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Tharparkar
Situation Assessment
February 2015
The study conducted to assess the situation of the most affected areas by the drought like situation during last three
years in District Tharparkar, Sindh - Pakistan. It focuses to reveal the Socio-economic conditions and the situation of
Food & Nutrition, Health, Water & Sanitation and Livelihood.
SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
List of Acronyms
BHU
Basic Health Unit
DHQ
District Headquarter
FGDs
Focus Group Discussions
KG
Kilogram
KM
Kilometer
LHV
Lady Health Visitor
NIC
National Identity Card
RHC
Rural Health Clinic
RO
Reverse Osmosis
TBAs
Traditional Bith Attendant
THQ
Tehsil Headquarter
UC
Union Council
USD
United State Dollar (Currency)
WASH
Water and Sanitation and Hygiene
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Contents
THARPARKAR
CLIMATE
CULTURE
RESOURCES
1
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
2
OVERVIEW OF REPORT
2
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
LOCATION
POPULATION
3
3
4
METHODOLOGY
4
QUESTIONNAIRE
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS
4
5
FINDINGS
7
FOOD AND NUTRITION
HEALTH
SOCIO ECONOMIC
7
10
14
WATER AND SANITATION
23
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
RELIEF
27
CONCLUSION
29
RECOMMENDATIONS
30
SHORT TERM INTERVENTIONS
MEDIUM TERM INTERVENTIONS
30
30
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Tharparkar
The district derives its name from Thar and Parkar. The name Thar is from Thul, the general term for the region
sand ridges and Parkar literary means “to cross over”. It was earlier known as Thar and Parkar district, but later
became one word Tharparkar. The district bounded on the north by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts, on the
east by Barmer and Jaisselmir districts of India, on west by district Badin and on the south by Rann of Kutch. The
total area of the district is 19,638 kilometers.
Population
Number of Taluka/Tehsil
Number of Union Councils
Number of Villages
Number of Health Facilities
DHQ
THQ
RHC
BHUs
1,251,455
04
44
2,188
37
01
03
02
31
The district has a tropical desert climate. In summer, when it is too hot during day time, the nights are remarkably
cooler. April, May and June are the hottest months during the day. December, January and February are the
coldest months. The mean/average maximum and minimum temperature during this period are 28°C and 9°C
respectively. There are wide fluctuations in the amount of rain fall from year to year and the yearly average for
Chapter: Tharparkar
The district is mostly deserted and consists of barren tracts of sand dunes covered with thorny bushes. The ridges
are irregular and roughly parallel, that they often enclosed sheltered valleys, above which they rise to a height of
some 46 meters. These valleys are moist enough to admit cultivation and when not cultivated, they yield luxuriant
crops of rank grass. But the extraordinary salinity of the subsoil and consequent shortage of potable water
renders many tracts quite uninhabitable. In many of the valleys the subsoil water collects and forms large and
picturesque salt lakes, which rarely dry up.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
some areas is as low as 100 mm. Most of the rain falls between July and September, during the south -west
monsoon, and is often concentrated in a period of two to three days.
Culture
Tharparkar is a heterogeneous society in term of religion and culture. The area is a symbol of religious harmony
as both Hindu and Muslim population living as one community. The tribes and castes in Tharparkar adopt
kaleidoscopic settlement pattern rather than territorial segregation. Successive waves of invasion have therefore
created a mosaic of cultures and ethnic groups in Thar. But all have, in time, bowed to similar means of
production and to a common material culture.
The thaires are honest, hard-working people and are very generous in hospitality. The gatherings between castes
are largely restricted to men. The locale for such interactions being the “autak”, each hamlet will have at least one
“autak” situated a discrete distance beyond the thorn hedge of the family quarters. Failing an “autak” the nearest
shady tree is designated for meetings with outsiders. Women largely communicate within their own caste, within
which they marry exclusively. Opportunities for meeting women of other castes become more restricted with
higher status. Rajput women observe strict purdah (Seclusion) while poorer Bajeer, Bheel, Menghwar and Kohli
are freer to undertake their field tasks.
Tharparkar is rich in minerals, the coal deposits of the district is one of the largest coal deposits of the world
spread over 9000 square kms. Other major mineral include granite, china clay and salt. Presently there is no
industry in the whole district although it has large potential with reference to its geographical position and
natural resources. The area is poor in agriculture as it completely depends on rain water.
