Gender and Livelihood Options for Disaster Risk
Reduction
A research project of ITDG Sri Lanka/ Duryoug
Nivaran/JRC Islamabad.
Case Study: Drought in Tharparkar
February to December 2000
Arshad Waheed
Rehana Sheikh
1
Table of contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
Introduction
Overview of Tharparkar district
Gender and livelihood options
Annexes
2
1.
Introduction
1.1
Background:
The paper on ‘gender and livelihoods’ is based on findings of the research on livelihood
options in drought struck area of Tharparkar, Pakistan. The research on ‘livelihood
options in disaster prone areas’ is a project of Intermediate Technology Development
Group (ITDG), Sri Lanka and Duryog Nivaran. The aim was to explore livelihood
options of the affected communities in the disastrous situations and to give
recommendations to better equip the communities to deal with these situations.
The area for the research was identified district Tharparkar that is an arid zone, in Sindh
province of Pakistan. The region is part of the desert/ arid zone, which is spread from
Cholistan to Nagaparkar in Pakistan, and from the South of Haryana down to Rajastan in
India.
The people of Tharparkar are facing this situation since a long time, where a drought
cycle intervenes after every three to four years. The major droughts reported in different
records show that major drought periods have been between 1951 and 1956, 1962 and
1963, 1968 and 1969, 1979 and 1981, and 1985 and 1987 ( Hassan 88, aslo see annex 10,
meteorological data about rainfall in Thar). Seasonal migration and other coping
strategies, mainly based on subsistence economy, was a normal way of life for the local
people. The impact of disaster is becoming more and more severe since last many years,
due to physical, social and economic changes occurring in the surrounding of the district,
disturbing their traditional systems, introduction and increasing control of cash economy,
in addition to other environmental factors
The area consists of sand dunes covered with thorny bushes, and the valleys, which are
moist enough to rank grass. However the excessive salinity of the subsoil and shortage of
water results into many un-inhabitable tracks. On the South of the district is Rann of
Kutch, a flat land at sea level, covered with the thick layers of salt and water.
Gender concerns have been discussed as a part of the situation in general in the main
paper on ‘Livelihood Options for Disaster Risk Reduction, Case Study: Drought in
Tharparkar, 2000. However the te relevant findings have been extracted from that paper
to give an exclusive picture of gender concerns in the drought situation of Tharparkar.
1.2
Context of the Problem:
The sufferings and food insecurity caused by drought is faces by all the people living in
the affected area. Yet there are certain social categories which due to theier less
advantageous location in the social hierarchies, are subject to more problems and
difficulties than other social groups. The poor, low caste, children and women are one of
these categories. In Pakistan the indicators on women well being and empowerment are
not very enviable. However, the situation of women in a remote, cut off from mainstream
political and social life of the country, seasonally vulnerable as when there are no rains,
3
no crops and no fodder for animals, less literate society needs not to be looked into main
carefully than rest of the country. The women of Tharparkar have to face more problems
due to forced migrations, difficulties of shelter in new places of migration, caused by
drought situation and less opportunities available for low castes and poor of earning
livelihoods. If they have to stay back, then migration of male family members cause
difficulties. Low literacy level, and less health facilities, less opportunities for earning,
low access and control on livelihood resources, less share in decision making processes,
and non recognition of their labour in generating livelihood resources add their already
difficult life pattern. This also calls for the strategies to transform their vulnerabilities and
weaknesses to their possible strengths in drought and not drought years with a concerted
and holistic effort to improve their situation in general and gaining livelihoods in
particular.
1.3
Aims and objectives of the study
Scope of the study is derived from the aims and objectives of the study described in the
project proposal (livelihood options in the drought prone areas) of ITDG, Sri Lanka.


1.4


To establish links between droughts and socio-economic conditions with a gender
perspective in relation to livelihoods that prevail in affected communities.
To identify the options that are available to women to improve their livelihoods in
broader context of overall improvement in the lives of the population
Analytical framework:
Livelihood is gained through different means, involving natural, individual and social
processes , and actors like state, private sector, community and the family
This is not only hazards, like drought, but also other social factors, which lead to the
risk of livelihoods during disasters.

To understand these risks it is essential to understand the means of production, their
distribution and sustainability in general and in particular context of the poor due to
the disasters and hazards

Vulnerability of livelihoods is not a solitary or static phenomenon, but is the process
of whole series of events leading to that situation
Gender relations have to be seen in a social framework, which is practiced in a given
society and provides opportunities and constraints for particular social categories. These
relations are constituted through the rules, norms and practices by which resources are
allocated, tasks and responsibilities are assigned, value is given and power is mobilized.
They are operated through state, private sector, community and the family. In gaining
livelihoods, all these norms and rules governed by the above four actors the relative
advantage or restriction to the women. The same is the case in in drought situation in the
given case study.
4
1.5 Methodology
The methodology used was a combination of qualitative research methods, rapid
appraisal techniques and literature review and review of secondary data available on the
drought situation and livelihood options in Thar. In addition to general information,
specific information was sought about women’s situation and their issues regarding
gaining livelihood. Harvard framework, consisting of daily activities of women and men,
access and control profile, influencing factors etc was applied to collect the specific
information. Focus group discussions were held with different women and other interst
groups to have detailed information regarding processes involved in livelihood concerns.
The quantitative information available from secondary data was triangulated with the
findings from the qualitative methods. The aim was to get information about livelihoods
of the people during drought and non- drought situations. The gender relations were
analyzed in social relations framework.
5
Chapter Two
Over view of of District Tharparkar
To understand the gender relations and livelihood options, it is better to have a brief over
view of District Tharparkar, so that the gender perspective could be placed in its
surrounding environment and social realities.
2.1.
Physical Environment:
This section will describe the geographical location, climate, rain fall, flora and fauna of
the district Tharparkar.
2.1.1 Geographical location
The district of Thar was established on 31st October 1990, with Mithi towns as it’s new
headquarter. The district is part of Mirpurkhas division in the province of Sindh.
The district lies between 24 10’ to 25 45’ north and 69 04’ to 71 06’ east longitude. It is
bounded on the north by Mirpurkhas and Ummarkot district, on east by Jaisselimir
district of India, on west by district Badin and on South by Rann of Kutch. The total area
of district is 19,638 square kilometers.
2.1.2 Climate
The district has a tropical desert climate. The days are extremely hot in summer, but the
nights are cool and soothing. June and July are the hottest months, whereas months of
December, January and February are cold months.
