Baseline Survey for GCF Project “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management

Objective:

Baseline Survey for GCF Project “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management 

About Project 
Baseline Survey for GCF Project “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Government of Pakistan, including the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh, has launched the “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management” project. This initiative aims to enhance resilience to climate change by moving away from traditional practices in agriculture and water management. Covering eight districts in the Indus Basin, the project will benefit around 1.5 million rural people, providing them with training and technology to adapt agricultural practices to climate change. The project will also establish systems for monitoring climate change impacts and improving institutional capacity. It focuses on improving food security and resilience among vulnerable communities while integrating advanced technology for better adaptation.

Services Provided:

Momentum Consulting led a pivotal climate resilience project in Sindh and Punjab’s Indus River Basin, in collaboration with the FAO and the Pakistani government. The project aimed to enhance climate resilience and foster sustainable agricultural practices among over 1.5 million individuals in vulnerable districts, with a broader impact on 16 million people, including 7.9 million women.

  1. Inception and Planning:
    • Developed a comprehensive project framework in coordination with FAO and Pakistani governmental bodies, including the Punjab and Sindh provincial governments.
    • Designed a robust baseline survey to assess current resilience levels and gauge the impact of climate change on agricultural livelihoods in eight districts: Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Umerkot, Badin, and Sanghar.
  2. Baseline Survey Implementation:
    • Sample Design and Data Collection:
      • Achieved a sample size of 2,245 households, exceeding the initial target to ensure robustness in data collection.
      • Employed a quasi-experimental design with treatment and control areas to evaluate the impact of the project.
      • Collected data on food security, climate resilience, household demographics, and socio-economic conditions.
      • Conducted household surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions to capture both quantitative and qualitative data.
    • Data Analysis:
      • Analyzed data to assess the current state of resilience among agricultural households, identifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement.
      • Evaluated differences in resilience capacity between treatment and control areas, and among various demographic groups, including gender and type of agricultural activity.
  3. Methodological Framework:
    • Quantitative Analysis:
      • Utilized inferential statistics to generalize findings from sampled data to the broader population.
      • Assessed various indicators such as food consumption, dietary diversity, and access to basic services.
    • Qualitative Analysis:
      • Conducted semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and unstructured Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to gather in-depth insights from stakeholders including farmers, local officials, and community leaders.
      • Employed a purposive sampling approach for qualitative data to explore perceptions and experiences related to climate resilience and agricultural practices.
  4. Training and Capacity Building:
    • Facilitated on-farm training and awareness programs on climate-resilient agriculture and water management.
    • Leveraged ICT applications and cutting-edge technology to enhance learning and application of new practices among farmers.
    • Engaged with local communities to promote sustainable practices and provide practical support for adapting to climate change.
  5. Final Reporting and Recommendations:
    • Compiled findings into a comprehensive final report detailing the current state of climate resilience and the impact of the project.
    • Provided actionable recommendations for enhancing institutional capacity, refining project interventions, and scaling up successful practices.
    • Contributed to the broader FAO goal of fostering sustainable adaptation to climate change and securing livelihoods through evidence-based insights and strategic planning.Innovative Contributions:
      • Momentum’s use of cutting-edge technology and a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative) ensured a holistic assessment of the project’s impact.
      • The integration of ICT applications in training facilitated broader reach and enhanced effectiveness of capacity-building efforts.
      • The project’s focus on institutional capacity building aimed to create a sustainable shift towards climate-resilient agriculture in the Indus Basin.

Project Team:

Mahmood-Ul-Hassan
Muhammad Tanveer