Overview of Report
Over the last three years, Tharparkar is facing drought like situation. The Pakistan Meteorological office stated the
reason of calamity is low rainfall during monsoons in last three years. This resulted in local crop failure, deaths of
livestock. The death of large number of small livestock is associated with serious lack and deficiency of food for
the animals. The food insecurity has affected mainly the women and children. Malnutrition is largely prevailed
Chapter: Overview of Report
Potential in Resources
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
among women and children. Recently the Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports that 259,947
families are affected. Most of the population of Tharparkar has minimal access to social services including
improved water sources, food secure and healthcare. The death toll hit 650 at close of 20141.
The ongoing drought like situation is depriving the food and nutrition situation for rural communities. Several
factors have contributed to increasing food insecurity, including significant losses of livelihoods, consistent
outflow cattle and reduced cereal stocks across the region. The high food prices make basic food items
inaccessible to drought-affected households. Insufficient access to food, acute lack of access to safe and drinkable
water storages, lack of adequate hygiene practices, and low access to health services worsen already high
malnutrition rates, and increase the risk of more deaths of the vulnerable children and women.
In the context of high risks to the humanity, RAHMA Islamic Relief conducted a situation assessment. The study
may not work as highly scientific source of information but this report is providing an analytical overview based
not merely on qualitative but also quantitative data regarding the situation. It was initially planned as a rapid
need assessment but in the context of the broader and deeper dynamics of the problem – drought like situation
for last three years, we tried to grasp maximum information in a document that help in devising humanitarian
response activities after understanding the problem. It might also help to plan further studies on this area.
Scope of the study
Location
Following are eight Union Councils of Taluqa Mithi and Chachro selected, which are most affected areas as per
available secondary data.
Taluqa Chachro: Arnero Lakha, Bajeer, Chachro, Mithro Charan and Wawdi Dora.
Taluqa Mithi: Barach, Lonihar, Dairh Sar, Malanhore Veena and Mithi.
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Inter Press Service Report Jan 2015
Chapter: Overview of Report
To determine the vulnerability of drought affected communities in Taluqa Mithi and Chachro in district
Tharparkar.
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Population
The overall population of the district is 1254000. The study focused two taluqa Mithi and Chahro. The population
of Taluka Mithi is 330,000 and Chachro 488,000. Cluster sampling strategy was adopted. The assessment team
managed to access 8 union councils of the both taluqas and incorporated the views of 294 individuals through
questionnaires and FGDs.
Methodology
Following tools were adopted to collect relevant information from the local population:
Questionnaire
Chapter: Methodology
An Interview questionnaire has been formulated and the copies have been disseminated among the people of
different villages and town areas. All the interviews were semi-structured, based questionnaire prepared having
both close and open ended questions. Overall, it comprised of 32 questions exclusive of the demographic
information about the interviewee and his/her village. First four questions are related to the affects of the
ongoing drought like situation. The Questions#5 to 8 were incorporated to explore the socio-economic conditions.
Questions# 9 to 16 elaborate health situation and the facilities available for the population especially the women
and children. The questions #17 to 22 are relevant to the WASH situation. Question #23 to 25 are specifically
depicting the available opportunities for the youth. Questions #26 to 30 are illustrating the Food Security
situation and the last 2 questions are reflecting the already existing relief and support mechanism.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Outcomes: received filled questionnaires from 112 individuals including 30 women
No. of Respondents w.r.o Locations
College Mithi
Malanhore Veena
Lonihar
Barach
Wawdi Dora
Dairh Sar
Mithi
Focus Group Discussions
FGDs were conducted through consultations with community representative to have an in-depth view about the
ongoing situation and the reflections of the actual life of an individual suffering from the drought like situation.
Chapter: Methodology
Chachro
Mithrio Charan
Chachro
Bajeer
Arnero Lakha
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
The participants of the FGDs were selected on the basis of following attributes:
-
The participant is a local inhabitant
He/she is a representative/notable
Having substantial information about the target village/UC
The forum represents both genders
The group is balance in term of representation of tribes and religions
The participants belongs to different professions including farmers, cattle growers, teachers, business,
labours etc
Outcomes: Total number of participants in all FGDs was remained 182 individuals. The area wise detail is given in
the following graph.
