Watershed Management for Water, Livelihood and Groundwater Recharge Presented By: Farkhanda Shamim

Pilot- Objectives Livelihood Diversification through: 1. Water Management2. Groundwater Recharge3. Integrated Land Use

 Aarokas located 35 km from Islamabad on Murree Highway at an elevation of 1413 m range  PARC implemented small- scale project for water management and agriculture  IUCN initiated interventions related to off-season vegetables, water harvesting for fruit plants, raising of vegetable seedlings, etc.

Catchment of Rawal Watershed

Baseline  Questionnaire developed and pre- tested for Household surveys  Semi structured interviews  Sample size - 16% of population

Social and Demographic Characteristics of Household

Landholding and Income by Sources

Issues  Shortage of water for domestic use and agriculture  Rainfall is inadequate and erratic in distribution i.e. at peak demand of crops  Water conveyance losses  50% households do not have access to safe drinking water  Small holdings

Off-season Vegetable using Tunnel Farming  High value for early spring vegetables  Vegetables fetch high prices in the market

 18 interested farmers selected for Vegetable Tunnel Farming on cost-sharing basis  Tunnels were installed closer to the Houses for ease of females  Tomatoes and green pepper had higher demand in Tunnel farming

After the end of winter season plastic film is removed

Small Orchards using Rainwater Harvesting  Micro-catchments along the contours  Staggered micro- catchments to reduce soil erosion and loss of water  Plants of citrus family used  March planting face dry spell in April- June

Micro- catchments along the contour

Pictures of Micro catchments with ponded water around the fruit plant  Use of land with higher gradient  Provision of harvested rainfall to provide adequate water  Control of soil erosion

Future Interventions  Low-cost hose-fed irrigation  Groundwater recharge  Compost making  Management of native vegetation

Thank you!