Access of the fishermen to the market is an important component of Gwadar Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project (GLLSP). In the 1st phase of the project, GLLSP constructed 125 kms in district Lasbela and Gwadar.
One of success case is the construction of road from Rawani to Qazi Aziz Shah in district lasbela by GLLSP funded by IFAD.
Through this road connectivity, the GLLSP has provided access the fishermen to the market for enhancement of their product quality and value.
GLLSP in its first phase, provided productive assets not only to poor households but to the government concerned departments officials to enhance their working capacity in their departments.
In this regard, Atlas Honda Motorcycle CG125 were purchased and handed over to Deputy Director Fisheries, Agriculture and Livestock District Gwadar for help the mobilization of these departments at the community level.
Through these assets the government officials and field staff can implement and monitor different community-oriented activities by the Government of Balochistan.
GLLSP in its first phase, Constructed Drinking Water Hand Pump (DWHP) Scheme, identified and implemented through community organizations (COs) at Gwadar & Lasbela Districts. The schemes were completed through technical support of Implementation partner NRSP (National Rural Support Program) with financial support of IFAD and Government of Balochistan (GOB) under Gwadar Livelihoods Support Project (GLLSP) in Lasbela District.
One of successful highlighted scheme of Drinking Water Supply Scheme (DWSS) constructed by Community Organization (CO) “Darya Khan Khakwani Goth” at Shaidi, Union Council Sonmiani, District Lasbela.
The project was identified by CO members in their general body meeting and demand was sent in the form of resolution to our implementing partners. Through this scheme 38 households and population of 266 (male 60, female 70 and 135 children) directly benefited from the project.
Construction of Jetties and Allied Infrastructure: Of the 8 notified landing sites on the coast, jetties, and allied infrastructure are being constructed at 5 sites (2 by the GDA and 3 by the BCDA). The GoB has consequently requested GLLSP II to assist with the remaining 3 priority sites which are currently under technical feasibility study by GLLSP I, to be completed by March 2020. Once the feasibility study becomes available, the PMU will initiate the procurement process for detailed design and construction. The construction will be done in two phases: (i) first the jetties and break-water will be constructed, to be finalized by the end of year two of GLLSP II. As soon as work on jetties starts, the allied infrastructure will be designed /customized per site, based on the need of the fisherfolks, and construction initiated.
The Government of Balochistan has issued a policy for the development of the coastal areas and the sustainable management and development of fisheries. The Coastal Area development plan complements the infrastructure developments taking place under the CPEC/BRI project. Five new jetties are being developed for fish landing among the eight officially notified landing sites. A new Act to promote Fisher folks’ Cooperatives is also being finalized.
The project will operate in 2 phases: From start to the MTR, GLLSP II will focus on 11 landing sites (3 sites with jetty construction plus 8 additional sites with and without jetties) to consolidate/adapt the 4P model to the site-specific requirements of the Gwadar and Lasbela coastal area. After evaluation and at MTR, the upscaling of the approach to the other 29 landing sites (with the necessary adjustment if needed) will be initiated.
For this purpose, through a competitive bidding process, TUMAS (a Turkish Company) has been awarded the contract for the feasibility survey of Jetties which will be conducted in the second phase of the Project (GLLSP-II)
Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference-2023
Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference-2023 were held from 10-12th February in Karachi. The event provided opportunities to the maritime industry both in the public and private sectors to display products and develop business relationships. The event also highlighted Pakistan’s Maritime potential and provided the desired fillip for economic growth at the national level.
The Fisheries & Coastal Development Department the biggest stakeholder of Blue Economy was given the mandate to lead the PIMEC-2023 vide the meeting held with the Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Senior Member Board of Revenue on 04th January 2023.
Keeping in view the role of Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihood Support Program-II in financing the construction of 03 jetties and being a key role player in the development of the Fisheries Sector.
Gwadar – Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project – Phase II (GLLSP-II) is a fisheries sector project and focus on the two coastal districts of Balochistan province. GLLSP-II also participated in the event to share success stories and learn from the experience of other organization working with coastal communities/marine sector.
During the event, the Government of Balochistan signed MOUs with different stakeholders regarding Fisheries and coastal development of Balochistan. One of the successful event was the MOU signing ceremony between the Fisheries department GoB, with Lasbela University for strengthening the Shrimp hatchery at Damb Lasbela worth Rs 30 million funded by GLLSP-II.