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Arnero
Lakha
Chachro
Mithrio
Charan
Chachro
Wawdi
Dora
Barach
Lonihar
Dairh Sar Malanhore
Veena
Mithi
Chapter: Methodology
No. of Participants
FGDs' Participents w.r.o locations
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Findings
Food and Nutrition
Figure 1: Major Crops of the Area
50%
Axis Title
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Wheat
Rice
Bajra
Gawar
Mong
Number of Respondents
During the FGDs, it was discussed that the farmers could not cultivate their crops for last 3 years due to
insufficient and untimely rain. The farmers responded on the question that agriculture in Tharparkar is
completely depending on the rain and there is no other source of water like rivers and water channels. The
aforementioned crops can be cultivated if their land receive rain water before 15 August and there is no
agricultural use of the rain after mid of August. During the visit to the area, the assessment team visited twelve
villages but it has observed a little agriculture field only in one village, which received rain few months back. All
other villages were completely barren land or having some bushes like ugg, which is not eatable for the animals.
Chapter: Findings
The above graph shows the Major Crops of the area. On the basis of information collected from the respondents,
most cultivated crop is Bajra, whereas the second largest crop is Gawar and the other crops cultivated at small
scales included Rice, Mong and wheat.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 2: Daily Food Items Taken
Ghee
Milk
Dall
Vegetable
Bajra
Rice
Wheat
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Number of Respondents
The above graph shows the daily food items commonly consumed. It is estimated that 39% people use wheat in
daily food, 13% take rice, 4% use Bajra, 26% use vegetable in daily meal, 8% use dall, 8% use Milk and only 2 %
use ghee.
Chapter: Findings
It reflects that iron and protein rich foods like meat and milk is almost missing from the routine food, which is a
major cause of the weak health especially among the women and children. During the FGDs the cattle growers
illustrated the situation in a different way. They consider that although the population is generally poor and hard
to afford the cost of dairy products, however it is also due to lack of the animals. The animals have been shifted to
other areas of Sindh due to unavailability of locally grown fodder and the bushes. The farmers cannot purchase
the high cost fodder, which is hardly available in a limited quantity from the local market. In the result, they prefer
to relocate to other areas although they realize that they have to face financial and social constraints in relating
their animals.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 3: Breast Feeding Practice
Number of Respondents
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
One Month
Six Months
1 Year
2 Years
Chapter: Findings
The above graph shows the breast feeding practice. It is estimated that 44% women feed their child for six
months, 48% women feed their child for a year and only 5% women feed their child for 2 years.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Health
Figure 4: Child Birth Treatment Method Adopted
Not Answered
Traditional Birth Attendent
Healt Visitors
Lady Doctor
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Number of Respondents
The above graph shows the preferred service for a Child Birth. It is estimated that 73% people prefer to avail the
service of a traditional birth attendant (Daai), who is experienced in conducting deliveries at home but not trained
from any medical institute as well as not aware about the hygienic and safe delivery methods, 14% prefer Lady
Doctor at a hospital, 5% prefer health visitors and 8% didn't answered the question.
Chapter: Findings
The table reflects that the recent news about shocking number of the mortalities of the babies/children less than
1 year is only those which delivered or treated in a hospital. Considering the trend of deliveries by TBAs, it is
assumed that the actual number of such mortality is much higher what is being reported through the media as it
gets such data from the hospitals only. The assessment data reveals that actual number of mortality is at least 5
times higher than the reported data.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 5: Distance from Nearest Medical Facility
45 KM
21 to 30 KM
16 to 20 KM
1 to 10 KM
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Number of Respondent
private clinic.
Mithi and the
nearest health
have to travel
Chapter: Findings
The above table shows the distance from nearest health facility most likely a dispenser, LHV or a
The assessment team found only two proper hospitals during the assessment, first the DHQ Hospital
second one at Chachro. It is estimated that 53% of the respondents need to travel 1 to 10 KM for
facility, 16% have to travel 16 to 20 KM, 12 % have to travel distance of 21 to 30 KM whereas 19%
a long distance of 45 KM.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 6: Vaccination against Five Diseases
No
36%
Yes
64%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows that how many of the children are given with the vaccination against five diseases. It is
estimated that 36% do not give vaccination to the children and 64% children are given the vaccines.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 7: Under Five Child Checkup
21%
18%
To Child Specialist
To a Doctor
To Dispenser
61%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows that where the child under five is taken for the checkup. It is estimated that 61% goes to
doctor, 21 percent visit dispenser and 18% visit child specialist for checkup.
