Project Details.

Pakistan experienced one of the worst locust infestations in recent history, devastating agriculture and threatening food security. Concern Worldwide, in collaboration with HIMAT Consulting and other organizations, conducted a needs assessment in four districts: Nushki, Washuk, Tharparkar, and Umer Kot. 

The study aimed to evaluate the impact on agriculture, livestock, livelihoods, and household food security, and to identify critical needs. 

Study Overview: Data Collection: Standard FAO tools were used to collect data from 805 households, 68 community groups, and 8 key informants from agriculture and livestock departments. 

Data Analysis: MS Excel and SPSS were used for statistical analysis. Food security was assessed using FAO guidelines. 

Key Findings: Crops and Livestock: The locusts severely affected crops, vegetables, fruits, and pasturelands, leading to a decline in animal productivity and poor livestock health. Livelihoods: The infestation drastically reduced the number of breadwinners, particularly in Nushki. Women's earnings dropped significantly, leading to a 24% overall decrease in family income. 

Food Security: Nushki had the highest percentage of severely affected households (90%), followed by Tharparkar (64%) and Washuk (63%). Food insecurity was widespread, with many households skipping meals and experiencing severe food insecurity, especially in Tharparkar and Washuk. 

Preparedness and Future Outlook: Preparedness: There was no preparedness when the swarm arrived. Households adopted various coping strategies to survive. Future Risks: Communities and key informants anticipate another invasion in October-December, potentially causing even greater damage to mature crops. 

Needs and Recommendations: Immediate Needs: Food assistance, cash grants, wheat straw, and animal vaccinations. 

Early Recovery: Inception and Data Collection Tools: The study began with a kick-off meeting on August 24, 2020. HIMAT Consulting (HCPL) reviewed the terms of reference, FAO data collection tools, sampling methods, and other relevant documents. 

An inception report was prepared, covering introduction, methodology, and work plan, finalized with input from Concern Worldwide. Sampling Strategy and Data Collection: Target: 200 households (HHs) per district; data collected from 200 HHs in Nushki and Washuk, 203 in Umerkot, and 202 in Tharparkar. Two-stage sampling: 10 villages per district (prioritizing highly affected areas), 20 HHs per village selected using random sampling. Additional data from 68 community group interviews and key informant interviews (KIIs) with officials from agriculture and livestock departments. 

HIMAT Consulting conducted field teams were trained on tools and data collection processes. Local partners assisted in data collection with teams monitored by HCPL for quality assurance. Data Analysis: Data entered in MS Excel, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS. Food security metrics analyzed per FAO guidelines. Report Drafting and Limitations: Report prepared in standardized format with noted limitations: Security risks led to the exclusion of some villages near the India border. Language barriers posed challenges; tools ideally needed translation to Urdu and Sindhi. Findings: Context and District Profiles: Study covered Tharparkar, Umerkot, Nushki, and Washuk—regions vulnerable to natural disasters, including locust plagues. Districts vary significantly in population, area, and HDI rankings, with all being under-developed and prone to natural hazards. Demographics and Land Holdings: Data collected from male and female respondents (32% women). Average HH size larger in Balochistan (8.51-9.86) than Sindh (6.89-7.75).