PIMEC event was a 03 Days event from 10-12 February 2023 encompassing Maritime Expo & International Conference on Blue Economy and Maritime Potential for Balochistan and Sindh provinces.
Government of Balochistan and WFP partner to improve nutrition in Gwadar and Lasbela
ISLAMABAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Planning and Development (P&D) Department of the Government of Balochistan have signed a partnership agreement for the implementation of the Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project II (GLLSP-II) to improve nutrition behaviours and practices for food insecure communities in the Gwadar and Lasbela coastal districts. These areas are highly exposed to climate shocks, resulting in lower productivity in agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the agreement was signed in Islamabad between Ms. Rathi Palakrishnan, WFP Acting Country Director in Pakistan and Mr. Rehmat Dashti, Project Director, P&D Department of the Government of Balochistan.
“I am confident that the partnership between the Government of Balochistan and WFP will help us achieve our joint nutrition targets. I appreciate WFP’s efforts to ensure long-term solutions to the malnutrition challenge in Pakistan,” said Mr. Rehmat Dashti.
The project will contribute to the prevention of malnutrition through behavioural change interventions on nutrition, building on a nationwide existing programme WFP supports, the Benazir Nashonuma Programme. As part of the broader Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the Benazir Nashonuma programme targets pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two through 484 facilitation centres in 156 districts across Pakistan, including in Gwadar and Lasbela. The GLLSP-II project will also support these beneficiaries and use the ten operational facilitation centres – six in Lasbela and four in Gwadar- within government health facilities.
“The World Food Programme is deeply concerned about the worsening nutrition situation in Pakistan, including in several districts of Balochistan. The partnership will allow WFP to provide critical support to the Government of Balochistan in its efforts to raise nutrition awareness among the most vulnerable communities to improve their nutrition and overall well-being” said Ms. Rathi Palakrishnan.
Child malnutrition in Pakistan’s flood-affected areas continues to rise sharply. A survey[1] conducted in 15 districts in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan showed nearly one third of children under two are suffering from moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), and 14 percent from severe acute malnutrition (SAM). WFP is supporting the treatment of MAM cases among children and pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls through a targeted supplementary feeding programme (TSFP) in 23 high prevalence districts in Sindh and Balochistan.
GLLSP-II is an extension of the Gwadar-Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project’s previous phase, conducted in the same two districts. It adopts an integrated approach by the Rome-based agencies – WFP, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and IFAD – for climate-resilient agriculture and livestock and sustainable fisheries management. Source: Rapid Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) survey by UNICEF in flood-affected areas in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, March 2023
Government and UN work together in strengthening agriculture, livestock and fisheries in Balochistan
Quetta, Balochistan 12 July 2023: To mobilize policy support for driving a sectoral development and fostering climate-smart practices in agriculture and fisheries, the Government of Balochistan (GoB) joins hands with The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a Unilateral Trust Fund (UTF) agreement signed at the FAO Office in Quetta yesterday (12 July). The collaboration will be implemented through Gwadar – Lasbela Livelihood Support Project (GLLSP-II), a project financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, and Rehmat Dashti, Project Director, GLLSP-II signed the agreement.
Jointly implemented by GOB the National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), FAO, and the World Food Programme (WFP), the six-year project aims to promote climate-resilient agriculture and livestock farming systems, empower smallholder with knowledge and skills and enable them to build better resilience.
FAO will provide technical assistance to the project, which will employ the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach. Through FFS, the project seeks to create an inclusive learning environment that fosters knowledge sharing and skill development among farmers. GLLSP II is committed to promoting gender equality and youth engagement, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from the program. The project will also provide policy support to create enabling condition in the fisheries sector, which will benefit 100,000 rural households in Gwadar and Lasbela districts.
“Our aim is to train 30,000 farmers and provide them with in-situ demonstrations. Through this collaboration, the project aims to obtain technical assistance for various aspects such as Training of Trainers (ToT), curricula development, and training for small-holder farmers to enhance their capacities on climate resilience Through interactive sessions and hands-on experiences, participants will gain invaluable insights, enabling them to adopt modern techniques and improve their farming practices,” said Rehmat Dashti.
