1.

1 SOCIAL MOBILIZATION: A PATH TO SUSTAINABLE POVERTY ALLEVIATION

BRSP considers social mobilization to be the primary means of support in organizing rural men and women for poverty alleviation efforts. The refined 'product' of social mobilization is an active and enabled Community Organization (CO). The CO platform enables men and women to propose locally-appropriate measures and actions that lead to resolving their own problems with the help of locally available natural, financial and human resources.

As the COs mature and as social mobilization develops both horizontally and vertically to cover the majority of people in a village and a Union Council, the COs are networked into Village Development Organizations (VDOs) and, eventually, into Local Support Organisations (LSOs). This model has been developed and nurtured by other RSPs, while BRSP is dedicated to developing these higher levels of social mobilization as it matures and expands.

Gender mainstreaming

It is a recognized fact that women are the worst victim of poverty. In poor households where there are limited resources to cope with food and other daily needs, and where survival requires extensive physical hardship, women usually bear the brunt of poverty. The deprivation and exploitation of women is manifested in several ways. These include intra-household biases in food distribution; early marriages; early and excessive childbearing; lack of control over their own bodies; extensive domestic labor, domestic violence and a high level of illiteracy. In all such cases taking appropriate and concrete actions to empower women is the most vital ingredient of poverty alleviation.

ngo·

BRSP exerts its utmost efforts to ensure that women's participation, in all its core programs - including social mobilization, CPls, health and capacity building - is well integrated.

in the lives of poor p

Program coverage

BRSP has over two decades' experience and expertise in community mobilization. Over the last three years BRSP has organized more than 2,300 Cos. The growing number of COs and strengthening of their institutional capacities through training and capital formation has confirmed BRSP's belief that these grass-root level institutions have enormous potential to address and solve their own problems, with well-guided self-help methods. This belief has turned into reality now, since many of the COs are actively working to solve their own problems through participating in the BRSP's poverty eradication programs and through building linkages with other government departments and NGOs.

In 2007-08 BRSP concentrated on social mobilization in 4 new Districts: Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Pishin and Kalat, in order to carry out the Integrated Rural Development Project. Having seen the benefits, the communities now understand the value of BRSP's working principals and practices. Now that the Project has been expanded to 10 more Districts, simultaneously the COs are growing and gaining maturity.

BRSP has now reached 95 of 1 08 UCs and 456 out of 1,503 villages in 5 regular programme Districts.

July-07 to June -08 Cumulative Progress till
date
COs CO Membership CO Membership
Formation Formation
Men's 1,146 17,198 2,457 38,429
Women's 413 6,181 1,114 17,543
Mixed 1 15 32 154
Total 1,560 23,394 3,603 56,126 1.2 SAVINGS AND MICRO-CREDIT Savings

BRSP encourages each CO to save an affordable amount every month and to deposit it in the nearest bank. The objective is to develop a positive habit in both men and women to save the money which is the most vital means of improving their own standard of living. Since the saving approach is linked with the provision of credit, it is important for the COs to not only save regularly but to boost their savings in the peak income times during the year. For most people this is after selling their agricultural or livestock products: most people are able to spare significant amounts at these times. BRSP's social mobilization teams assist the COs in addressing the hindrances to saving regularly.

As of July 30th 2008, the CO members were able to save a total of Rs 4.125 million. Of this amount, men's COs saved Rs 3.038 million and women's COs saved 0.892 million.

Micro-credit

Micro credit is vital for income generation and economic empowerment. BRSP provides small loans so that people can initiate small businesses. Credit is combined with developing the skills of CO members on how to manage the whole process of credit, including decision-making for its effective use. The selection criteria for micro-credit beneficiaries include identifying the needs of the poorest and most deserving and selecting the most appropriate enterprise for investment. These factors improve the probability of profit-making and reduce the risk of loss for the beneficiary. BRSP credit activities are currently focused in district Mastung and are gradually expanding to other Districts.

Till date BRSP has disbursed Rs. 25.365 millions in micro-credit to the COs. This has directly benefitted 2,756 borrowers. The recovery rate ofthe loans is around 92 percent.

