Water for Livelihoods (W4L) – Phase II

Project completed

The project promotes equitable water governance for food and people in over 300 villages in semi-arid watercatchment areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK). When organized in water user organizations, approximately 35-45% of households in the targeted districts will use water more carefully within revised frame conditions. These are jointly reformed with local governments and contribute to solving water conflicts more efficiently and peacefully.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Pakistan
Water
Agriculture & food security
Water sector policy
Water resources conservation
Water supply
Agricultural water resources
01.01.2014 - 29.02.2020
CHF 7'800'000
Background

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.

Objectives

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.

Target groups

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)

Medium-term outcomes

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.

Results

Results from previous phases:  

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


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
Private sector
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • SDC Field Office
  • Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation (HSI)


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   7'800'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   7'565'910
Project phases

Phase 2 01.01.2014 - 29.02.2020   (Completed)

Phase 1 01.08.2011 - 31.12.2013   (Completed)