Florence Rolle, FAO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized FAO’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the resilience of vulnerable rural households. She said, “GLLSP-II reflects FAO’s dedication to supporting sustainable agriculture practices. “We believe that our partnership with the Government of Balochistan, NRSP, and IFAD will bring about positive changes in the lives of farmers, livestock keepers, and fishing communities, ultimately contributing to food security and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she added.
The Secretary Fisheries Department of GoB Hafiz Muhammad Tahir thanked IFAD and FAO for their technical support in government initiatives for the development of People living under the poverty level. He urged the belief that these interventions under the Government of Balochistan IFAD-funded Project GLLSP-II will achieve the targets for the empowerment of the people especially capacity building of the fisheries department.
“Targeted support in sectoral development in agriculture is essential as it equips us with the knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions for addressing the ever-evolving challenges in our agricultural systems. When we can increase productivity, promote sustainable practices, and build resilient communities, we pave the way for a thriving and food-secure future. And by uniting our efforts within the Rome Based Agencies, sharing expertise, and aligning resources, we can achieve results in transforming rural lives,” said Arnoud Hameleers, IFAD Country Director for Pakistan.
FAO Pakistan has extensive expertise in addressing climate change, farmer field schools, and farmer business schools, making it a key player in developing and implementing innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture. Through its programs across Pakistan, FAO has successfully promoted sustainable farming practices, resilient agricultural systems, and the adoption of climate-smart technologies. The organization’s Farmer Field Schools serve as crucial platforms for knowledge exchange and capacity building, empowering farmers with practical skills and techniques to improve productivity and resilience. Moreover, FAO’s farmer business schools equip farmers with essential entrepreneurial skills, enabling effective farm management, market access, and income generation. FAO Pakistan has also actively supported interventions to enhance the livestock sector, focusing on production, health, and management. By leveraging its comparative advantage, FAO, through GLSPP-II, remains at the forefront of driving sustainable development in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors.
IFAD is investing in rural development through five ongoing projects in Pakistan spread across the country. IFAD works closely with the government, local communities, and other partners to address the specific needs and challenges faced by smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups in ensuring sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, rural infrastructure, access to assets, and financial services. Read more about IFAD’s work in Pakistan.
Lasbela (16-10-2023):
By the next 25 years, Pakistan is expected to face complete water scarcity, and given the recent drastic shifts in the climate of Balochistan and other provinces, this could get even worse. These were the views of those who took part in a campaign run by the National Rural Support Organization as part of the Gwadar Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project, which is sponsored by IFAD. The significance of World Food Day 2023 lies in its attention to the relationship between food and water. “Water is Life, Water is Food” is the theme. “Leave No One Behind” emphasizes the importance of water for life on Earth and how it serves as the foundation for nourishment.
In order to draw attention to the dire situation of water scarcity in the districts of Lasbela and Gwadar, where lack of water is a significant cause of poverty and the absence of an agriculture and livestock system, NRSP organized an awareness walk at District Lasbela on the eve of World Food Day.
Project Director, GLLSP-II, Mr. Rehmat Dashti participated in the workshop and walk organized by the NRSP and PIU Lasbela Unit. He addressed that the IFAD-funded Project will develop the infrastructure and schemes for safe drinking water, RO plants, and Solar systems for the provision of drinking water and utility of water in agriculture and livestock. He highlighted the need to work in coordination among different stakeholders towards the collective development of the area. Enhancing the ability of low-income households to contribute to the development of the Communities of Balochistan is the project’s main goal. He continued by saying that the GLLSP-II has provided a safe, clean drinking water facility right at the community’s doors, addressing the issue of water scarcity. Additionally, he claimed that water supply plans will be set up in every hamlet to save the time and effort of the underprivileged men and women who had to carry water from distant locations.
According to Mr. Iqbal Ahmed, Union Council Chairman of UC Sakran Lasbela, the majority of people in Balochistan are employed in the livestock and agricultural industries. He did concede, though, that despite the necessity of water for the two vital sectors of the province and country economies, previous governments had not succeeded in advancing them.
