Seizing the Momentum through CERINA: Early Recovery Priority Interventions in NWFP/FATA. A Report of Evidence Based Needs and Priority Interventions

Transcription

1 Seizing the Momentum through CERINA: Early Recovery Priority Interventions in NWFP/FATA A Report of Evidence Based Needs and Priority Interventions October 2009

2 Table of Contents Contents Acronyms... 4 Foreword... 7 Acknowledgements... 8 Summary Matrix Part A The Crisis Section I A Snapshot of the Armed operation: NWFP and FATA Key Events 19 Affected Areas 20 Immediate Effects of the Crisis 21 National and International Response to the Crisis 25 Section II Early Recovery Needs and Priorities CERINA Methodology 28 Evidence Based Impact of the Crisis and Early Recovery Needs 30 Agriculture 30 Community Infrastructure 33 Education 35 Environment 38 Food Security 41 Governance 42 Health 44 Non-agricultural Livelihoods 47 Nutrition 50 Temporary Shelter/Housing Repair 53 Water and Sanitation 57 Cross cutting Issues: 59 Gender equality 59 Protection 60 Social Cohesion 62 PART B The Way Forward Section III: Early Recovery in Context Section IV: Early Recovery Priority Interventions Restoring Agriculture 68 Rehabilitating Community Infrastructure 69 Restoring Educational Activities 70 Restoring the Environment 71 2

3 Strengthening Food Security 71 Restoring Governance for Basic Services 71 Restoring Health Services 72 Restoring Non Agricultural Livelihoods 73 Restoring Nutrition 74 Securing Temporary Shelter/Housing Repair 75 Restoring Water and Sanitation Services 76 Strengthening Protection 76 Restoring and Strengthening Social Cohesion 77 Section V: Enabling Environment for Early Recovery Overall Cost Estimate 78 Aid Tracking Process 79 Overall Coordination Mechanism 79 Risks 79 Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism 80 Policy Implications 80 3

4 Acronyms ADB CBO CERINA CF CNIC DNA ERU FAO FATA GDP GoP HC IASC IDPs ILO IRD INGO IOM MDS MICS NADRA Asian Development Bank Community based Organisation Conflict Early Recovery Initial Needs Assessment Children First Computerized National Identity Card Damage Needs Assessment Emergency Response Unit Food and Agriculture Organisation Federally Administered Tribal Areas Gross Domestic Product Government of Pakistan Humanitarian Coordinator Inter Agency Standing Committee Internally Displaced Persons International Labour Organisation International Relief and Development International Non Governmental Organisation International Migration Organisation Malakand Division Strategy Multi Cluster Indicator Survey National Database Registration Authority 4

5 NGOs NWFP OCHA PAT PaRRSA PCNA PDC PDMA PHF PHRP PTA SYF TMA UN UNDP UNESCO UNFPA UN HABITAT UNHCR UNICEF UNIFEM UXOs WASH WB Non Governmental Organisations North West Frontier Province Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Paiman Alumni Trust Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority Post Crisis Needs Assessment Peace and Development Committee Provincial Disaster Management Authority Pakistan Humanitarian Forum Pakistan Humanitarian Response Plan Parents Teachers Association Swat Youth Front Tehsil Municipal Administration United Nations United Nations Development Programme United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation United Nations Populations Fund United Nations Human Settlements Programme United Nations High Commission for Refugees United Nations Children s Fund United Nations Fund for Women Unexploded Ordnances Water and Sanitation World Bank 5