It is concluded that people prefer doctor. Reason is probably unavailability of the child specialists in a nearest
location.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Socio Economic
Figure 8: Profession of the Respondent
Un-Paid Work
21%
Farmer
8%
Govt. Servant
23%
Business
6%
Prvt. Job
12%
Labor
30%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows the profession of the respondents. It is estimated that 21% of the respondents are doing
un-paid work, 8% are farmer, 23% are doing government jobs, 30% are doing labor work, 12% are doing private
job, 6% are doing their own small scale business. It is concluded that majority of the population is doing low
waged labor work.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 9: Education of the Respondent
12th Continue
Primary
High School
Matric
Inter
Bachelor
Masters
Illiterate
9% 1%5% 3%
8%
30%
28%
16%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows the education of the respondent. It is estimated that 8% of the respondent's education is
Master level, 28% respondent's education is Bachelor level, 16% respondent's education is Inter level, 3%
respondent's education is High School level, 5% respondent's education is primary level, 1% respondent's
education is 12th and 9% respondents are illiterate.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 10: Year of Last Rain
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2012
2013
2014
The respondents asked that when did the last rain they have seen. The 60% respondents answered that last rain
was received in 2011, 12% respondents answered 2012, 7% respondents answered 2013 and 21% answered
2014. However, during FGDs the participants shared that proper rain is not received for last three years.
However, untimely rain received in recent years was little in quantity. As mentioned earlier, the income of the
majority of people depend on agriculture especially on animal growing are suffering from extreme poverty. The
growers are having no income and now running their lives through obtaining loans. Some young people are going
to other cities and trying to search job of unskilled labour.
Chapter: Findings
2011
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 11: Number of People Migrated
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
0 to 500
501 to 1000
1001 to 1500 1501 to 2000 2001 to 5000
20000
No one
It is concluded that numbers majority of the people prefer to stay in their areas although they face constraints due
to lack of rains. During FGDs, the participants clarified their opinion about less number of internal displacements.
The respondents said, population is extremely poor and unable to even afford the cost of relocation of their
families. A participant says that “he require at least Rs. 35000 for the traveling and living cost of his family for
only one month, then he might be able to get some odd job but again his income will be insufficient to survive in a
Chapter: Findings
The above graph shows that how many people migrated due to lack of rains. It is estimated that 67% answered 0
to 500, 2% answered 501 to 1000, 3% answered 1001 to 1500, 2% answered 1501 to 2000, 12% answered 2001
to 5000, 1% answered 2000 and 13% stated that no one migrated.
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town or a city”. Instead of migrating along with family, the people prefer to send one or two men from each family
for income generation to the cities like Badin, Hyder Abad and Karachi. Moreover, some of the farmers informed
the assessment team that it is hard to find a suitable alternate place for their cattle. They have to walk hundreds of
miles and spend several weeks to reach another place whereas several animals die during such traveling due to
their poor health, lack of water and fodder, and hectic journeys. Furthermore, due to climate change, people on
such far flung areas are also suffering from lack of water and fodder; therefore they mostly do not accept their
cattle rather they use to purchase their animals in low prices.
Figure 12: Monthly Income
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
5001 to 10000 10001 to 15000 15001 to 20000 20001 to 25000
30000/Month
The above graph shows the monthly income of the respondents having any type of income direct or indirect. It is
estimated that the income of 53% respondents is 2000 to 5000, income of 17% respondents is 5001 to 10000,
income of 7% respondents is 10001 to 15000, income of 7% respondents is 15001 to 20000, income of 14%
respondents is 20001 to 25000 and 2% respondent's monthly income is 3000.
Chapter: Findings
2000 to
5000/Month
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
It is concluded that majority of the respondents (53%) have extremely low income less than Rs. 5000 per month,
which is equal to 1.6 USD per day per household whereas the widely considered “poverty line” is 2 USD per day
per adult. Generally in Pakistan, only one person earns bread and butter for his/her family. So, If we divide the
household income 1.6 USD on 3 (assuming each household comprised of 3 adults), per adult income appeared as
0.53 USD per day. Hence, the Poverty in Tharparkar is at least 4 times more severe than the international
standard of “Poverty”.