District Program officer of NRSP Mr. Jahangir said, Pakistan, and its province Balochistan—which is the largest province overall—are experiencing severe water scarcity. Since ancient times, Balochistan has been a semi-arid region. The problem has recently gotten worse due to global warming and climate change. There are no rivers in Balochistan and the absence of rain has resulted in much fewer heavy downpours. It is estimated that 12.3 million people in Balochistan lack access to fresh, clean water, making up nearly 85% of the population. Mr. Jahangir appreciated the efforts of the community for the sustainability of schemes established under the GLLSP Project. Mr. Jahangir while addressing the participants said that Gwadar, known to have a great impact on our country’s economy, is facing an acute shortage of drinking water. He said that under the CPEC, two dams are going to be constructed but the progress is very slow. People are still waiting for relief from their thirst. He expressed this hope that the project will facilitate more than 100,000 households by providing clean drinking water schemes to 400 villages of District Lasbela and Gwadar.
Recent statistics state that a staggering 62% of Balochistan is reportedly without access to clean drinking water. Due to a lack of water, more than 58% of its area is quickly becoming desert. Put another way, a lot of farmers have been forced to give up on their fruit plantations due to a lack of water. In Northern and Central Balochistan—known for producing apples, grapes, and other essential fruits—the number of orchards has significantly declined. As a result of their conditions, people continue to pump water from the ground, sometimes more than 1,000 feet deep. In the past, these used to go down between 200 and 300 feet. In Balochistan, a worrisome fact points to how drinking unclean water has become a routine, and due to this, people are in agony from fatal diseases across the province. Interim, the serious diseases caused by drinking dirty water are deemed to be Cholera, Diarrhea, Dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio, which are more threatening for the population of Balochistan.
Climate change is also causing changes in the ecology, including a faster melting rate of glaciers. This puts glaciers, an essential supply of water, in jeopardy of melting. Pakistan and South Asia are also two of the regions most impacted by global warming.
Gwadar Lasbela Livelihoods Support Project (GLLSP-II) is a six-year program funded by the International Fund for Development (IFAD) to enhance the livelihoods of more than 100,000 households through the community development process and construction of Jetties and allied infrastructure in the coastal belt of Balochistan.
[Karachi, Pakistan] – A two-day stakeholder consultative workshop was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on Balochistan Fisheries Policy & Legislation on 21st and 22nd February, 2024 in Karachi. The event was conducted by FAO as part of its technical assistance to the Government of Balochistan in alignment with the “Gwadar Lasbela Livelihood Support Project Phase II (GLLSP-II)” backed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The overall process is technically led by FAO’s Senior Policy Specialist Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal along with FAO’s Legal Expert Mr. Sharafat Ali leading the Legislative part. Balochistan Fisheries Department Officials Dr. Allauddin Kakar and Mr. Asmatullah were the Focal Persons for Marine and Inland Fisheries respectively.
The workshop served as a pivotal platform to engage a diverse array of stakeholders within the fisheries sector, aiming to foster collaboration and garner insights for the formulation of a robust fisheries policy framework and legal instruments. Leveraging a bottom-up participatory approach and qualitative methodology, FAO’s Technical Team led the initiative with a dedicated focus on empowering the local fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
The workshop witnessed active participation from relevant federal and provincial officials, public sector organizations, subject matter experts, representatives of the fisherman community, academia, and other crucial stakeholders associated with the fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
The notable participants included the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Maritime Affairs; V. Admiral (R) Iftikhar Ahmad Rao HI(M), Mr. Imran Gichki; Secretary Fisheries and Coastal Development, Government of Balochistan, Mr. Lal Jan Jaffar, Secretary Planning and Development, Government of Balochistan, Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem HI(M) and Dr. Muhammad Ali Mastoi; Director General Sindh Marine Fisheries.
Speaking on the occasion, these distinguished guests emphasized the development of fisheries policy and assured federal and provincial level support in translating consultation outcomes into actionable policies.
FAO acknowledges the significance of fish and its products for food security, nutrition, and economic growth. Mr. James Robert Okoth, Head of FAO in Sindh, stressed the importance of governance improvement through policy and legislation, particularly in Balochistan. Feedback from the workshop will be crucial in shaping policy development, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainable growth in Balochistan’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. FAO remains dedicated to driving tangible progress in collaboration with provincial and federal governments and partners, supporting sustainable livelihoods and resilience within local communities.