2.1.3 Rainfall
Rainfall pattern is not uniform, both on seasonal and geographical bases. In some areas,
yearly average rainfall is as low as 100 mm. This rainfall pattern corresponds to the
drought cycle as well. It is recorded that after every four to six years a drought period of
two to three years sets in (please see annex 9& 10).
Rain fall (average)
Year
Mithi
Diplo
Chachro
Nagaparkar
average
1996
1997
1998
1999
80 mm
145 mm
145 mm
51 mm
35 mm
163 mm
280 mm
12 mm
170 mm
108 mm
243 mm
42 mm
235 mm
496 mm
252 mm
122 mm
130 mm
288 mm
305 mm
57 mm
Source: (Deputy Commissioner Office, Mithi, District Tharparkar)
2.2
People of Tharparkar
The population of Tharparkar district is 914 thousand according to the latest census with
density of 46.17 per sq. Kms. The population of Tharparkar belongs to two main
religions Hindu and Muslims. Until 1960, Hindu population dominated Thar. Annual
6
growth rate is 3.13 percent. Literacy is 18.32 %. Average household size of the district is
5.60 in 1998, which were 6.2 in 1981. Dhatki, Sindhi, Thari. and Urdu are main spoken
languages here along with Balochi, Saraiki, Gujrati, Parkari languages.
2.2.1 Sex Ratio
The sex ratio (males per 100 females) of the district in 1998 is 120.6. The sex ratio
widely differs at various age groups in the district. The fluctuation of sex ratio at various
age’s brackets is the indication of un-even distribution of population. The reason for this
fact however is difficult to establish. Most of the concerned government officials,
including official census of 1998 are of the opinion is that is may be due to comparative
under/over reporting of either sex, etc. However, the other view during discussions with
various people came emerged that this imbalance in sex ratio was probably due to
conventional neglect of the female child. However, there is no available study to support
this perception convincingly.
The population of Tharparkar with age range and sex ration is as follows:
Age group
Both sexes
Male
Female
2.65
2.94
2.29
Less than one year
18.21
19.29
16.91
Less than 5 years
36.41
38.04
34.44
Less than 10 years
50.28
52.33
47.82
Less than 15 years
44.73
42.54
47.37
18 years and above
38.34
39.66
40.37
21 years and above
39.12
37.37
41.23
15-49 years
5.98
44.19
48.15
15-64 years
3.73
3.49
4.03
65 years and above
Source: census 98, Government of Pakistan.
2.2.2 Literacy
The literacy in the 1998 Census is defined as the “ability to read a news paper or write a
simple letter in any language”. The literacy ratio of the district is 18.32 percent. The male
literacy ratio is higher at 28.33 percent as compared to 6.91 percent for females. In rural
areas male literacy is five times to female literacy ratio. In urban areas it is higher for
males by 29.5 percent as compared to that for females.
Enrolment Ratio
The enrolment ratio (measured as percentage of school going students to population of
ages 5-24 years) of the district is 12.56. The enrolment ratio differs sharply from rural to
urban areas as well as for males and females. It is higher for males’ i.e. 16.64 percent as
compared to 7.56 percent for females. The enrolment ratio is much in urban areas at
42.95 percent to only 11.19 percent in rural areas. In rural areas the ratio of male is more
than double to that of females, whereas in urban areas it is higher at 49.95 percent for
males as against 35.25 percent for females.
7
2.3.
Services / Facilities
2.3.1 Health Services
Following health facilities are available in the area run by public sector.
GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES 1997-98
S#
1
2
3
4
5
6
Type
Civil Hospital
Hospitals
Rural Health Centers
Basic Health Units
Dispensaries
Maternity Child Welfare Centers
No
01
02
03
21
38
02
Run By
Provincial Government
Provincial Government
Provincial Government
Provincial Government
District Council
Provincial Government
Source: census 98
2.3.2 Education facilities
The public sector runs following educational institutions.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
Govt. Degree College
Colleges Approved
High School Male
High School Female
Middle Schools Male
Middle Schools Female
Primary Schools Male
Primary Schools Female
Mosque Schools
Mohllaha Schools
01
03
20
04
21
13
1259
149
673
04
2.3.3 Transport services
The district lacks adequate means of communication , particularly mettled roads. .
mettled roads. In entire district there are 08 mettled roads. Total length of these roads is
256 Kms. Rest of the area is deprived of above essential need.
2.4
Livelihoods in the area:
Livelihood analysis of the area is derived from analytical framework discussed in chapter
one. This would be under the categories of income generating activities (like
employment, remittances, trade, credit systems, skills and artisans, tourism, human
resources like physical labour etc), resources (like livestock, water, land, common
property resources etc), assets of any kind and political and social claims. All these
means of livelihoods are discussed in the backdrop of relative advantage and
8
disadvantage of different groups in having accessibility and control over these means,
from state to community to levels.
2.4.1 Livelihood means leading to generation of income / cash
Two main categories of employment and crafts are discussed here in relation to income
generation opportunities in gaining livelihood.
2.4.1.1 Employment:
Employment here would be referred as the means of earning cash through government or
private jobs.
According to the census report, 1999, self-employed category is 72.96% with male
female ratio being 75 and 45% respectively. Those who are employed by the government
are 5%, with male female ratio being 5 and 3 %, and those who are privately employed
are 4 % with male female ration being 4.5 and 0.5 % respectively. The difference
between male and female employment ratio is due to cultural barriers and nonavailability of educated women in the area. There may be some new opportunities like
lady health workers, for women to enter into employment, but in most of the areas, the
posts remain vacant as no local educated woman is available to fill the post.
2.4.1.2 Crafts:
According to a study (Rasata 99) 4% and 20% people are respectively involved in
handicrafts and weaving businesses.
Thar is rich in the field of handicrafts. The people here make nice shawls (silk, wool,
cotton etc.), hand made bed sheets, and hand made khes of goat & camel hair skin. Very
beautiful embroidery of all kinds, gajs, blanket from sheep wool and rallies (quilt) are
main artisans’ skills available in this district. The jewelry of silver and gold is also made
here. Nice looking, hand made carpets of export quality, reflecting the imagination and
art of Thari artisans, are also a very important feature of the Thar’s artinsanry.
2.4.2 Resources:
The second category of livelihoods is considered to be the resources, which can generate
livelihoods and are not dependent on cash. This includes land, water, livestock and other
resources.
