KEY OBSERVATIONS/FINDINGS
Umerkot and Sanghar received less or limited rainfall during 2016 monsoon compared to 2015, while Tharparkar received more rainfall in 2016 compared to 2015.
The rains were not timely and did not prove adequate for agriculture activities to the required extent resulting in less yield per acre compared to normal year in Tharparkar and Umerkot.
The HHs in the surveyed villages in desert areas were observed to be vulnerable in terms of food availability and accessibility, as no cereal stocks were reported at the HH level and markets are far involving huge transportation cost. Most HHs are buying food/non-food items from the markets on credit, indicating not having enough resources to buy food/non-food items. Thus the overall food security and livelihood situation of the HHs in these areas remains fragile.
Fodder availability is currently inadequate in desert areas of Umerkot and Sanghar and with depleting grazing areas for livestock, fodder availability could be a matter of concern for the livestock in next few months.
Livestock diseases and deaths need immediate attention, as livestock is the main source of food and livelihoods for HHs in these communities.
Water scarcity is another immediate concern; water is available at long distances and water from majority of the sources appears not safe for drinking.
Health and nutrition of children and women is another matter of immediate concern. Communities have to visit healthcare facilities in the main cities, even for the minor health concerns.
As such limited assistance has been extended during the past six months in the areas except WFP’s Cash and CMAM projects, FAO/Livestock department ‘s vaccination support and BISP