1.3 Physical Infrastructure and Technology Development: Enhancing living conditionsthrough improved physical facilities

Background

Although Balochistan is the largest province in terms of land mass, the population of Balochistan is only 5% of the total population of Pakistan. 80% ofthe population of Balochistan live in rural areas. The lack of physical infrastructural facilities significantly affects the quality of life. People lack water supply schemes, lined water courses, irrigation channels, link roads, and sanitation facilities. The 2004-05 Pakistan Living Standard Measurement Survey identifies sharp a sharp disparity between access to safe drinking water in the provinces. It notes that 52% of the population of Balochistan use wells and open ponds for drinking water. This is a major cause of illness and death, including infant and maternal mortality.

It is worth-mentioning that the continuous financial and technical assistance of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) is the major contributing factor which enables BRSP to work with communities to plan, implement and monitor small-scale social and productive infrastructural schemes.

Achievements

As an implementing partner of the PPAF BRSP has successfully completed five Phases of CPls under various project agreements. Since year 2001 a total of 495 Community Physical Infrastructure Schemes have been completed in Mastung District. 104 schemes were completed during the reporting year. These schemes directly benefit 12,759 households with 94,200 members. This is approximately 57% of the population of District Mastung.

The agriculture-related schemes mainly relate to karez' rehabilitation and construction. Lined water courses and channels have contributed to turning 2,394 acres of barren land into cultivated land, while the improved irrigation facilities and minimized water losses have significantly improved the yield of 2,736 acres of agricultural land.

The construction of shingle roads has addressed many issues in Tehsil Dasht.lmproved roads increase mobility between homes, farms and markets. Farmers are better able to transport crops, vegetables and fruits to market and to reduce losses and improve profit levels.

Scope

BRSP believes that if poor communities lack basic amenities and productive physical infrastructure, the dream of poverty alleviation cannot be realized. The Physical Infrastructure and Technology Development sector is one of the most important interventions that BRSP has introduced. The PITD section is independent and has a strong resource base, from which to effectively implement physical schemes. Since the underlying philosophy is that the community at large should benefit from the schemes, no compromise is made on the communal approach. This includes targeting the very poor and destitute and ensuring that the schemes do not serve the interests of a few landlords and influential people.

With the active participation of the communities, BRSP has implemented numerous WATSAN schemes. These include systems for the egress of sewerage and stagnant water; construction of latrines and the installation of drinking water systems. As a

The major types of physical infrastructure schemes include: irrigation systems, water courses, reservoirs, rehabilitation of gravity-fed water harvesting systems (the karez), safe drinking water supply systems, household latrines, small-bore sewerage systems, street surfacing, wastewater collection and disposal and technologies based on using the natural energy.

'A karez is a centuries old indigenous irrigation system in Balochistan which is constructed in the base of watershed in a mountainous area, following a waterbearing formation to bring water from a higher elevation to the surface at a lower elevation through gravity flow. It is connected through a series of open wells, from the head of the karez called mother well, maintenance wells and daylight point where water is brought to the surface.

result, the incidence of hygiene and water related diseases such as malaria and dysentery has decreased. This improves the quality of life, reduces expenditures and reduces the economic shocks that result from illness.

Completed Schemes and Beneficiaries:

The Footnote should be put into a box with a photograph of Karez)

,

Sr.# Type of schemes No of Districts Beneficiaries
schemes HHs Men Women Total
Drinking Water
1 Supplies 61 Mastung 3,467 12,844 13,915 26,759

2 Irrigation 359 Mastung to,744 41,563 45,028 86,591
3 Sanitation 13 Mastung 828 3,129 3,389 6,518
4 Rural Roads 5 Mastung 255 816 884 1,700

5 Karezat 43 Mastung 5,576 15,819 16,902 32,721
Irrigation (On -
6 going) 4 Bolan 250 912 988 1,900
Kalat s:
7 Model Villages to Loralai 255 1,272 1,322 2,594

