The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is taking steps to save millions of family farmers in Pakistan that have been affected by a series of natural hazards in the last 14 months and recent COVID-19
In light of the current challenges faced by livestock farmers, a livestock farmer field school (LFFS) was set up in Umerkot district of Sindh province bringing together small-scale livestock producers. These sessions have helped them strengthen their critical analysis, decision-making and communication skills while building on their own local knowledge. Ensuring physical distancing was mandatory throughout the sessions.
FAO, with support from the World Bank, has supported distribution of drip irrigation and vegetable kits to help people get by in these difficult times. FAO is working in close coordination with local governments to link its activities with various government initiatives to ensure better utilisation of resources, avoid duplication and for sustainability purposes.
Twenty-five water schemes, which serve as small water storage tanks with in-built solar submersible water pumps, were constructed in 25 villages of Tharparkar district. Water troughs for livestock and small drip irrigation systems for kitchen gardens were also established in these villages to support the smallholder farmers and reduce the impacts that COVID-19 restrictions pose to their livelihoods.
Promoting greater hygiene to prevent the spread of the coronavirus
During these activities hands-on, participatory learning was also applied to demonstrate the best practices which would help these local communities protect themselves against COVID-19 infections.
In Pakistan, and across the Asia-Pacific region, FAO staff continues to work on the frontlines to help smallholder farmers secure their livelihoods while supplying food to their families and to the world.