2.4.2.1 Water:
Important source of drinking water outside the houses in the rural and urban areas is dug
well, 90.06 and 44.8 percents respectively, as compared to the negligible percentages of
remaining sources.
Housing Units (percentage) by sources of drinking water, and rural and urban, 1998
9
Sources of drinking water
All sources
All areas
Inside
Pipe (Nul)
Hand pump
Well
Outside
Pipe(Nul)
Handpump
Well
Pond
Others
Rural
Urban
100
100
100
2.3
1.2
4.44
0.99
0.77
4.42
33.71
11.55
4.84
0.12
0.56
88.24
0.91
2.23
0.09
0.57
90.06
0.94
2.15
0.76
0.29
44.8
0.02
4.04
(Source: census 98)
2.4.2.2 Land and Agriculture
Approximately 54 percent of the people have their own land with an average land holding
of around 15 to 20 acres. Of the 46 percent land less Tharis, may migrate to work in
urban areas or work as ‘haris’ (sharecropper) on others land.
Agriculture of Thar is totally dependent on rainfall, which normally occurs between June
to September. The main crop of Thar is bajra (millet), which is sowed immediately after
the first rain. In addition Guwar and cluster beans are also cultivated as cash crops.
2.4.3 Assets:
Assets are the things which people can sell in the times of emergency to buy livelihoods to
survive. The Tharis are usually not having many assets to address their livelihood crisis
in the times of drought, hence remain more vulnerable to drought or similar situations.
2.4.3.1 Tangible assets:
The usual thing, which is sold or mortgaged to get some loan, is the women’s jewelry.
The human labour is another important asset which one can leave at the disposal of
creditor for as much time as the creditor think that he/ she had paid off the debt in the
form of human labour. The labour being consumed in the fields or carpet looms for the
benefit of moneylender tells the stories of the misery of human labour, which perhaps is
the main asset of impoverished and poor people of Thar, in the days of drought.
2.4.3.2 Intangible assets/claims:
The plight of people of Tharparkar has created some interest in many civil society groups
to help them as well. The attention which Thar has got from different multilateral and
bilateral development agencies is not given to similar drought prone areas in other parts
of the country, like in Balochistan. However, this is not enough. The scale of the problem
in Thar needs to be addressed at a bigger level.
10
2.5
Relief Programme:
a)
Government:
In drought days, Government announce relief program to distribute Wheat and pulses
among people through food department which is nominated by deputy commissioner and
army monitoring cell. During the visit to Tharparkar for study, research team found that
food department which is based in Mithi has no proper data and strategy of distribution of
relief goods. The NGOs, however had tried to make a programme of relief goods
distribution, based on equity and realistic understanding of the situation. of the
departments. The role of these departments should be enhanced for a proper distribution
of all communities.
b)
NGOs:
Almost all Thar based NGOs and CBOs (community based organizations) are involved
in relief program in the currwent drought (98- 2000). TRDP had established a drought
center in Mithi that is supported by different donors, NGOs and local Philanthropists. The
team visited drought center during the assessment and found efficient staff.
The drought center not only distributed food for human population but they also provided
fodder for animals. The criteria used for the relief distribution included, having no regular
income source, have more children specially girls, no. of school going children, widows
etc.(see annex).
11
Chapter 3
Gender and livelihoods
The relationship between men and women in Tharparkar district is not much different
than other parts of the country. However there are some specific features in gender
relations in general and gaining livelihood resources and assets in particular in
Tharparkar district.
The women whatever caste they belong to have social restrictions. Only young unmarried
girls and widow women may not cover the face. Traditionally, married women cover the
face from men all the time. In some castes they do cover even in front of their in laws.
They don’t sit and talk with their husbands in front of the family or others, showing their
respect for them. They do all the work at home, caring for the animals, at fields for
looking after crops, at wells in fetching water with the covered face in the scorching heat
of summer. This custom of seclusion affects their working capabilities, reduces their
access to different services like education and health, going themselves to get relief goods
and having any kind of social and political representation to express their concerns and
get their share in property, employment and other livelihood opportunities.
Like other parts of country, the male population is higher than females. The sex ratio
(males per 100 females) of the district in 1998 is 120.6. There exists social preference to
male child as a future breadwinner. When people were asked about their perception about
the indicators of poverty or well being, they mentioned number of sons as one of
indicator for being a rich person.
The analysis of vulnerability by gender is done in the following categories, that is,
availability of basic services, basic needs of livelihood like food, water, and shelter, and
means to gain livelihoods like land and livestock etc.
3.1 Access to services
a) Health and Nutrition:
Generally the girls suffer of having unequal treatment regarding food, workload,
education and health. The early marriages of women and their less access to health also
contribute to their physical vulnerability. In Thar normally women get married at the age
of 12-15 years. It was mentioned in one of the Gender report of Tharparkar Rural
Development Programme, the girls seemed underfed because of the less care given to
them as they would leave home after their marriages.
According to the annual morbidity and mortality statistics report for indoor patients, total
4395 patients referred the Taluka hospital of Mithi during 1999. Out of them 2151 were
women and 2244 were men. The data shows that out of 2151women, 1107 were referred
during the delivery cases. In the group of common diseases, such as Pneumonia,
Hypertension, viral Hepatitis and Malaria etc. Men refereed far more than women did.
With in depth interviews and focus group discussion, the perception of the people was
12
that this is due to less attention to, and less accessibility for women to reach health
facility. They do get ill, may be more than men do, but may not report on the health
facility as men can. The referral cases of women are brought to hospital only when they
have become acute emergencies. All other diseases considered as routine for which
women need not considered to be treated. The data also shows that women are more
anaemic than men because of fewer intakes of nutritious food during pregnancy or in
normal days.
During the interviews with women in different villages of Thar, they expressed their
concern regarding maternal mortality. The reasons are non- availability of trained
traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and near by hospitals and lady doctors in the hospitals.
Women only get the chance of being hospitalised at the last moment or in severe cases.
