Livelihood, Agriculture & Food

Livelihood, Agriculture & Food Security has been proposed as important thematic area with an aim to “Enable marginalized and less privileged communities to earn sustainable livelihoods through agriculture and non-farm activities that empower people to become self-sufficient and fight against climate changes practicing natural resource management approach”. The mass awareness-raising activities on available farm facility services in the public sector, best practices in pest control, contemporary land utilization methods, the importance of crop rotation (short-term farming) and alternate agricultural practices through seminars, workshops and FGDS (Focus Group Discussions). Due to that community observed positive results as by the installation of drip irrigation90-95% of water is consumed by the plant before that 50% of the water was wasted due to bad land labeling. In Pakistan, the agriculture sector plays a key role in the economy as it contributes 21% of the total GDP and absorbs 48% of the labor force. Over 90% are small farmers in Pakistan, and 60% of the population faces food insecurity. This is due to limited economic access by the poorest and most vulnerable particularly women to an adequate and diverse diet.

Caritas Pakistan’s Role and Initiatives

Caritas Pakistan develops strong linkages with local and provincial agriculture departments in an organized manner through the establishment of village farming associations. Caritas Pakistan’s major thrust for community development will remain gender centered and in the same spirit women’s entrepreneurship will be promoted benefitting unskilled and unemployed women/girls. The villager’s prime interest in livestock development will be recognized, facilitated and supported by Caritas Pakistan firstly through efforts to generate fodder diversification with the help of the livestock department so that villagers can ensure year-round fodder for livestock.