6 WFP World Food Programme WHO World Health Organisation 6

7 Foreword This Report represents the coordinated response of the Provincial Government of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and its local and international partners to the crisis in the NWFP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) regions. In April and May, Pakistani men, women and children living in the districts of the NWFP and the agencies of FATA suffered personal loss and dislocation resulting from the crisis. In addition, many were left without food, shelter and/or basic services. With the economy already precarious, the crisis has served to erode personal safety nets and increase economic and personal insecurity. While the human cost is incalculable and largely irreparable, the priority interventions presented here aim at restoring stability and normalcy and contributing to security and peace building in the affected areas. It is a first step towards recovery. This Report is both a product and reflection of consultations with, and collaboration among, the Government of Pakistan, the United Nations and civil society organizations. It presents an analysis of evidence based early recovery needs of the affected population as well as sectoral priorities required to further consolidate peace, and lays the foundation for recovery where opportunities exist while the affected population strive to live self reliant and dignified lives. Concurrent with CERINA there are other assessment schemes being / to be undertaken including the Damage and Needs Assessment (DNA). It is not unusual in complex humanitarian emergency situations that drawing a clear line between humanitarian relief, early recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction is always challenging. Efforts have been made to clarify and harmonize the CERINA from and with the DNA. Some overlaps are, nevertheless, inevitable and in some instances is even perceived to be necessary. Recognizing that reconstruction and full service delivery will take time, the priorities proposed herein are essential to support Government efforts and address the multiple needs of the formerly displaced as well as those who have remained. Javed Iqbal Chief Secretary, NWFP Martin Mogwanja Humanitarian Coordinator 7

8 Acknowledgements We would like to express our appreciation to the institutions that contributed to the Early Recovery Needs Assessment (CERINA) and the identification of Early Recovery Priority Interventions. Special appreciation goes to our main partners: the Early Recovery Network; UNDP; and the Global Cluster Working Group on Early Recovery for their support of, and participation in, this process. We would also like to thank the sectoral Government departments for their participation in the assessment process. In addition, the contributions of CF, ERU, IOM, IRD, PARSSA, PAT, PDMA, Peace, PHF, SYF, UNIFEM and WFP must be acknowledged. We would like to extend special thanks to the enumerators who often carried out their work under difficult circumstances; particularly the women, who worked in their own words at great personal risk. Finally, special mention must be made of the affected communities in NWFP and FATA who took the time to provide details of the impact of the crisis and their early recovery needs, despite the many daily challenges they face. 8

9 Early recovery is a multidimensional process guided by development principles that begins in a humanitarian setting, and seeks to build on humanitarian programmes and catalyze sustainable development opportunities. It aims to generate and/or reinforce nationally owned processes for post crisis recovery that are resilient and sustainable. It encompasses the restoration of basic services, livelihoods, Temporary shelter, governance, security and rule of law, environment and other socio economic dimensions, including the reintegration of displaced populations. It strengthens human security and aims to begin addressing the underlying causes of the crisis. (Guidance Note on Early Recovery, April 2008) Figure 1: Early Recovery in the context of transition 9

10 Summary Matrix This report provides both an analysis of the evidence based needs resulting from the crisis in NWFP and FATA and identifies priority interventions necessary to enable the affected communities to begin to recover and rebuild their lives, increase stability, and build peace and a sense of normalcy. In the affected areas, the crisis is in part reflected in the treatment and position of women and girls. Restrictions, such as denial of education for girls, serve to limit the practice of democracy and contribute to the breakdown of Pakistani law and order. The early recovery needs assessment identified several key issues under the umbrella of gender equality: Women in the affected areas live under very difficult social, cultural and economic conditions. The early recovery needs assessment reveals several similarities between female and male respondents as well as important differences in the circumstances, perceptions and priorities of women and men affected by the crisis. A higher proportion of women than men worry about: the difficulty in accessing basic needs and services, being forced to move or return against their will, the possible occupation of their land or house, family separation, and violence within families; while men are more concerned about their lack of freedom of movement, difficulties in replacing lost identity cards, lack of access to justice or fair trial, and the looting of livestock/property. These main concerns mirror the particular roles and positions of women and men within the private and public spheres. The issue of work poses a challenge for women; in addition to the severe rules imposed on their participation in public life, CERINA confirms that 82% of the women interviewed had not completed primary school. The early recovery assessment findings highlight the need to consult fully with both women and men in order to obtain a balanced and well rounded situational understanding of the effects of the crisis in the affected areas; it also highlights the need to plan and program with attention to the distinct perceptions and needs of women and men, in order to ensure that all benefit from early recovery efforts. The summary matrix here provides an overview over the key findings of the early recovery needs assessment and corresponding priority interventions that are proposed for the individual sectors. The estimated cost assigned to the particular interventions is to be understood as an indicative cost, based on project experience in those sectors and current market prices for goods and services. 1 1 The indicative costs do not take into consideration any contributions or pledges that may have been made for the specific sectoral interventions either by the government itself or any other donor since the finalization of the assessment in early August The next stage of 10