This is also because of limited public transportation and communication facilities
available for women in the area.
b)
Availability of women health providers:
Culturally it is difficult that women are physically examined by men doctors. Therefore
the recruitment of women doctors and other women staff in health department is very
crucial in the context of Thar. According to a data provided by health department in
Mithi, 7 posts for women medical officers, 1 Lady Health visitor and 14 Medical officers
for either sex are vacant against sanctioned posts in various Basic health units (BHUs)
and Rural Health Centres (RHCs). In case of women staff, the reason is that local Thari
educated women are not available in the area even to become Lady Health Workers.
c)
Literacy and education:
According to census report of 1998, the literacy ratio of the district is 18.32 percent. Out
of this percentage, the literacy ratio among men is higher, that is, 28.33 % as compared to
6.91 % in case of women. There are 2925 primary, 43 secondary, 26 high schools and
only 1-degree college in the district. The degree college is for boys and is located in
district headquarter in Mithi. However there are very few middle and high schools
facilities for girls. There are number of hindrances faced by Thari people in getting
education, particularly for girls. First is family where parents prefer boys to send to
school. Second, the state has not provided sufficient number of schools and appropriate
staff for girls either. In a culture where girls and boys can not study in the same school
after primary education, the girls cannot take advantage of the boys’ schools. In many
castes co-education is prohibited even at primary level. It was revealed during field
interviews that in some communities, parents have objection on the teacher if he belongs
to another caste or community and this becomes cause of restricting girls in attaining
education.
Most important is the role and commitment of government that how the need for girls
education has been perceived by education department. It has been observed that there
are very few middle and high schools for girls available in the district. In addition these
facilities are available only at the taluka headquarters which are not easy to travel for the
13
majority of students. There are no hostel facilities available in taluka headquarters for
students from countryside.
Effect of drought and migration on female literacy:
The drop out ratio increased in drought days among the students whose families migrate
to barrage areas. According to a report published by TRDP on an assessment of drought
in Tharparkar in 1999, in 2688 government schools of Tharparkar the total enrollment
stands 71013. Out of them 22228 are girls and 48785 are boys. The assessment suggests
that overall 30 percent dropout has taken place during the drought of 1999. It is 18.78
percent in case of girls and 11.22 percent in case of boys. One of the reasons for such a
variation may be that boys may stay with neighbors, and continue education whereas it is
difficult for girls to stay without the family. The team visited a Dharamshala at Islamkot
during the study, in which about 40-50 boy students were staying to continue their
education. Dharamshala is serving the purpose of hostel for boy students in drought
days. The food was provided by local communities. In case of girls students this
opportunity did not exist in the area at any level. Families who migrate take their
daughters along with them because of social and cultural environment.
3.2
Participation in political and economic activities:
a)
Economic participation:
The perception of state regarding women’s participation in gaining in livelihoods and
other economic activities is reflected in its census data. The census of 1998 shows that
the total economically active population aged 10 years and above is 34.14. The data
defines wide variation in the activity rates between men and women, as it is 59.27 %
percent for males as compared to only 5.15 percent for women. The census also considers
housewives and domestic workers as inactive population. In the context of rural areas in
general and in Thar with specific, the definition for economic active and inactive
population is not true. Any one who visited Thar will disagree with these definitions.
Thari women work long hours a day as compared to men.They start their work at 5:00
a.m. and finish at 10:00 p.m. The domestic work done by Thari women not only includes
the cleaning of household and food preparation but she is involved in all those activities
which are essential for livelihood, caring and collecting of fodder for livestock, kitchen
gardening, embroidery, agriculture, collecting water and fuel wood. This may not have
direct cash value but definitely has an economic value and also contributes to the
maintaining workforce of the family and hence has a vital role for gaining livelihood of
the family.
b)
Political participation:
The women do not have effective participation in the political processes. Apart from
general situation of marginalization, getting identity card is a specific example of
exclusion of a vast majority to participate in electoral process. Obtaining NIC cards is the
identity of being citizen and first step to take part in the political process. According to
14
the census report of 1998, 58 % of the population aged 18 years and above obtained
National Identity Cards (NIC). It was 35.66 % for males and 22.78 % for females.
Majority women and especially young girls find difficulty in getting of NIC. There is
only one office for NIC located in Mithi. Some times, government install camps for
issuing NIC to backward areas. Usually there are no women in the NIC team to make an
effective outreach to the women. The women are totally dependent on the men to collect
forms for them from Mithi or take them to the camps.
3.3
Gender and basic Livelihood needs
The main focus of this section is to analyse gender aspects in three main livelihood
sources, food, shelter and water in both normal and drought days. The section aims to
assess the role and responsibilities of different groups in managing of livelihood sources,
what are their needs and how power relations affect in its fair distribution.
a)
Food
The changing cash economy has enormous effects on the women and poor segments of
society. Women, who have the primary responsibility to manage the food for family,
have no or less access on cash and market. It was learnt during the visit of Thar that
Thari women don’t buy things even from neighborhood shops, due to cultural
restrictions. It becomes more problematic when men migrate. In the past, they had greater
access on the grain and vegetables grown because of their direct major role in its sowing,
collecting, storage and preparing of food until now, when they have to buy such items
from the market. Moreover, the change in economy has not released them from their
work burden either.They spend their major time in collecting of fuel woods, water and
preparation of food. (Please see annex 7 ).
b)
Water
According to the census report of 1998, only 2.3 percent population has facility of piped
water inside the house. The percentage of urban areas is 33.71 against only 0.99 percent
of rural areas. The main source of drinking water in the district is wells, according to the
census report of 1998. The important source of drinking water outside houses in the rural
and urban areas is well with 90.06 percent in case of rural against 44.8 percentage in case
of urban. The depth of wells varies from 20 to 30 feet in certain areas of the Diplo and
Nagar Talukas to over 200 feet in certain areas of the Chachro Talukas. It is obvious from
data that collecting of water is very labour intensive activity. It not only takes two to
three miles of walk to carry out water but water pulling is also hard due to deepness of
the wells. Usually donkeys and camels used for a pupose of pulling water from wells. It
was learnt and observed during the study that women have primary responsibility of
collecting water at household where as men also share the responsibility if large amount
of water is required for animals. Girls have been taught since childhood for carrying of
water. The situation becomes worse in drought days for women and old age persons. The
wells, which discharge on rainwater, become drier in drought. Due to migration of men
15
members of the family and livestock, women and old persons becomes more burdened
for the management of water for both human and livestock.
c)
Shelter
The pattern of Thari houses is very local in nature. It is observed that every family of
Thar has its own house. It is because Thari houses are made up of local material and easy
for people to get it. These are built on mud built platforms and the conical roofs are
covered with scrubs and grasses, called Chaunras. These Chaunras remain cool in the
summer. While talking with women in Thar, it was found that majority of people make
these Chaunras by themselves, both men and women collectively. Men usually make the
roof where as women do labour work for collecting water, grasses, scrubs, and prepare
mud. Those communities, who afford the payment for building of Chaunras, they make it
on the payment. It takes approximately 10,000 rupees cost for one Chaunra. The
maintenance of Chaunras is major responsibility of women. In Thar, the majority of
people live in joint family system. Therefore, one house is consisting of many Chaunras.