495 21,375 76,355 82,428 158,783 With the financial sponsorship of PPAF and the Pakistan Water Management Centre BRSP initiated the "Drought/Disaster mitigation preparedness Project" in July 2007. It will be completed in June 2009. The objective of the project is to prepare a plan for mitigating the adverse affects of drought and natural disasters on local communities. BRSP, with the active involvement of the Local Support Organisation, has identified 86 schemes relevant to land reclamation, irrigation structures, safe drinking water supplies, small dams and technology-innovative projects. Among these, work has begun on four land reclamation and irrigation channel projects. The Local Support Organization, with the support of local communities, is actively involved in the smooth execution of the projects. Their role includes the provision and delivery of construction materials (stones, sand, aggregate, water) and unskilled labor: the cumulative value of these inputs is 59% of the total cost. This is the LSO's required contribution.

Model Villages Project

The objective of the Model Villages Project is to develop the selected villages in order to create a healthy physical and social enabling environment, thus facilitating residents to live a better way of life. BRSP's model villages project has been setup to promote basic health, sanitation, safe drinking water and improved living conditions. As a joint BRSP-Ministry of Local Govemment and Rural Development (MLG&RD) initiative, model villages have been given basic amenities for safe drinking water and proper waste disposal. This is intended to demonstrate how villages in Balochistan can be improved with available financial resources and social capital.

The VDOs of the Model Villages are technically and financially assisted to build footpaths, latrines and garbage pits and to install water supply systems and sanitation facilities as well as to implement street pavement projects. The subsequent process is to build systems to keep these facilities functioning. Much ofthe success ofthe model villages is dependent on the commitment and motivation of village community leaders, who are responsible for directing the activities that will make their villages a showcase for others. In addition to improved physical environments, emphasis is placed on behavioral changes focussed on integrating hygiene practices and awareness with the proper use of the physical facilities.

Evolution of Balochistan Institute of Human Development

The Balochistan Institute of Human Development originated in January 2008, founded on the model ofthe BRSP Human Resource Development section which has contributed to human development since 1984, offering training and capacity building to BRSP staff and community members. Between 1984 and 2007, the HRD section trained 28,000 men and women CO members and over 3,000 staff members.

Setting-up Model Villages is the first step leading to achieving the vision of BRSP, which is the availability of all basic facilities and amenities as a basic right of the villagers.

During the reporting year, the BRSP assisted two villages to become model villages: Village Kohing (District Kalat) and Village Lushti (District Loralai). The improvements consisted of: installing water supply systems and supply lines to every household; installing sewerage and drainage systems, paving streets, installing street lights, establishing a Vocational Center (in village Kohing) to enhance the sewing skills of local women and building 2 public toilets. A new Mosque was also constructed. Additionally, 3 culverts were installed to cover the water stream and channels, thus improving people's mobility.

BIHD integrates training, organizational development, and career development to improve individual, group, and organizational effectiveness. The Institute facilitates and provides social guidance through formal training, social enterprise concepts, research, on the job training, case studies, simulations, technical advice and experience-sharing forums. Those who attend include BRSP community members, the staff of partner organizations and the staff of national and international organizations.

All of the systems and facilities developed in the 2 model villages have been handed over to the Community Organizations. This will ensure that the new facilities are operated and maintained by the community members.

1.4 Human Resource Development: "Empowering rural men and women by optimizingtheircapabilities"

Background

Pakistan lags behind in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It ranks 136 of 177 UN Member States in the Human

Development Index. Pakistan's public expenditures on human development are low by international standards and are approximately 4 percent of GDP. The picture is more dismal in Balochistan. Average household incomes are low, as there is little industrial activity and employment opportunities outside agriculture and mining are limited.

BIHD understands that Balochistan cannot escape the vicious cycle of poverty until its human resources are developed and institutional capacities are improved. Thus, "investing" in the rural poor is vitally important in enabling them to take self-help initiatives to address poverty and enhance their quality of life.