Figure 123: Impact on Income
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Increased
Decreased
No Change
How the droughts like situation in last 3 years affect income of the respondents? 70% respondents faced negative
impact on their income, whereas 9% respondents could manage improvement and the 21% respondents see no
change in their income.
Chapter: Findings
It is concluded that income of the majority of respondents decreased, which coupled the adverse affects along
with consistent price hike of daily consumption items.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 134: Income w.r to Needs
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
More
Less
No Change
84% of the respondents consider that their income is insufficient to address their basic needs; only 5%
respondents are earning more than their needs whereas 11% respondents are fully spending what they earn.
Figure 145: Major Spending
Livelihood
Debt
19%
Health
Education
28%
33%
Chapter: Findings
20%
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
The above chart shows the proportion of spending in major areas. It is estimated that 28% spend their income on
livelihood, the income of 33% respondent is consumed in debt returning/giving, 20% spend their income on
health and 19% spend their income on education.
It reflects that the income of most respondents is consumed in debt servicing, which is followed by livelihood.
Nearly equal numbers of respondents spend their income on education and health.
Figure 156: Recreational Sources
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Arts and Handicraft
Use of Drugs
None
The graph shows the recreation sources available to the youth of the area. It is estimated that 63% respondent
spent their extra time in play grounds in playing different sports, however, here it should be noted that proper
play grounds are not available in Tharparkar. However, since the area is a dessert, there is no restriction to play
cricket, football and other games at any place. 10% respondent spend their time in arts and handicraft activities,
24% respondents uses drugs as a recreational or entertaining activity and 3% perform nothing in their free time.
Chapter: Findings
Sports
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Figure 17: Vocational Centers
Yes
No
9%
91%
During the assessment it was observed that trainings of vocational and income generation skills are not available
on local level except a technical college in Mithi. It is estimated that 9% respondent answered yes that such
training are available whereas a large majority 91% respondent answered as No. Hence, the majority of youth are
either jobless or work as unskilled labour on low daily wages.
Figure 168: Places for Job Hunting
Karachi
Haiderabad
No where
9%
58%
Chapter: Findings
33%
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
The above chart shows that which the most suitable place for the job-hunting is. It is estimated that 58% of the
respondents go to Karachi for job-hunting, 33% go to Haiderabad and 9 go no-where.
Water and Sanitation
Figure 19: % Existence of Home Toilets
0%
25%
50%
6%
100%
Not Answered
6%
34%
21%
33%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows the existence of toilets at homes. It observed that 34% respondent answered 0% (means
no home toilet at all), 33% respondent answered 25%, 21% answered 50%, 6% answered 100% and 6% didn't
answered the question. It is concluded the ratio of home toilets is very low. Only 6% homes are such who have
home toilets. It is showing a very poor WASH condition in the area. During FGDs. the situation was further
elaborated that the toilets are partially available in Mithi and Chachro town but completely missing and not
existing at all in villages. The participants of the FGDs had a view that water is not available for drinking so how
they can use it for toilet purpose. Moreover, cost of toilet is not affordable for the common households.
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Figure 170: Type of Water Facility
Number of Respondents
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
Water Supply
Handpump
Well
Chapter: Findings
The above graph shows the source of water available to the people. 8% have facility of water supply for the
people living in Mithi, however the water is brackish. 1% get water from hand pumps and 91% get it through the
wells available in the surrounding of their villages. It concluded that the well is the most reliable and desirable
source of water.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 18: Quantity of Water required for daily use
Number of Respondents
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
50 Lt
30 Lt
10 Lt
Chapter: Findings
The above graph shows that how much quantity of water bringing by the people on daily basis. It is estimated that
36% respondent bring 50 Lt of water daily, 48% respondent bring 30 Lt of water daily and 16% respondents
bring 10 Lt water daily. It is concluded that mostly people bring 30 Lt water daily for a household. In Mithi and
Chachro, people are purchasing water, where the RO plants are available. However, people complaint in the FGDs
that they are allowed to take 2 gallons of water, which they consider insufficient for a normal size family.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 19: Who is responsible to bring?
Number of Respondents
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
The above graph shows that 65% respondents believe that the woman of
water on daily basis and 35% consider that men bring or purchase the
villages and observed that women are everywhere walking while carrying
who is bringing water. However, few men are transporting water through
was their income source.