Chaunras are usually on the name of son, daughters have no share in it. One house
mainly consists of living rooms, kitchen, one bathroom and courtyard. Majority of houses
has no any sanitation facility. People use open ground for defecation. Thar, where the
purdah for women is more strict in front of men members of family, have much difficulty
of absence of proper sanitation facility. It was observed while on talking with women in
Godhiar village on the benefits of toilets provided by TRDP that toilets have benefited
women especially young girls and improved cleanliness at household level. Drought
also effect on the shelter by two ways, one when people migrate, no one can care and
maintain the houses. Secondly the women who migrate may have problems of shelter in
alien barrage areas.
3.4
Gender and means of gaining livelihoods
a)
Land
Land is primary livelihood resource of Thari people. The land is divided in three
categories agriculture land, residence and grazing land.
It was found during the discussion with women, community elders and representatives of
civil society that Thari women do not have significant rights of property. Hindu women
have no share in the property according to the family laws of Hindu religion. Muslims
women have right as per Islamic family laws but there is no one is practicing it and these
rights are denied to them due to cultural norms. Apart from this, the awareness on legal
rights among women is extremely low.
b)
Livestock
The animal population of Thar is extremely large than human population. It is about four
million as compared to one million of human population. The livestock is major resource
of livelihood of the area. Approximately 90 percent of Thari people keep livestock. In
16
Thari society livestock is not only livelihood resource but it is also used as mean of
transportation and pulling water from the wells. It is also considered as symbol of status.
It was learnt during the field trip that it is common trend of the local families to give one
or two animals as a dowry to women, which is considered as her property. Women do
care for them and sell them only in worst situation. They don’t have to own other
livestock.
Women have the major responsibility of caring of livestock. They take fodder from the
grasses grown after the rain. In drought days fodder becomes problem for big animals
such as cows etc. Goats and camels can survive on shrubs. Thari people don’t take meat
in normal food, they only use it on the special occasion. So the most of the animals are
meant for the market now. Women have no right of ownership on the livestock, no
control to decide about the sale of animals, and have no access to the meat market for any
kind of transaction.
An opportunity lost:
A local girl was identified as a potential development worker by an NGO activist
working in Thar. The girl lived in village Jog Lal, 10 km away from Islamkot taluka.
She was 16 years young unmarried girl who passed her 8th class. She was interested to
get more education but there was no higher school in the village and her father could not
manage her to shift in Islamkot to get further education. She belonged to a family of
Menghwar caste, which is poor and considered as low caste.. As Menghwars are
considered as lower cast in Thari society, Muslims and Hindu upper casts are prohibited
by culture not to eat and drink with them together and in the same utensils.
The girl had a spirit and energy to change her own and family’s life, became the
member of village organization (VO) formed by village women with the assistance of a
local NGO. An NGO activist who attended monthly meeting of VO observed her
potential and offered her to get employment in NGO.
Initially it was unbelievable for her that she had got offer of employment. NGO was
also reluctant to take an unmarried young as a staff member because of local cultural
restrictions The NGO activist convinced her organization to give her employment.
Her family herself gradually became convinced and neighborhood women were happy
for her, but her father was reluctant to allow her due to social taboos. The NGO worker
had long discussion with him, and gradually he was convinced to give her permission
conditionally. The condition was that she would only work with the NGO worker who
identified her and not with any other women or other male colleagues. The NGO worker
accepted the condition with a vision that slowly and gradually it would be possible for
community and her family to accept her working as normal and this would set a trend in
the local community.
She joined NGO. It was a big news in Thari society that a young unmarried Menghwar
girl was working with an NGO where both men and women work together. It was
17
unusual in Thari society. The girl who was shy to enter the office and to communicate
with other staff. Gradually she improved her confidence. She got support from the staff
especially from the support staff.
She was introduced to the community. She was supposed to assist program staff in the
implementation of field programs. She had to interact with different communities
including Bheel, Kochi, Menghwar, Rajpots and Muslims etc, all socially upper and
lower casts belonging to both Hindus and Muslims religions. The NGO activist who
never had been personally experienced the humiliation of being socially excluded on the
basis of caste had never imagined the panic the girl experienced during home visits and
community meetings. It might be normal for young girl to accept this attitude in initial
days of job but difficult for NGOs worker who was fighting against the inequality and
injustice.
In the beginning the girl was not permitted even to sit on the same charpoy especially in
Muslim and Hindu upper castes. She could not eat and drink in same utensils in all
upper casts. Apart from this exclusion, all women whatever casts they belong to were
happy to see her. They felt her belonging to themselves who was struggling for better
future.
Slowly and gradually she improved her performance in the job and continued her study.
She started tuition classes in the evening time. Her father shifted along with her to
Islamkot for the better future of the children.
She worked with the NGO for few years, the NGO worker who identified her left the
organization after a year of her joining. The organization wanted to downsize the staff
due to certain reasons. The organization relieved the girl due to its organizational
reasons. As a policy, all local staff was relieved. It was perhaps easier as well to relieve
them. This may be justified for the organization but not to the community as a whole.
The girl who was becoming a model for Thari girls and women had lost her struggle and
identity because no other opportunities were available at that time and organization
could not appreciate the importance of her job as setting a trend in the Thari society.
c)

Sources of income generation and Access to services:
Education:
As discussed earlier, that, those communities don’t migrate who have some regular
source of income. Government employment is one of the main sources of regular and
secure income. There are many posts vacant in government sector especially in health
sector. During discussion with Deputy district Health Officer in Mithi, it was found that
government has relaxed some criteria for hiring Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in the
context of Thar. Even then, it is difficult to find middle class pass women for this
purpose. The importance of getting education is quite relevant in the context of Thar. It
not only raises the social status of women but it is main means to earn livelihood as well.
Here, it is important to refer the four institutions of state, market, civil society and family
which may play major role in enhancing or decreasing the access to education (see
18
analytical framework). The resistance for girls education starts from family which is
influenced by invisible and undefined rules and regulations of the larger community.
State’s role is very crucial that how its policies are gender insensitive, in building of
campuses, providing facilities (secure hostels etc), recruitment, providing information
etc.