Community development programme achievements

The high rate of illiteracy (37%) and the lack of vocational and skills enhancement opportunities, especially for young people, contribute Significantly to the very slow economic growth and inadequate opportunities for rural economic growth. Formal skills enhancement and training opportunities for women are particularly limited: there is only one Vocational Training Institute in the whole of Balochistan forwomen.

Trainings conducted by th e BIHD
# Name of the training Total Men Women Total
training trained trained
events
1 Community Management Skills Training 105 1,455 250 1,705
2 Community Livestock Extension Workers training 7 326 8 334
3 Female Livestock Farmers training 360 N/A 6,300 6,300 Staff Development Programme. With technical support from the Institute of Rural Management, BIHD has adopted an innovative approach to enhancing the skills and knowledge base of professional staff. This will take forward and scale-up community based participatory development in Balochistan.

The staff development programme focuses on career development and on improving the professional performance of departments and organizations. In addition to offering in-house training, BIHD offers workshops, seminars and exposure visits for field workers, professionals, mid-level managers and senior management. Since its inception in March 2008,

Othercore programsofBIHD are:

• Youth Development Programme

• Internship Programme

• Programme Communication & Networking (PCN)

• BIHD has so far provided internship opportunities to 18 interns from the Women's University and the University of Balochistan since its inception in March 2008.

1.5 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Only a third of the total land area of the province is productive grazing or agricultural land. The bulk of the labor force is employed in agriculture, which is mainly focused on livestock rearing and dry-land (un-irrigated) farming.

'Net foreign exchange earnings, at Rs 51.5 billion in 2001-02, accounted for 11.4 per cent of the overall export earnings of the country.

BIHD has held 53 training events, which have been attended by 226 men and 62 women staff members.

Enterprise Development Programme. BRSP emphasizes improving the skills and access to local and broader markets of artisan men/women. This objective is achieved by promoting cultural heritage as a means of generating income.

Current activities in enterprise development

BRSP is working with 120 marginalized artisan women in Dasht area in District Mastung. Under this initiative, known as Narrie- Taa-Hunar (Skills of brahvi women) a project is being implemented that will improve women's skills in producing modern, marketable high-quality products. The project links women with local, national and international markets. The project has successfully completed its training phase and is now in its production phase. BRSP intends to expand its outreach in enterprise development to other Districts also.

The strength of Balochistan's wealth lies in its natural resources; the agriculture, livestock, and vast rangeland, the coastal belt with 750 Km of as yet undeveloped coastline, and rich mineral and hydrocarbon deposits. Approximately 70% of the population is dependent on agriculture and livestock. Balochistan's environment has been severely degraded in recent years, primarily due to the severe drought of 1998 - 2005. Groundwater resources have been severely depleted, rangelands degraded, forests reduced and agricultural land rendered uncultivable. The rate of natural resource exploitation is unsustainable and the continued degradation of the environment is likely to result in further increases in poverty.

Other programs:

Findings & lessons learnt by the BIHD

People have great potential and there are lots of available venues already existing in the community which can be explored;

There is a serious lack offemale role models in leadership positions in Balochistan.

Building the capacity of women in enterprise, livestock and agriculture in rural areas can significantly contribute to income generation offamilies in rural areas;

Young men and women are the most promising resource and a big reservoir of energy, but they have high rates of unemployment. There is a pressing need to focus on youth and build their capacities around existing and emerging avenues of employment.

Since its inception BRSP has recognized Natural Resource Management as a prime focus area. It has organized and implemented numerous projects and programs to ensure the best possible sustainable use of natural resources, so as to avoid irreversible losses. Much of the BRSP ...,.,......-:-.; response to NRM is covered through the PITD program under which the agricultural and irrigation schemes are rehabilitated or developed for the farmers to raise their income. Environmental friendliness is the cross cutting theme of all the BRSP programmes. Currently BRSP is implementing water resources management projects in Bolan and Mastung Districts including karez rehabilitation.

