4,793 farmer families now have improved access to irrigation water, 2,400 farmer families and small holders have adopted Conservation Agriculture technology and practices, 1,200 men and 1,214 women farmers signed land tenancy agreements with their landlords, 1,000 entrepreneurial men and women farmers increased their income through establishment and functioning of 40 Producer Marketing Groups. In addition, 1,500 Home-based women farmers diversified their food baskets through Integrated Homestead Gardening Packages.
These successes were revealed at the closing ceremony of the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS)-funded project, “Livelihood Restoration and Protection and Sustainable Empowerment of Vulnerable Peasant Communities in Sindh Province”. This 3 year project was jointly implemented by FAO, ILO and UN Women in Dadu and Mirpur Khas Districts. The project was steered by the Planning & Development Department, Government of Sindh
Speaking at the ceremony Mr. Patrick T Evans, FAO Representative in Pakistan highlighted FAO’s on farm activities during the project. He said the project helped improve agriculture production, irrigation systems and soil management. He also welcomed the beneficiaries who had traveled to Islamabad for the evening.
Thanking the guest of honor, Mr. Altaf Bijarani Secretary Planning and Development and welcoming the participants, ILO Country Director Ingrid Christensen said this project improved human security of families of beneficiaries.
Ms. Sangeeta Thapa, Deputy Country Representative UN Women termed the land tenancy agreements for landless men and women farmers a landmark achievement.
 
Neil Bunhe, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan said unique in its structure, this project improved the lives of the people by giving them a choice.

A booklet based on inspiring stories from this project titled “Rebuilding Flood Affected Farmers’ Communities: Inspirational Human Stories” was also launched.

A video and a mime performance highlighting the issues that the community faced grabbed the audience’s attention.

Representatives from the government, donor organizations and media also attended.

Background

The One UN project came to a close on June 30, 2016. This project was jointly implemented by FAO, ILO and UN Women between 2013 and 2016.

This resulted in improving the lives of 11,800 women, men, boys and girls in targeted districts of Mirpurkhas and Dadu in the Sindh Province of Pakistan.

The key achievements of this project include improved livelihoods and economic security of rural communities, enhanced skills and knowledge base of nearly men and women peasant farmers, landless people and empowerment of peasant organizations, women groups and their constituent hari members to enhance their natural resource base.