Embroidery:
Thari embroidery is popular due to its color contrast and cultural identification. Almost
every women is engaged in embroidery work either for household purpose or marketing.
Women have been taught embroidery since childhood. A woman is given better status
than other women, if she knows good embroidery work. Menghwar women are more
popular in embroidery work due to their quality work. Women used to do this work in
leisure time and as a recreation. The pattern is changed with the new phenomenon.
Now most of women do it for marketing purpose. This has increased the workload on
them, as they are expected to fulfil their routine household chores in addition to this
work.
Women who are the embroiders, get very less amount of their work because of lack of
direct access to the market. Women have no or less access to the market even at local
level. This situation has also increased the role of middle men who get production from
household and reach out to the market.
Women also get credit from middleman to start their work. It especially increased in offseason and in drought conditions. In drought, prices for the embroidery are more
decreased because of more production. It was learnt during the discussion in Goldhair
village of Thar that quality of work is becoming less attractive with the passage of time.
There was a strong point of view of many people especially of educated people that urban
centers have always influenced market trends. Due to lack of exposure to urban areas,
less mobility, and information channels like and TV etc, the women of Thar cannot meet
the demand of changing pattern of the market. The other factor is of time. Due to their
involvement in different tasks and in unorganized labor, it is difficult to meet the demand
of the market on the time.
3.5
The problems and workload increased due to male migration:
The whole responsibility of care of children and old age persons increases on women. A
social worker in a village told that culturally it is usually discouraged to go out in near by
bazaar or shops to buy household things. Thus in the drought years, when the men
migrate, the cultural restriction on mobility of women creates a lot of disadvantages and
problems in daily work.
19

Loss of assets:
Women who have only one endowment of jewellery in their life which they got as dowry,
are always on the risk of losing it. This phenomenon increased more in drought situation.
Women of poorer communities have only silver jewellery because they can’t afford gold.
It was observed while on talking with women and Banyas in Thar that the majority of
people prefer to take jewellery as collateral rather than land due to two reasons. One, it is
easy to get from women and second the loss of jewellery has not valued much because it
is women’ assets.

Upper caste as restriction:
In the social systems, some times strengths change into vulnerability due to a peculiar
situation. Women belonging to upper castes are also socially disadvantageous. They are
more socially and economically dependent on men. Rajpot women don’t migrate even in
severe drought. It is because Rajpots were the rulers and migration of women is against
their norms. Rajpot women don’t interact with other castes frequently, they are more
restricted. They have less access on education and health facilities. In drought conditions
the vulnerability of these women increased. In the absence of men of household, the
responsibility of women increased to care the children, old persons and manage the
household, which they find difficult to manage due to social restriction.
3.6
Recommendations:
Thari society is in the process of change with the introduction of cash economy, it has
effected the life pattern of Thari people. Women are more effected by this changing
situation due to their already disadvantageous position in the society. A high level of
commitment required at various levels including state, market, community and thari
people themselves to explore the potential, invest on it and convert vulnerabilities into
capacities. This needs to use the indigenous knowledge of people who cope with the most
situations of disaster for many years. The economic resources, which are sensitive to
ecology of the area and its proper management, are highly required.
Women need to be exposed to education and other means of communication which not
only improve their social conditions but will benefit in livelihood for Thari people as a
whole. The participation of Thari people in political processes in general and especially
for women is important to make their voices heard. Information and access to their
rights regarding property and other things to women would be an important strp to
secure their livelihood opportunities.
The ‘relief only’ is no answer to the livelihood problem of Tharparkar. It has to be
addressed as a continuum of ‘relief and development’ approach. Both these aspects
should be taken care of simultaneously to assist local communities in regaining their self
sufficient livelihood systems and a dynamic and resilient society in the new and changing
environment.
20
The improvement in general relations and the conditions of women in gaining livelihoods
are related to over all development of the area and specific interventions to create
opportunities and resources for the productive aspect of the women with special focus on
their empowerment and capacity building. The interventions related to infrastructure,
and macro policy level issues fall in the domain of state, whereas, small initiatives in the
field of training, advocacy, lobbying, networking, craft promotion etc may be the domain
of communities and NGOs.
The proposed interventions in the field of improving infra structure, services, income
generation opportunities, and changes in management systems of livelihood options and
resources have been discussed in the main research paper on ‘livelihood options in
disaster risk reduction, a case study Tharparkar’. The proposed interventions regarding
gender and livelihoods are discussed as follows.
a) Advocacy for claims on livelihood resources and services
the overall drought situation makes the specific problems of women less visible and
hence there is generally not focused and exclusive effort to mobilize for women’s owner
ship on livelihood resources and accessibility to general services like health, education
and employment opportunities. It should be an integral part of development
organizations’ strategy to focus on gender issues with an added emphasis.
It should focus the following concerns.
- To increase the opportunities on education, health, banks and other facilities.
- Awareness regarding Legal Rights to own property
- To reduce the loss of their assets in the days of drought.
- Participation in decision making ( household, community and local councils)
b)
Capacity Building:
The training in different organizational activities, basic literacy are important for better
ment of women in Thar. The training in improvement of skills in embroidery is useful in
improving their opportunities for earning cash. Broadly the training may be given in the
following areas:
-
Training in skills promotion like (embroidery, carpet weaving,
Training in livestock management, agriculture etc
Awareness regarding their legal rights on owning livelihoods.
Right of information to all and particularly maginalized segments of the society.
Institutional support and security to both girls and boys students for a continuation
of education.
21
c)
Targeting:
This should be on the basis of gander and other vulnerable groups, aiming at giving them
different special packages in credit and other services to compensate their disadvantages
in accessing these things due to their specific social category. As it is evident that women
are subject to relative disadvantage in different spheres of life, they deserve to be given
special focus in different development activities.
d) identifying women needs
Women should be included in identifying their needs in general and particularly in relief
activities. As discussed before, missing out of women from registration for identity cards
as the special camps for this purpose may not reach out to them. There should be
mechanisms to care for women’s special needs in drought and non drought days.
e) special care during drought days
The women face difficulty of shelter and other associated problems in drought days, in addition to the other
common problems. In case their male members migrate, they suffer problems in buying things from the
market. Their workload gets increased. Some times they cannot access relief assistance if they dont have
male members at home. So there should be mechanisms to ensure to reduce their difficulties in drought
days.
f) Research and Marketing for embroidery products
The research and feasibility and a continous work on marketing of women’s products of
embroidery is important. As discussed in the main report, it is to bear in mind that it
might be difficult to compete in city markets and the trends therein with the meagre
resources of Thari people. The effort should focus to establish the market what ever is
Thari in character in the embroidery and other items. It may have risks on being
developed on purely aggressive competitive market environment. However it may find its
place as a social campaign to preserve Thari heritage and solidarity with the people
defying drought situation and livelihood problems since long time. With good quality
and proper outlets, it may serve as a good source of cash income for the local people.