Livestock contributes about 9.3 per cent to the GDP of Pakistan. Its share in agriculture is 38.4 per cent', According to a previous livestock census held in 2006 the province

Addressing poverty and sustainable resource management through enhancing livestock production

BRSP is implementing the PMLI Project in five Districts: Zhob, Killa Saifullah, Pishin, Kalat and Mastung. So far BRSP has implemented the following activities:

Provision of preventive and curative services atthe farmer' s doorstep

BRSP has established 42 veterinary clinics in the 5 target districts to provide preventive and curative services. These consist of awareness raising regarding diseases prevention, vaccination, de-worming, dipping, treatment and sales of medicines at affordable prices. The clinics are run by qualified and well-trained Veterinary Doctors (DVMs) and clinic assistants. Follow up visits are paid by the DVMs to the farmers to ensure that all sick animals are recovering. Livestock Medical Camps are organized by the DVMs in the remotest and hilly areas where the livestock farmers have limited or no access to veterinary services. All ofthe camps organized by BRSP have been very successful and highly appreciated. So far, about 372,771 animals have received preventive or curative treatment.

Addressing poverty and sustainable resource management through enhancing livestock production

Livestock contributes about 9.3 per cent to the GDP of Pakistan. Its share in agriculture is 38.4 per cent. According to a previous livestock census held in 2006 the province maintained 10.84 million sheep, 9.37 million goats, 1.34 million cattle, 0.34 million camels and 4.7 million poultry. Horses and buffaloes are also raised.

Livestock contributes more than 52% to the GDP of Balochistan. The northern rangelands constitute 38 per cent of the total area but carry about 76 per cent of the total livestock in the province. The remaining 62% of the area sustains about 24 per cent of the livestock, which numbers about 20 million (46% sheep and 23% goats) of the total number in the country are in Balochistan. Due to limited rainfall, overgrazing, high mortality rates, the incidence of diseases, the illiteracy of farmers and the unavailability of veterinary services, the numbers of animals, the outputs of milk, meat and by-products remain far below optimal levels.

Animalstreated by the Vet-Clinics

BRSP current initiatives on livestock

BRSP has been implementing the Prime Minister's I~I~II~~~ Special Initiative for Livestock (PMSIL) as a major

activity for poverty alleviation. The objective is to improve livestock productivity in terms of enhancing meat and milk production. The project is based on developing and strengthening public-private partnerships. The GoP and eight Rural Support Programmes, with overarching support from the Rural Support Program Network, are implementing the project with the financial and technical support of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. The project began in 2007 and will run unti12011.

Animal Treated De-wormed Dipped Vaccinated Total
Buffalo 671 82 1,406 53 2,212
Cattle 5,251 3,731 189 2,406 11,577
Sheep 48,248 71,344 8,873 57,232 185,697
Goat 30,492 69,883 15,057 54,096 169,528
Others 2,169 842 363 383 3,757
Total 86,831 145,882 25,888 114,170 372,771 Creating a cadre of Community Livestock Specialists Community Livestock Specialists or Extension Workers provide preventive and curative services to the livestock farmers at their doorsteps. As of June 30th 2008, 307 CLEWs have been trained by BRSP. The majority of them are currently actively providing services to the poor livestock farmers with affordable service charges.

In a few areas, such as UC Manguchar, District Kalat, the CLEWS are generating sufficient income by running veterinary clinics and providing extension services to the livestock farmers. One of these is Saleh Muhmmad, who sells medicines worth Rs. 40,0001- to 50,0001- every month.

A pervasive myth has been broken by BRSP through incorporating women in the CLEWs force. This was initially done in District M astung where the strong mobilization of BRSP and the trust of the communities converged and eight women CLEWs have been trained by

BRSP. They are now actively

involved in providing veterinary care to livestock farmers and serve as role

The success and regular functioning of the CLEWs will contribute to improving the livelihoods of poor farmers and

pastoralists. This will have a particularly beneficial effect in the more remote area of Balochistan.

enrolment in the country, with only 47 per cent of boys and 32 per cent of girls enrolled in primary school. There are also considerable disparities in enrolment between urban and rural populations and between different income groups. Over the years, low public investment in education, the poor quality of education and the lack of educational facilities has led to a system that is characterized by low enrolment, high teacher and student absenteeism, lack of schools and little or no engagement of the communities in the affairs of the schools.

