By Rafiullah Mandokhel
ZHOB (Parliament Times): In rural Balochistan, livestock is not just an economic asset but a lifeline for the local communities. For thousands of rural families across the province, especially in northern districts, sheep, goats, cattle, poultry, and dairy farming remain the main sources of livelihood, food security, and financial stability. In Pakistan’s largest province by area, where development indicators remain lowest in the country, livestock is considered one of the major sources of income.
The poverty-hit Balochistan continues to grapple with underdevelopment, fragile infrastructure, and financial insecurity, despite being rich in natural resources. The indigenous rural communities living far from urban centers solely rely on livestock and agriculture.
In 2022, the catastrophic floods worsened the already dire situation. The devastating floods severely damaged houses, destroyed standing crops, washed away roads and irrigation systems, and caused the death of thousands of livestock. For many families, particularly in Zhob, Loralai, Pishin, and other districts, the floods damaged their properties and took away the main source of income.
In response, the European Union is financially supporting a recovery initiative titled ‘Post-Floods Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of the Livestock Sector in Balochistan.’ In partnership with the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), the project is being implemented by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development Department of Balochistan.
The initiative covers six flood-affected districts, including Zhob, Loralai, Pishin, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Jaffarabad, across 120 union councils.
District Program Manager, BRSP, Quttab Khan Afaqi says the project focuses on livestock value addition, from breeding to market access and financial inclusion.
“Our objective is to create long-term resilience by supporting livestock farmers with cutting-edge training, restocking of animals, improved veterinary services, and stronger market linkages,” he explains.
According to Afaqi, the project aims to restore flood-affected households, strengthen livestock-dependent rural economies, improve dairy value chains, and enhance the participation of women and young people in livestock enterprises. Access to finance, institutional development, and sustainable livestock management are among its core objectives.
He says, under the program, 1,200 livestock groups and an equal number of producer groups are being formed to help farmers improve their production and gain better access to markets. Around 1,500 farmers are receiving technical training, while 500 community livestock workers are being deployed to promote sustainable livestock practices at the grassroots level.
“The project also includes setting up 120 cattle markets (Mandi) to improve trade opportunities for rural producers, while matching grants are being provided to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating within the livestock value chain,” he adds.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on livelihoods. The project provides livestock assets to approximately 10,000 families to help them rebuild their lost herds, while 6,500 individuals receive financial support through the Community Livelihood Fund. Nearly 600 village-based organizations and producer groups are also expected to benefit.
Moreover, repairing and upgrading slaughterhouses in different areas is part of the intervention, helping improve hygiene standards, food safety, and local meat processing capacity.
In collaboration with the Forest Department, rangelands are being restored and improved for better grazing. Tree plantation and better pasture management are also being promoted to support sustainable livestock farming and strengthen ecological resilience in drought-prone areas. Afaqi concludes.
“The project aims not only to restore livelihoods lost during the floods but also to build a climate-resilient and sustainable rural economy,” claims Afaqi.