Scarcity of water and annual floods originating from watersheds in semi-arid mountainous ecosystems threaten villages and rural economies in the plains and impede socio-economic development in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Only efficient water governance incl. management is impeded by missing strategies, inefficient services by technical departments and mistrust of water users against local governments. This finally led to a lack of accountability and a deficit of investments into water-related infrastructure. In comparison there are village-based initiatives and traditional water allocation systems which need reforming and rehabilitation.

Contribute to agricultural development, food security and livelihoods and thus enhance rural local economies in ecologically fragile, semi-arid and poor districts in KPK through sustainable, safe and equitable access to water.

Approximately 35–45% of households in over 300 villages across 3 southern districts of KPK (Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Karak) and 1 northern district (Chitral)

Outcome 1: Water users jointly with district governments contribute to appropriate strategies and frame conditions which protect water resources efficiently and ensure sustainable use for people and food on a water catchment scale.

Outcome 2: District authorities and departments involved as well as water user organizations are empowered and capable to offer quality services for (and engage in implementation and maintenance of necessary investments in) drinking water and irrigation schemes in line with their revised mandates.

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

Successful pilot-restoration of traditional water management systems (e.g. spate irrigation, rod kohi or barani irrigation systems), small dams and small scale irrigation schemes have enhanced protection of agricultural and rural assets, expanded irrigated agri-/horticulture, increased yields and also strengthened the role of water user organizations. Poor households witnessed improved food security as well as income generating options. Linking bottom-up initiatives of water users with technical departments of the Districts have established participatory approaches and improved citizens’ trust in public institutions. Phase I achieved replicable results in the Districts of D.I. Khan, Karak and Chitral. In Lower Dir and F.R.D.I. Khan worsend security frame conditions affected implementation substantially

Phase 2 01.01.2014 - 29.02.2020   (Completed)