Trainingwomen in livestock management

Women in rural Balochistan carry a double burden of labour: they do most of the domestic work and they are responsible for rearing, grazing and managing the household's livestock assets. Since many women lack the necessary up to date knowledge on proper management of livestock, including feeding, washing and cleaning sheds, Female Livestock Farmer trainings are offered to the women. The women who have attended the training programme appreciate it and find it beneficial. So far 6,300 women livestock farmers have been trai ned by the BI H D.

1.6 Basic Education: "Investing in the foundation of a betterfuture" Background

The challenge of coping with poverty in Balochistan is made even more difficult by the dismal situation of educational backwardness. The overall literacy rate in Balochistan, at 38 percent (20 percent for girls and women) compares unfavorably with the Pakistan average at 54 percent (42 percent for girls and women). Balochistan has the lowest net

BRSP's programmatic aim regarding the promotion of basic education is based on the belief that the eradication of poverty is directly linked with the promotion of education. BRSP understands that promoting boys' and girls' education is urgently needed, since creating a literate society can only assist in the fight against poverty. But this process also requires educated mothers to educate their own children. Therefore, building on its previous experience of rehabilitating 150 schools in emergency responses, BRSP is keen to strengthen and improve the physical and pedagogical environments of some 200 existing government schools during the next year.

School WES: Improving the physical and learning environment of schools in Zhob

Since March 2008 BRSP been working to improve the WATSAN facilities in 50 girls' schools in Zhob District. The aim is to ensure the provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities in these schools. The project is likely to benefit 4,000 to 5,000 children. It is anticipated that at the end of the project, the target girls' schools will have safe drinking water and latrine facilities: this will in turn contribute to improving the enrollment and retention rates of the children and improving their health status.

As of June 30th 2008, 18 Parent-Teachers School Management Committees (PTSMCs) have either newly formed or have been reactivated to provide and maintain full support to the teachers ensuring the smooth functioning ofthe school. This approach to sensitizing community members on the importance of educating girls was initiated and implemented by the regional staff. A radio talk show was broadcast in the local radio station to sensitize people to the importance of educating girls. Forming 'Child Clubs'

is another creative way to involve children in extra-curricular activities and improve peer competition. BRSP has so far formed 14 Child Clubs in the target schools.

2. EMERGENCY RESPONSE: "Keeping hopes alive"

Governor of Balochistan, initiated relief coordination meetings with UN agencies, INGOs, and NGOs on the third day after the disaster to bring together relevant stakeholders to coordinate the relief activities. Building on the momentum generated by BRSP, the donor organizations and government departments initiated a coordination mechanism leading to "cluster" formation. The clusters were sector specific responses to particular needs, such as shelter, food, medical care, logistics and so on.

Background

In June 2007 Balochistan province faced the wrath of tropical cyclone YemYin, which caused torrential rains and flash floods across the Province. The cyclone caused widespread destruction affecting thousands of households. Hundreds of villages and human settlements were wiped out. More than 250 people lost their lives and around 2 million people were rendered shelterless. Standing crops, food and water supplies, livestock and other sources of livelihood were totally or in some areas partially destroyed. Health, Education, Water and Sanitation infrastructure were greatly disrupted in the affected districts.

The destruction was so rapid and unprecedented that the households could only manage to save their lives. They lost everything including their food supplies and clothing. When the waters rushed in, men and women gathered up their children out and ran for higher ground, leaving their homes behind. The strong rushing waves breached the foundations of the mud houses and cause them to collapse. In some areas not a trace of human settlement remained. Aseries of rainy spells followed by sweltering summer heat added to the woes of the people. Food and water supplies, shelter, clothing and medical care were the immediate needs.