11 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Agriculture Loss of seeds, grains, crops, fruits and vegetables Disruption of agricultural activities and supply chain Loss of income and livelihood sources Damage to individual, community and government farm infrastructure Suspension of veterinary services Weakened resiliency of a key traditional coping system Restoring Agriculture: Provide a basic agricultural package of seeds, fertilizer, and small farm tools to 50,000 2 affected families to resume their crisis affected farming based livelihoods Rehabilitate 30 damaged irrigation systems for crop production Restore livestock and poultry farming through the provision of poultry, goats, cows, one month s feed, and animal shelter for 50,000 displaced female farmers Estimated Cost (USD) 13,000, ,000 9,000,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 22,200,000 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Estimated Cost Priority Interventions (USD) Community Infrastructure Disruption of basic services, such as drinking water, electricity, communications, markets, and communal functions Damage to access roads, paved streets, suspension/wooden bridges, retaining walls, communal water systems, small hydroelectric power plants, grinding mills, electricity networks, mosques, community halls, playgrounds and public toilets Increased prices of commodities and transportation Rehabilitating Community Infrastructure: Repair of community infrastructure benefitting the affected population through community mobilization and training in repair and management of infrastructure, grinding mills and turbines (hydroelectric units), and the clearing of streets, tertiary roads and foot paths in the affected area (Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir Upper and Dir Lower) and two agencies (Bajaur and Mohmand). Restore essential services to the affected population and build capacities of the local Government in urban and semi urban areas through the provision of tools, equipment, and vehicles, and the training of staff in the affected area (Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir Upper and Dir Lower) and two agencies (Bajaur and Mohmand). 9,800,000 1,500,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 11,300,000 early recovery programming through the cluster system will review the government s lead on those interventions and any required support through the cluster system. 2 The number of beneficiary households is based on the estimated number of small farming household in the 75districts and two agencies with an average land holding of hectares. 11

12 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Education Damage to schools: 380 schools either fully or partially damaged to date; 167 totally damaged in Swat, of which 123 are girls schools Unavailability of teachers, especially female teachers Disruption of educational activities Psychosocial trauma Restoring Educational Activities for All: Provide temporary/temporary school structures, temporary classrooms, teachers offices, furniture, and teaching and learning supplies Provide textbooks and stationary supplies to affected children Revise existing curriculum to include Mine Risk Education, psychosocial support, peace education, and supportive interactive pedagogy. Conduct 5 day related teacher training and follow up classroom practice with reflective observations for 22,000 teachers and 3,000 headteachers/principals and education managers Provide psychosocial support to affected teachers and students by encouraging and supporting extracurricular activities for girls and boys such as sports and creative arts, and train teachers to be effective psychosocial support providers. Identify and build ways to connect children in need with specialized psychosocial services Estimated Cost (USD) 2,000, ,000 1,000, ,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 4,000,000 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Estimated Cost Priority Interventions (USD) Environment Debris, estimated at 2,282,500 tons UXOs Wastewater and industrial effluents Municipal waste Animal carcasses Damage to seedling nurseries Damage to Government related infrastructure Unavailability of sector employees Loss of natural resources based livelihoods Increased demand for timber and fuel wood, which could result in further deforestation Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) Restoring the Environment (in the districts of Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir Lower and two agencies of Bajaur and Mohmand): Rehabilitate damaged resources such as nurseries and slopes that are hazardous, thereby also promoting disaster prevention, and clear and dispose of UXOs and debris 2,000,000 2,000,000 12

13 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Food Security Increased food insecurity Reduction in food intake to minimum food items Children fed less often Dependency on food aid resulting from loss of livelihoods Potential for acute malnutrition Women and girls are more at risk due to traditional food distribution practices Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) Strengthening Food Security: Food support, through food for work and food for training up to the next harvesting season for 31,579 small farmers with less than one acre of land Food support to 710,881 primary school children to address their short term hunger needs as well as encourage school attendance, specifically girls Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Governance Disruption of basic social services, including police Damage to governance infrastructure and resources Insecurity Unavailability of public servants Loss of CNICs, property documents, business licenses, and birth certificates Estimated Cost (USD) Restoring Governance: Provide pre fabricated offices, equipment and basic transportation facilities in Swat (4) and Buner (2) Facilitate immediate provision of CNICs to affected communities Enhance the technical and citizen response capacities of local Government and district administrations through 5 technical experts Support Community Policing Programmes to prioritize women s concerns and needs in Buner and Swat Estimated Cost (USD) 29,000,000 46,000,000 75,000,000 Estimated Cost (USD) 2,790, ,000 1,000, ,000 4,390,000 13

