Sociological studies on watershed management in Pakistan - A review
Sociological studies on watershed management in Pakistan - A review
Tariq Mahmood and Zulfiqar Ali
ABSTRACT
The importance of soil conservation/watershed management was first realized in the sub-continent at the start of the 19th century but the systematic work on this started in 1954 under Erosion control and soil conservation project in NWFP. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held at Rio-de-Janerio, Brazil in June, 1992 approved a new kind of development that is human-sustainable and shared, emphasizing the involvement of the local community at all levels of planning and implementation. Review of the most of the sociological studies conducted so far in Pakistan under this approach revealed that this approach not only made these projects successful but also helped in prolonging their vitality for the welfare of the population. In this context, it is relevant to note that the use to which the land is put, should be determined by the owners, farmers, institutions and Government as the case may be according to their perception and needs.
As John Spears reported for the World Bank in March, 1982 that half of the world's population lives in or adjacent to the mountainous watershed environment and is affected by the way they are naturally framed. Thus the management decisions for these areas are influenced by a host of physical factors such as soil, climate, technology as well as the socio-economic aspirations of the community. Farmers are also influenced by their economic, political and social conditions which needed proper attention for sustainable development of the natural resources in any watershed area. Sustainable development is possible only if the useful life of the resources is prolonged so as to permit its exploitation not only for the present generation but by the generations to come. This can only be achieved through integrated watershed management and the active participation of local communities. This is a holistic approach, by now generally accepted as the best one and gaining popularity all over the world including Pakistan. The article addresses the same issue and emphasizes that participatory watershed management is the only solution for sustainable development of natural resources in degraded watersheds of Pakistan.
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