BRSP began its relief activities soon after the disaster struck. At a critical point when the lack of financial resources to cope with the enormous needs became evident as a major obstacle, the RSPN stepped forward and provided Rs. 2 million to enable BRSP to start emergency relief operations immediately. 85% of this fund was used to meet the expenses of the rapid damage assessments, and the

transportation and distribution of numerous relief

items. Based on its field presence, BRSP

immediately started relief services in Khuzdar, Bolan and Noshki. Considering the large scale of devastation in the remote areas of the province, and the Government's declaration of 14 districts as disaster areas, BRSP decided to focus on the relief and rehabilitation activities as a Programmatic theme for 2007-08. Based on its preliminary assessment, BRSP decided to undertake an integrated relief, recovery and rehabilitation programme for 300,000 affected families.

BRSP response

Soon after the information of large scale devastation was confirmed by the authorities and the media, BRSP activated its emergency response team on a ''war footing" and started emergency planning to provide immediate relief to the affected population, using the available human and financial resources within the organization. BRSP, upon the advice of

BRSP planned and implemented 11 emergency interventions in the sectors of education, nutrition, health, water & sanitation, agriculture, livestock, shelter, distribution oHood and non food items (NFls) with the financial support of NRSP, UNICEF, WFP, and the FAO, UNHCR, DFID and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. BRSP maintained effective coordination with the relevant government line departments, including the PHED, LGRD, and Health, in order to share progress and to build its ownership throughout the life of the emergency response.

BRSP's immediate relief and early recovery assistance to the flood affected communities was the largest in the Province, considering its size and geographical coverage. These factors also proved a major initiative for building up a strong and sustainable relationship among the target communities: they also created an enabling environment for BRSP to launch regular programs in these areas.

Improved ways of cooperating and coordinating

BRSP actively participated in the sector-wise meetings organized by the UNORC, and many UNORC meetings were facilitated by the BRSP in its own office. In these meetings BRSP was always keen to float ideas and plans for enhancing the coordination among the stakeholders. Other issues included developing systems for information sharing and identifying the best ways to address and cope with the enormous needs. BRSP made every possible effort to maintain effective coordination among all the stakeholders at the national, provincial and districts levels. This included NDMA, PDMA, the UN Area Coordinator, WFP, FAO, District, Tehsil and UC Nazims and the law enforcement agencies (the Frontier Corps Balochistan and the Police). The EDOs Agriculture and the District, Tehsil and UC Nazims played a vital role in supporting BRSP staff in beneficiary identification and community mobilization. Close coordination was also maintained with Islamic Relief and the American Red Cross, to avoid duplication of efforts and interventions, especially in Kharan District. The DCOs of the concemed Districts were regularly informed of the progress and information was also shared with the Frontier Corps authorities atthe District and Provincial levels.

2.1 Food security and livelihood support Situation

Large parts of the population in the flood affected areas lost household foodstocks, as well as their standing and harvested crops. Due to the damaged infrastructure and link roads, the supply of food was disrupted, causing further shortages and substantial price hikes in the local markets. The joint assessment estimated that 26% of the population in the affected areas was in need of immediate food assistance.

BRSP Response

BRSP targeted Khuzdar, Bolan, Washuk, Kharan, Jhalmagsi, Chagai and some part of Nushki Districts for the distribution of food to the worst affected people. Based on the information provided by the PDMA, Government sources and relief agencies, BRSP targeted the areas having acute shortages offood but where it was possible to access by road.

Food for Work

In order to support the affected farmers in restoring their livelihood assets and coping mechanisms, BRSP started "Food for Work" programmes for 3 consecutive months. The objective was to meet the food needs of the affected communities while they were working to restore their damaged fields and houses. This was a crucially important step towards early recovery. The implementation was made possible through financial, logistical and material supportfrom the WFP.

A total of 14,572 worst-affected farming families were identified and registered by BRSP in District Noshki, Bolan, Washuk, and Kharan. The whole process was completed in three months. The program benefited 102,004 farming households through the provision of3,837.529 MT offood.

Through this program the beneficiary farmers were able to restore their primary means of livelihood:

• Leveling of agricultural lands

• Rehabilitation of water retaining walls (bandats)

• Cultivation of one seasonal crop.

As a result the "Food for Work" program contributed significantly in restoring the normalcy in the lives of 14,572 farming families in 44 Union Councils.