14 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Health Disruptions and gaps in service delivery Unavailability of prenatal care Inadequate secondary care and referral services Damage to infrastructure; 77 health facilities are in need of repair Lack of essential drugs and inappropriate drug storage capacity Increased travel time to access health care, especially for women Restrictions on women s mobility resulting in children s diminished access to health care and/or lack of treatment Poor environmental and personal hygiene Unsafe drinking water Possible spread of communicable diseases I) Restore health services delivery: 19 prefabricated structures or rental of private buildings for resumption of basic health services on need basis. Provide prefabricated warehouses for essential drugs storage Support LHWs programme for community based health services Operate mobile service units Provide essential medicines and supplies Support secondary health care facilities for specialized care Attend to the specific needs of women, children, the elderly, and people living with disability Initiate health promotion activities Assist the most vulnerable and under served populations to access health care Psychosocial and mental health programmes Estimated Cost (USD) 1,200, ,000 1,500,000 3,500,000 4,550,000 1,500,000 1,500, , ,000 1,000,000 Lack of disease surveillance and outbreak response system Initiate an epidemic watch: 1,500,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 17,300,000 14

15 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Non agricultural Livelihoods Loss of, and disruption to, nonagricultural livelihoods Loss of income Lack of safety nets Increased poverty and economic insecurity Damage to tourism sector and loss of tourists Damage to manufacturing sector and loss of equipment Disruption in trading Damage to mines Standstill in construction activities and internal migration of workers Loss of handicraft tools, typically owned by women Fear to resume specific services, such as tailoring Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) Restoring Non agricultural Livelihoods 3 : Provide grants to 3000 extremely vulnerable and marginalized families, including those headed by women and people with disabilities to start productive economic activities Establish Employment Information Centres to register 35,000 job seekers from the affected population, provide business and job counseling services, and facilitate employment matching Initiate Cash for Work schemes³ targeting 9,000 households, to facilitate community asset recovery through debris removal and other types of public works Initiate Employment Guarantee Schemes⁴ to provide micro credit support and training to 4,500 existing small entrepreneurs to re start their Provide skills training⁵ to 18,000 disenfranchised youth and women Estimated Cost (USD) 750, ,000 8,100,000 7,900,000 6,300, ,00,000 3 Total HH in 5 conflict districts (Swat, Buner, Shangla, Upper and Lower Dir) and 2 Agencies (Bajaur and Mohmand) are 730,000, Source: NADRA ( Population statistics from Pakistan, Census Department projected to June

16 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Nutrition Declines in the quantity and quality of food intake Diets have a low content of energy density, protein quality, and essential micronutrients Breastfeeding practices were disturbed Disruptions in electricity supply prevented the milling of wheat into flour Reduced food stocks The majority of survey respondents would be able to survive only up to 15 days without assistance Restoring Nutrition: Integrate Community Management of Acute Malnutrition through: (i) training of community workers, including Lady Health Workers, on screening/active finding of malnourished children and women; (ii) training of health workers on the appropriate managment of malnutriiton; (iii) establishing outpatient therapeutic centers for the treatment of severely acute malnourished children; and (iv) establishing in patient therapeutic centers for the treatment of severely malnourished children with complications in district hospital Provide multi micronutrient supplments to pregnant and lactating women and chldren aged 6 36 months, and deworming to chidren aged 2 5 years Estimated Cost (USD) 300,000 18,00,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 21,00,000 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Temporary Shelter/Housing Loss of and damaged homes Limited household capacity to recover with own resources Weakened resistance to natural disasters and hazards Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) Securing Temporary Shelter/Housing Repair: Provide shelter assistance to 30,000 families with fully damaged houses Train 60,000 affected persons in Swat, Buner, and Bajaur in temporary shelter and home repair and construction Estimated Cost (USD) 16,500,000 1,200, ,00,000 16