22
Annex 1: Initial consultations with the researchers/ development organizers
1. Arif Hasan –Former Director of Orangi Pilot Project, Karachi, conducted three main
researches on Thar including Comprehensive Assessment of Drought and Famine in
Sindh Arid Zone in 1987, Evaluation study of Tharparkar Rural Development Project
(SCF- UK) in 1992 and The story of the Thardeep Rural Development Program in
1998.
2. Mr. Mohammad Khan Mari- Research Director of Drainage Research Council at
Tando Jam. He also worked in Thar as Executive Director of Baanh Beli- a local
NGO, and as a consultant of The Asia Foundation.
3. Mr. Sono Kanghrani- Director Thardeep Rural Development Program.
4. Mr. Dominic Stephen- Director Participatory village Development Project. PVDP is a
local NGO of Thar. Earlier, worked with TRDP as Project Manager.
5. Representatives of Marooara- Marooara means Thari people in local language. This
is an alliance of representatives of NGOs, CBOs and public sector representatives in
Tharparkar district.
6. Ms. Kamla Devi- Head Mistress of Government High School of Mithi
7. Dr. Shafiq Ahmed- A local practitioner in Diplo Taluka and member of Board of
Director of Thar Deep Rural Development Program.
8. Mr. Wali Ram Walabbh- A famous writer of Sindhi language, and works in Museum
in Sindhiology at Sindh University Jamshoro.
9. Director of Museum in Sindhiology at Sindh University Jamshoro.
In addition to the above mentioned list of individuals the team had meetings with
different NGOs staff and line department representatives at their offices, community
representatives, artisans, women, money lenders and shopkeepers in almost all zones of
Thar.
23
2.
Collection of secondary data
The team collected following material from Thardeep Rural Development Program,
Government Departments and Sindhiology. Sindhiology is an institution of Sindh
University Jamshoro.
1. Activities of Animal Husbandry Department in District Thar at Mithi.
2. An Assessment of Drought in Tharparkar Arid Zone- 1999 (TRDP)
3. Learning from Experience- Special issue on Gender- Save the Children Fund (SCFUK)
4. Arif Hassan, Comprehensive Assessment of Drought and Famine in Sindh Arid
Zones- SCF, UNICEF and Govt. of Sindh
5. Children working in the carpet industry of Thar- Raasta Development Consultants
6. The Story of Thar Rural Development Program- Arif Hasan
7. Gazattiers of Thar
8. Arid Zone Forestry Program, State of Knowledge and Experience in Pakistan
9. Environmental Impact Assessment for NGOs- A capacities and volunteerism
Approach: Modern and Ecological Agriculture
10. Arid Zone Forestry
11. Studies on Goat Production and Fodder Resource Management in Rajisthan
12. TRDP reports
13. Children affected by the Conflict- SCF (UK)
14. Newsletters of Marooara ( Marooara is an alliance of local NGOs and CBOs of Thar
15. District census report of Tharparkar, population census organization, statistics
division, government of Pakistan , Islamabad, September 1998.
24
Annex: 3 A Livelihood framework (Chambers)
.
Livelihood
capabilitie
s
A Living
Stores and
Resources
Claim and Access
25
Annex: 4
The deprivation Trap: Chamber’s Poverty Ratchet, a process of poverty, leading
increasing vulnerability which in turn produces powerlessness and so on, and thus
creating a cross- linked cluster of deprivation.
PO WER
LESSNESS
V ULNER
A BILITY
ISO LATIO N
PHYSICA L
WEA K NESS
PO V ERTY
Source:
Robert
Chambers,
Rural
Development
(Longman,
1983)
26
Annex 5:
a) A checklist for assessment to the risk of livelihoods















The employment opportunities available in the community
The resources and assets of the people in the community
The social networks, which can provide safety nets to the people in their vulnerable
times
The availability of water
The availability and supply of food
The shelter opportunities and problems in the area
The availability of fodder for livestock
The health, education services’ accessibility and availability to the people
The quality and effective ness of the health services
The means of communication in the area
The government’s policy towards the relief and development activities in that area
The available skills of the people, which can generate handicrafts
The potential and constraints to promote those skills
The management practices of Common Property Resources
The work of social organizations in the communities
g) A checklist of risks involved to heath in disaster situations





Assess what services are available, accessible and culturally acceptable to the
local population.
Assess whether local population is involved in identification of their health needs
Is there proper coordination between different organizations and the government
Assess the impact of the presence of large number of victims on the water,
sanitation and refuse facilities.
Assess the level of malnutrition
27
Annex 6:
Daily Activity Profile – Drought days
Activity
Women/ girls hours
Men/ Boys hours
Reproductive Activities
Food Preparation
Cleaning
Livestock care
Fuel Collection
Child Care
Health related
Others
3 hours
2 hours
2 hours
2 hours
3 hours
1 hour
2 hours
-
Productive Activities
Agriculture *
-
-
Employment/ labour work
Income generation
Other
4 hours
6 hours
Community Activities
Water Collection
Weddings/ Funerals/ Births*
2 hour
Participation in Village meeting*
Other
*Agriculture: Agriculture is an activity for six months and does not happen during
drought
*It is difficult to calculate time in daily routine for wedding / funerals and other
ceremonies. Usually women do participate in these activities.
Note: This profile is not uniform for all communities. This is an activity profile for a
family who resides in Thar during drought days.
28
Annex 7: guide lines for focus group discussions with different interest groups
3.
Women staff of NGO/ GO representatives
1. How does social system and caste system prevent women to face the situation of
drought
2. What are main problems of women during normal and drought days
3. Do women have an equal access on the sources of livelihood
4. What are food distribution patterns within family
5. Workload of women
6. What are main livelihood resources available for women in Thar
7. How does drought effect the lives of women
8. What are potentials/ skills available for women
9. How does education played a role for changing the situation of women
10. How does migration effects women
11. Entitlements for women in Thari society
12. Inheritance laws and its practice
13. Women’s access on different services including transportation, education,
information, health etc.
