Tharparkar faces significant challenges due to its low human development index and reliance on rain-fed agriculture and livestock rearing for sustenance. The area is known for an arid climate and vulnerable ecosystem.

Climate change has had a significant impact on the people of Tharparkar, particularly women, who heavily depend on livestock and agriculture for their livelihoods. Climate change has resulted in reduced agricultural productivity as well as adverse impacts on livestock rearing and fodder production.

Extreme temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and soil degradation have made it difficult for farmers, including women, to grow high-yield crops. The people often have to spend a lot of time and effort on tasks like collecting water; scouting for grazing land; and finding alternative income sources. This leaves them with less time for education, skill development and other activities that could improve their well-being.

With reduced agricultural productivity and challenges in livestock rearing, the people of Tharparkar have fewer options to generate income. This lack of economic opportunities further exacerbates poverty and inequality in the region.

Tharparkar’s economy predominantly relies on rain-fed agriculture and livestock, which are susceptible to climate change-induced droughts. This dependency on weather conditions makes the population vulnerable to food shortages and economic instability.

The absence of financial planning and management skills among the locals hinders their ability to make informed decisions regarding their finances. This limitation contributes to ineffective utilisation of resources and impedes economic growth. The district faces significant educational challenges, with low literacy rates among the population. This lack of education restricts individuals’ access to better employment opportunities and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Hemaan Bheel, a woman farmer from the village of Sakario in Tharparkar, describes the recurring challenges faced by the community. “This is an arid region. We experience drought every other year. It severely impacts our crop yields. Insufficient rainfall results in poor agricultural outcomes, leaving us unable to generate enough income to cover the expenses on seeds and cultivation,” she says. She adds, “This unfortunate situation forces us to confront the possibility of being indebted to the landlord, as we rely on loans to finance our farming activities. In the absence of alternative sources of income, timely and substantial rainfall is crucial for our survival and economic stability.

“Climate change can have a significant impact on agriculture and livestock in regions like Tharparkar. Shifting livelihood sources from agriculture and livestock to skill enhancement, enterprise development and vocational training can help farmers adapt to a changing climate and mitigate its effects,” says Teekam Das, an agriculture officer at District Agriculture Department in Tharparkar.

“We need to encourage farmers to explore alternative income-generating activities beyond agriculture and livestock. This could include promoting small-scale businesses, crafts and other non-farm enterprises that are less vulnerable to climate change impacts,” he says.

While some programmes have been initiated to alleviate poverty, such as microcredit schemes, their impact on the local population has been limited. To effectively improve the living conditions in Tharparkar, it is crucial to equip the locals with skills and vocational training, to encourage a shift from traditional livelihoods to business and skilled professions. Such a comprehensive approach will not only enhance economic activity at the local level but also mitigate the adverse effects of drought and other disasters that threaten their livelihoods.

Despite having potential products like local organic food items, handicrafts and embroidery work, Tharparkar struggles to bring these products to receptive markets due to limited market access and lack of awareness of market trends.

Implementing comprehensive skill development programmes and vocational training initiatives tailored to the local context will equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and expertise to engage in business activities and skilled professions. These programmes should focus on entrepreneurship, business development, financial management, marketing strategies, and product quality enhancement.

These initiatives can be a shift from traditional agricultural practices and livestock rearing to non-agricultural livelihoods that can reduce the vulnerability to climate change and provide alternative income sources.

“Addressing these difficulties requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach, including measures to improve water management, promote climate-resilient agriculture, provide alternative income-generating opportunities, and enhance access to healthcare and education,” says Arjun Pattel, a programme officer for Participatory Village Development Programme, an NGO working for uplifting the marginalised people of Tharparkar.

“Empowering women and including them in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies is crucial for sustainable development in Tharparkar,” he adds.

Recently, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) launched a commendable five-year project called, Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh. The primary objective of this project is to improve economic development in the region, with particular focus on addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations and promoting growth in rural areas known as Rural Growth Centres.

Beenish Muneer, who is associated with the project, PAIDAR Sindh in Tharparkar, says a significant number of enterprises will receive crucial financial and technical support through this programme. This support will play a vital role in fostering their development and growth. By providing the necessary resources, the initiative aims to enhance the economic prospects of these enterprises, ultimately contributing to the overall economic well-being of the people.

This initiative is also expected to have a positive impact on employment creation. “By supporting the development of businesses and industries in the region, the project will not only create employment opportunities but also contribute in improving the livelihoods of the residents. This is particularly significant considering that the locals heavily rely on livelihood sources that have been adversely affected by climate change,” she adds.

Alongside skill development, facilitating access to financial services and promoting financial literacy is essential. Micro-credit schemes should be complemented with financial management training, enabling the locals to make informed financial decisions, manage their resources effectively and establish sustainable businesses.

Kareeman, a skilled artisan from the Sooray Jo Tar village near Islamkot, says they create various hand-made embroidered items. However, she feels that their traditional designs are outdated and they are in need of guidance to create products that meet the customers’ demands. Additionally, she expresses concern about being exploited by middlemen.

She believes that establishing such a mechanism will not only increase their income but also enable them to provide better healthcare and education for their families.

Establishing market linkages is crucial for the success of local businesses. Collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organisations to connect Tharparkar’s entrepreneurs and artisans with larger markets will help showcase their products, expand their customer base and improve their income-generating potential. Promoting local products as eco-friendly and sustainable can attract consumers seeking organic and artisanal goods.

Long-term success will depend on continuous support and monitoring of local enterprises. Providing mentoring, guidance and access to resources can help entrepreneurs overcome some of the challenges, adapt to market demands and sustain their businesses over time. Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress will enable the identification of areas for improvement and inform policy decisions.

To lift Tharparkar out of poverty and vulnerability, a multi-dimensional approach is required. It should focus on skill development, economic diversification, financial literacy, market linkages and continuous support.

The writer is based in Mithi, Tharparkar