Impacts of Upstream Irrigation Development on Deltaic Landscape, Resources and Livelihood - A Case of Indus Delta in Sindh Province, Pakistan

Abstract

Over the period of last 80 years, massive irrigation development in Pakistan and subsequent disturbance in the natural course of Indus River has led to significant changes in landscape and natural resources of the Indus delta. Thousands of hectares of precious agricultural land have been engulfed by the sea. The pace of these changes has been reported considerably faster during the last two decades. A survey using structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews was carried out during April-July, 2009 to study how the changes in landscape and resources have affected the local livelihoods and social fabric in the delta. The findings of the analysis revealed all three major occupational groups - rice farmers, livestock herders and fishermen - in the delta are experiencing disturbing changes in their livelihoods. Former rice farmers and livestock herders have diverted to fishing, resulting in the overcrowding of marine fishery. Subsequently, various harmful fishing practices are in vogue, thereby exerting severe pressure on resources and making local livelihoods increasingly vulnerable. Increased competition for limited resources has significantly affected the social fabric in the delta as different social groups do not have similar degrees of harmony as enjoyed in the past. The case of Indus Delta is a stark example of environmental and social disturbances arising from a narrow-focused ‘development’. The findings of the study have useful policy implications.