he Thar desert is home to some of the most economically marginalised communities in the country. For these families, every drought year brings with it the fear of displacement and the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from. It’s heart-wrenching to think about the struggles they face, as between 15 and 20 percent of them are forced to leave their homes and migrate towards barrage belts, such as Badin, Umerkot, Sanghar and Mirpurkhas, in search of seasonal work to earn a livelihood. The desperate situation is further compounded by the impact of climate change and environmental degradation, which exacerbate the already challenging conditions in the region. The reality is devastating and underscores the urgent need for action to support vulnerable communities in Thar and address the root cause(s) of their problems.

Migration during a drought period in a desert area has been a standard practice for many communities. This is often done as a way of coping with the harsh conditions and lack of resources that come with a drought. However, this practice can have serious consequences, for the individuals and the communities, as well as for the environment.

Thar is already facing significant challenges, as basic facilities are lacking and livelihood opportunities are limited. Large populations rely heavily on rainfall. During droughts, the situation worsens, forcing Thari people to migrate in search of better opportunities and basic necessities.

Seasonal migration has always impacted the lives of impoverished families. Those residing deep in the desert are more vulnerable. Tharparkar district, for instance, has been declared calamity-hit due to drought over 20 times since 1968, necessitating seasonal migration to find employment and access resources. This can lead to prolonged separation from families, impeding access to education and healthcare. The dearth of stable income and resources further reinforce the vicious cycle of poverty, making it arduous for families to break out of it.

Breaking the cycle of migration requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause(s) of the problem. One such approach is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that can help communities to adapt to drought conditions. This may include the use of drought-resistant crops and water conservation techniques.

Another approach is to provide alternative employment opportunities in non-resource-based industries, such as manufacturing, services and setting up small factories for making soap, detergent etc. This can help diversify the economy and provide employment opportunities that are less vulnerable to drought conditions.

The concept of learning from neighbouring countries is not new and can be highly beneficial. In the context of the Thar desert in Pakistan and the desert regions of India, the differences in development and progress are quite stark.

The Indian government has supported small farmers in the desert regions by providing them with access to solar tube wells at low-interest loans. This has helped them turn the once-barren desert into a thriving agricultural area. The success of this initiative has contributed to the growth of the Indian economy. It has also improved the lives of those living in these areas. Pakistan has not been able to provide similar support to its people, resulting in many of them being forced to migrate to other areas in search of food and basic necessities.

The success of India’s efforts to transform its desert areas into fertile lands is a testament to the benefits of investing in sustainable development practices. It is important for Pakistan to take note of these efforts and adopt similar initiatives to improve the lives of its people and boost the economy.

Breaking the chain of seasonal migration due to drought in desert areas is challenging but not impossible. Listed here are some solutions and alternate employment options that can help:

Breaking the cycle of migration during a drought requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root cause(s) of the problem. One such approach is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that can help communities adapt to drought conditions. This may include the use of drought-resistant crops, water conservation techniques and other sustainable farming practices.

Solar-driven smart agriculture:

The government can support solar-driven smart agriculture initiatives that use brackish water abundant in desert areas for crop cultivation. The farmers can use solar pumps and drip irrigation systems to efficiently use the water resources and grow crops even during dry spells. This can create employment opportunities for locals and reduce their dependence on rainfall. The government can provide solar-driven tubewells at subsidised rates.

Livestock rearing:

Desert areas can be ideal for livestock rearing, particularly goats and camels, which are well-suited to the harsh environment. The government can promote livestock rearing by providing subsidies for the purchase of animals, veterinary services and feed. This can create a source of livelihood for locals and reduce their reliance on agriculture.

Soap making:

Soap making can be a viable alternative source of employment in drought days. The government can provide training and support to locals for setting up small-scale soap-making units. The products can be sold in local markets. This can also promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance among locals.

Tourism:

Desert areas can be attractive tourist destinations for adventure sports, camping and environment-friendly initiatives. The government can promote tourism in these areas by developing infrastructure, promoting local culture and handicrafts, and creating employment opportunities for locals as tour guides, cooks and support staff.

In Tharparkar, middlemen make profits from direct sale of handicrafts made by artisans. To increase the benefits for Thari people, it is important to explore strategic marketing links to enable them to receive a larger share of the profits.

Thar area is known for its unique culture and natural resources. One of the most significant resources in Thar is its fertile land, which produces a wide range of organic vegetables. We need to sensitise Thari farmers in promoting local products. This involves building relationships with farmers and helping them improve their production techniques. This can be done through incentives for farmers who produce high-quality products.

Local brands:

Developing local brands for organic vegetables and other products from Thar can help increase their marketability. This can involve creating attractive packaging, labels and logos that highlight the unique features of Thari products.

As the demand for carpet work declined, there was a time when people used to make ghahleecha carpets and sell them to other areas. In Diplo, Chachro and some other cities, there were small factories where the youth were engaged. However, with the introduction of new textile industries and technologies, the traditional industry was overshadowed. Additionally, due to a lack of digitalised marketing awareness, this system was gradually ignored in Thar and the practice is no longer seen. Such small enterprises can help people during the drought period.

During every drought, many families make difficult decisions to migrate to the barrages, hoping to find work and a better life. However, their journey is not easy. They face many challenges along the way. They travel on foot for several days, enduring extreme weather conditions and risk dehydration. They also have to carry their belongings, including food and water. This makes the journey even more difficult. Additionally, the migration experience can significantly impact children and pregnant women. Children may experience disruptions to their education and social connections, as well as physical and emotional stress. Pregnant women may face additional health risks, such as lack of access to prenatal care and an increased likelihood of complications during childbirth. These challenges highlight the need for policies and programmes that prioritise the needs of migrants, particularly the most vulnerable among them.

District authorities should find ways to create more job opportunities for the youth and support small businesses to help ensure that families have access to sustainable income so they can avoid the travel. This could involve providing necessary skills for entrepreneurship as well as offering financial assistance or resources to start small businesses. By supporting these initiatives, the authorities can help alleviate poverty and unemployment in the district and promote economic growth and development in the area to break the pattern of seasonal migration. This will require sustained efforts from all the stakeholders. A holistic approach can address the root cause of migration and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for the people of the region.

The writer is based in Umerkot. He has more than 13 years of experience in the development sector. He can be reached at shewaram@live.com