihoods options of men and women living in four Union Councils in Mansehra.

Results:

  • Improvement of livelihoods for households involved in agriculture (winter wheat and fodder production) and animal husbandry.
  • Formation of interest groups (made up of households involved in similar livelihoods activities) have been formed and have received initial training.
  • HAASHAR has established strong links with government and technical experts to assist in project implementation.
  • Local project staff engaged in training courses in the sustainable livelihoods approach, which focuses on the aspirations of individual households.
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Sustainable Livelihoods Rehabilitation In  Four Earthquake-Affected Union Councils Of Abbottabad District

Where:

Abbottabad, Pakistan

Who:

CHF and Sungi Development Foundation

Funded by:

Individual donors and CIDA

Purpose:

To promote and improve local livelihoods through economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sensitive use of resources.

Situation:

A devastating earthquake hit Pakistan on Oct. 8, 2005, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. This was the strongest earthquake in Pakistan's history. The earthquake resulted in devastating human fatalities and injuries, as well as heavy losses to infrastructure and to people’s livelihoods.

After two years, the project continues to rebuild livelihoods in an area where the land is still shifting. Individuals and families are now moving from restoring their basic needs to focusing on long-term livelihoods.

Results:

  • Assets lost to the earthquake, such as livestock, shelters and farming tools, are restored.
  • Local project staff have improved their knowledge and understanding required to ensure gender equality in all livelihoods activities.
  • Sungi and CHF have strengthened 150 male and female field workers' communication and facilitation skills in a way that empowers beneficiaries during the planning process.
  • The poorest of the poor have expressed their aspirations for livelihood support. Most aspirations fall into the areas of animal husbandry, food production and small business.
  • Community facilitators from project villages are now ready to work with individual households to assist in the implementation of their livelihood plans.
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