Men
a household is responsible to bring the
water. The assessment team visited 12
pots with them whereas no man found
donkey carts to sale it to other and it
Chapter: Findings
Women
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Relief
Figure 20: Government Aid
Yes
No
39%
61%
Chapter: Findings
The above chart shows that either government is assisting the people or not with reference to drought like
situation. It is concluded that 61% people answered no, and 39% answered yes. The people who answered yes
explained during FGDs that Govt. is providing free wheat floor in quantity of 50 KG to every NIC holder on
quarterly basis.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Figure 21: Non-Governmental Aid
Yes
No
20%
80%
Chapter: Findings
The respondents were also asked that whether they receive assistance from any non-governmental organization
or not. 80% people replied that they have not received such aid, whereas only 20% people said that they received
non-governmental aid.
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Conclusion
The study revealed some shocking facts about the impacts of drought like situation for last three years. The
economic status of the respondents reflects the income of the majority is far less than the income fall under
“poverty line”. People especially the farmers having no choice except taking loans for survival and spending a
handsome portion around 33% of the income on debt servicing. Majority especially the women and children are
severely malnourished due to consistent drought like situation and inability to cope the price hike of the basic
consumable food items.
Health situation is also extremely poor. The actual death toll of the newly born babies and the infants is at least 5
times higher than the reported data by the national media. The reason is non-existence of the data about the
deaths happened at homes. The study revealed 73% people prefer the delivery at home by a TBA. During the
FGDs, it was noticed that the drought is not only a factor of the high mortalities of children, other factors like
believe system is also responsible for such casualties. A LHV revealed that mostly rural women think that they can
avoid a very costly c-section procedure by bearing a weak baby, thus some of them intentionally take less food to
make sure normal delivery.
The district is famous in producing valuable handicrafts but no vocational skills center found during the visits of 8
UCs. It has only one technical college at Mithi, which is insufficient to produce skilled individuals. Though the
district is already poor in agriculture but in the context of consistent drought like situation in past 3 years, it is
now more important to enable the youth to become useful and supportive arms for their households. During the
FGDs, the team noticed that majority youth is either completely jobless or earning meager income through
unskilled labour in different cities.
Chapter: Conclusion
The population even at the district headquarter can hardly access to the drinkable water, which is being provided
through RO plants. The vast majority population living in far flung villages has no access to such RO plants and
they have no other option except drinking or using brackish water available in a very limited quantity. However,
during the visit, the assessment team observed a positive trend that some water wells were recently constructed
with support of philanthropists and NGOs but such wells will be hardly in hundreds while the need is in
thousands in the context of scattered large population. These water wells work to some extend but lifting water
from 250 to 350 feet depth is itself a costly and hectic job.
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Overall, the area is going through an alarming situation. The women, children and the youth are the most
vulnerable segments of the society. However, integrated and well coordinated humanitarian efforts can reduce
such vulnerabilities. It is the right time to convert the threats in to opportunities because the whole Pakistani
nation is sensitized and willing to support the humanitarian response.
Recommendations
The recommendations include both short term and medium term interventions because it is not a quick disaster
that can be settled down with quick responses only. Furthermore, these recommendations are based on the need
identified and prioritized during the FGDs.
Short term interventions
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Consistent Nutritious Support for the pregnant and lactating women: it may help to reduce mortality rate of
the newly born and under 1 year babies. Obviously, a healthy woman can bear a healthy child. Such
intervention should not be limited to distribution of FIs but an awareness campaign may also be
incorporated to such interventions.
Cash/Food for Work Projects to enhance income.
Livestock improvement projects should be devised as the animals are weak due to lack of natural fodder in
form of bushes
Installation of summer pumps on existing water wells and hand pumps will ease the access to water and lift
the extra physical exertion from shoulders of the women.
Medium & longer term interventions
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Digging of new wells and rehabilitation of old wells. Water is the top priority of the community as well.
Income generation skills through Vocational and Technical Trainings. Training centers should be
established at least at Taluqa level.
Innovative low cost latrines may be designed and promoted as per local needs and situation.
Development of model villages, where basic facilities like water, latrine, health awareness, food security
and education is available.
Chapter: Recommendations
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SITUATION ASSESSMENT THARPARKAR RAHMA Islamic Relief
Promotion of local tradition to attract tourism industry and to create market for the local handicrafts and
products like ceramics, wool, honey etc
Chapter: Recommendations
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