Official figures state that 130,325 families (approximately 1.1 million individuals) have returned to Swat since July 13th. The destructions by the Taleban and the effects of the military offensive have severely reduced the agricultural production in the former “fruit basket” of Pakistan.  

The economy of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) highly depends on the agricultural sector. Beyond the strict impact of the conflict on the region, other factors account for the agricultural issues in the NWFP. Increased demand for high values vegetables, fruits and dairy products throughout Pakistan particularly reduced the available stocks of harvested cereals. In addition, wheat prices rose by as much as 90% between 2008 and 2009. In 2008, many of the poorest households in NWFP spent up to 70% of their income on food alone. Clearly, the conflict has deeply worsened the conditions of the already vulnerable households and communities of the region.

As a matter of fact, due to the conflict, Swat Valley experienced a considerable loss in crops. Quite evocative, the recently opened Union Councils in Swat claimed for an 85% average loss. The impossibility for farmers to preserve, to harvest or to sell their crops has caused the loss of substantial stocks of peaches, wheat, plums and apricots. Moreover, the military destroyed all maize crops. Finally, in Swabi and Marda, the agricultural livelihoods have been further weakened as the populations provided support to the Internal Displaced Populations (IDPs).

An imminent support to basic agricultural livelihoods is imperative considering the risk of long-term deprivation for the diverse conflict affected populations – IDPs, returnees, ‘stayees’ and hosts communities. In response to these critical needs, ACTED is providing wheat, vegetables seeds, as well as agricultural tool kits to small farmers. To date, 2,133 persons out of the 2,400 selected beneficiaries have thus already received their inputs. In parallel to land rehabilitation, this support to agricultural livelihoods comes at a decisive time, as it should allow farmers to make up for the start of the new sowing season.