Neelum and Jhelum Valleys Community Development Project

Neelum and Jhelum Valleys Community Development Project

This impoverished area is steep and mountainous, consisting mostly of forests, rangelands and alpine pastures. Rural poor people do not produce enough food to feed themselves and their families, and the growing population is putting pressure on available arable and grazing land. Deforestation, overgrazing and cultivation of steep land have caused some erosion. The project worked to improve the living conditions of the local population, especially the poorest people in the area. Specific objectives of the project were to:

• promote environmental conservation
• promote community participation in the development of resources
• introduce technology and skills for new income-generating enterprises

Nearly 12,000 ha were planted with saplings provided at subsidized rates to member households. Crop yields improved significantly, and the average household income of project participants more than doubled.

Source: IFAD