14. Problems come across in Thar and barrage areas due to migration
15. Issues of shelter and safety
16. Suggestions for the improvement
4.
Money lenders
1. Who are main loan takers in the area
2. Purpose of taking loan
3. Procedure of taking loans
4. Interest rate
5. What type of assets people do have and they use it for loan taking
6. What is repayment rate
7. How does carpet industry work in the area, who are main stakeholders
8. What problems they face as money lenders
9. How do money lenders survive after the frequent drought
10. What are other means of taking loans
11. What are cultural and social barriers for women in taking loans
12. Other sources of loans
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Community Women belonging to different castes and religions
Daily routine work in normal and drought days
How does drought effect women and other vulnerable groups
Women’s access on different sources of livelihood
What are main livelihood resources for women
Women’s involvement in agriculture
Change of food distribution patterns over the time
29
7. Women’s participation in decision making at household level and in community
politics
8. What are main problems of women due to migration
9. Women’s access on education, health, reproductive services and information etc.
10. Women’s access on market
11. How does culture and social systems of Thar prevent and facilitate women to face the
situation of drought
12. Inheritance laws and its practice
13. Suggestions to improve the situation
6.
Community men (farmers, livestock owners, grocery shopkeepers, teachers,
students etc.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
7.
What are main livelihood resources in Thar.
What is migration pattern ( Who, when, how and where)
What are common property livelihood resources and how do people mange it.
Effects of drought and migration on different income generation groups.
What are potentials / skills available for people in Thar
Role of NGOs and government institutions in the development of Thar
Availability of food and fodder in the market
Shawl / carpet weavers
1. How much investment is required for installation of carpet/ shawl weaving small
industry
2. How does drought effect this group
3. Daily earning
4. Potential market
5. Sources of loans and its repayment
6. Availability of material
30
Annex 8: NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, ENROLLMENT, STAFF (
TEACHING AND NON TEACHING)
BY LEVEL AND GENDER OF SCHOOLS OF DISTRICT THARPARKAR @ MITHI
LEVEL
NO OF SCHOOLS
ENROLLMENT
NO OF TEACHERS
Boys
Girls
Total
Boys
Girls
Total
M
F
Total
NO
OF
MINISTERAL
STAFF
M
F
Total
Mosque
663
0
663
9916
3272
13188
679
0
679
96
0
96
Mohalla
4
0
4
80
8
88
4
0
4
0
0
0
Primary
2012
306
2318
38789
18948
57737
2825
436
3261
215
16
231
Middle
238
11
249
6415
1149
7565
409
10
419
56
4
60
Elementary
2
1
3
55
56
111
7
2
9
2
0
2
High
High
Secondary
27
4
31
7289
1411
8700
375
39
414
206
5
211
1
0
1
534
50
584
14
0
14
8
0
8
4800
583
25
608
Total
2947
322
3269
63078 24894
87973
4313
487
Source: An assessment of Drought in Tharparkar Arid Zone 1999, TRDP.
31
Annex 9:DROUGHT OPERATION CENTER
(TRDP, SCF-UK, NOVIB, DFID, and Philanthropists)
Relief Support for drought affected families-Thar
DROUGHT
Process of Community targeting in Drought
Geographical
Identification
Administration
AH- Office
DC- Office
Traditional
DH- Office
Village
Para
Caste
Status
Gender
Targeting Criteria
32
Selecting the targeted families for FOOD relief:
1. WIDOWS
a. With less then 50yrs of age.
b. With innocent children.
c. With no/less livestock numbers.
d. With no/less cultivating farm.
2. FAMILIES:
a. With large no. Members (8-10 above).
b. With less income resources.
c. Depending on one earning source.
3. FAMILIES:
a. Having large no. of daughters only.
b. Depending on one earning source.
c. Having no other valuables.
4. FAMILIES:
a. With disable members.
b. With disable children.
c. With old age persons having no income sources.
d. With more than two people sick in family.
e. TB patient.
5. RELIEF-CAMP. (Flour only)
f. Families with near distance 2kg per head.
g. Families with long distance 3Kg per head.
Selecting targeted families for FEED/SEED relief:
1. FEED:
a. Families with 5-10 sheep (1 beg).
b. Families with 11-25 sheep (2 beg).
c. Families with 26-above not given.
RELIEF CAMP:
a. Families with cattle 2Kg for near distance,
and 3Kg for Nagarparker.
b. Families with goats, sheep, donkeys, and
other animals 1kg per 5 animals.
2. SEED:
33
a. Farmers are formed by TRDP (PDCs)
b. Farmers will cultivate themselves rather then on share basis.
c. Farmers will use camels, donkeys and other animals to cultivate their land
without using tractor at all.
d. Farmers will return the received seed or equal amount at the time of
Relief Distribution
harvesting.
( in both the condition farmer benefits)
Food, Feed Seed and
Miscellaneous
Food Items Received.
Items distributed.
1. Flour: 813300Kgs
2. Pulses: 78955Kgs
3. Oil: 94639Kgs
4. Rice: 89625
5. Sugar: 10769
6. M.Powder: 5835Kgs
7. Biscuits: 16 Cartons
8. Received
Cloths: 144 Packs
Feed
9. Miscellaneous
1,504,
287Kgs
items.
Seed
Received
RELIEF
SUPPORT
Farmers Covered
149,440Kgs
5,188 Farmers
1. Flour
2. Pulses
3. Oil
4. Rice
5. Sugar
6. Milk Powder
7. Biscuits
Livestock
8. ClothsCovered
9. 243,981
Miscellaneous
items.
Families Covered.
(July 31st ’00)
13,198
( From
a total
target
of
Planned
20,000
Families
Targeted
15,000 Fto )cover
97%by 30th
Sep 2000. (Food relief)
1. Aug’ 10,000 Families
2. Sep’ 10,000 Families
Families could
be seen smiling
BRIEF
after given relief
UPDATE
support
Drought Response by Local and International
Donors
TRDP as an
Implementing agency
34
Acronyms
CBO
DEO
DHO
FAO
GO
ITDG
JRC
NGO
PVDP
TRDP
VO
TBA
Community Based Organization
District Education Officer
District Health Officer
Food and Agricultural Organization
Governmental Organization
Intermediate Technology Development Group
Journalist Resource Center
Non Governmental Organization
Participatory Village Development Programme
Thardeep Rural Development Programme
Village Organization
Trained Birth Attendant
35