17 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Estimated Cost (USD) Water and Sanitation Damage to water and sanitation infrastructure Disruptions of water and sanitation services Damage to related building and equipment Dislocation of staff Disruptions in electricity supply rendering pumping schemes non functional Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) Restoring water and sanitation services: Basic repair of water supply systems, both government run and community schemes in affected communities Provide water and sanitation services to education and health facilities in affected communities Community mobilization for sanitation and hygiene promotion Basic repair of damaged sanitation systems Provide water & sanitation support to Government counterparts for the restoration of damaged buildings and equipment CROSS CUTTING ISSUES Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions 3,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 8,500,000 Estimated Cost (USD) Lack of security Strengthening Protection: Protection Unfair and difficult access to basic social services Difficulties obtaining official documents Possibility of new dislocation Women, girls, children, older persons and persons with disabilities face particular challenges and have specific needs Women face challenges and barriers with regard to access to services and mobility Launch a Mass Information Campaign on the rights and entitlements with particular attention to ensuring accessibility by women and marginalized groups Ensure the protection and psychosocial needs of the affected population will be addressed through relevant responsive and remedial actions, including community building activities and the setting up of safe spaces for all vulnerable groups where social, discussion, and recreational activities can take place 200, ,000 Psychosocial issues are a particular concern for women and children Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 500,000 17

18 Sectors Key Findings Early Recovery Priority Interventions Social Cohesion The roles and position of men, women, girls and boys directly impact on social cohesion The social fabric of affected communities are severely eroded and compounded by the loss of trust among communities Breakdown of social harmony among family members, and resulting lack of family security and safety nets Restoring and Strengthening Social Cohesion: Facilitate community conciliation through the development of community based Peace and Development Committees. The community based PDCs, informed by the rules and regulations of Pakistan, will comprise of both women and men in the affected area. Mass media Campaign using both electronic and print media for BCC in the affected area Social mobilization campaign by involving youth in school/colleges and homes in the affected area. Estimated Cost (USD) 500,000 2,60,000 2,50,000 Estimated Cost (Subtotal USD) 1,010,000 GRAND TOTAL OF ESTIMATED COST 189,400,000 18

19 Part A Section I The Crisis A Snapshot of the Crisis: NWFP and FATA The rise of militant groups in north west Pakistan resulted in the erosion of the rule of law and the violation of human rights of the communities living in NWFP and FATA. The local communities were kept scared, their livelihoods, agriculture and businesses damaged, while women were relegated to the home, and female education was banned. Hundreds of educational institutes, specifically for girls, were burned, and many Government supporters were either murdered or detained. After the failure of several peace deals, the Government of Pakistan launched extensive military operations in the region aimed at ousting and wiping out the militant groups. The ongoing military operation was initiated in three districts of NWFP, namely Swat, Dir and Buner, and two agencies in FATA, viz Bajaur and Mohmand. The operation began in FATA in August 2008, and the situation then further deteriorated with the crisis spreading to NWFP in late April 2009 and intensifying in specific districts of the Malakand Division comprising Swat, Buner, Shangla, and Lower and Upper Dir. The militants activities first and then the later military operation in April 2009 resulted in the dislocation of a significant number of the local population. By June 2009, an estimated 2 million people had been displaced from the NWFP and FATA, of which 1.9 million had been verified through the National Database Registration Authority by the end of July The majority of the internally displaced persons sought refuge in the surrounding NWFP districts of Mardan, Sawabi, Charsadda and Peshawar. The operation against the militants affected every aspect of life, ranging from deaths, injuries, physical damages to private and public property, and the erosion of, and disruption to, social, cultural and economic life. Key Events5 February 2009 Government agrees to implement Sharia law in Swat in an effort to persuade Islamist militants to agree to a permanent ceasefire. Taliban leaders in Swat announce ceasefire after local Government agrees to introduce Sharia law. April 2009 Swat agreement breaks down after Taliban linked militants seek to extend their powerbase. Government offensive lasted months to wrest control of north west districts from militants. May 2009 Pakistan orders military to "eliminate" militants and launches an operation in Swat. Hundreds of thousands flee the area and 19

20 July 2009 Thousands of displaced persons begin returning home to NWFP after Government says it is safe. Affected Areas NWFP is home to the majority Pashtuns (locally referred to as Pakhtuns) as well as other smaller ethnic groups. It borders Afghanistan to the northwest, the Northern Areas to the northeast, Azad Kashmir to the east, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas to the west and south, and Pakistani Punjab and Islamabad Capital Territory to the southeast. The principal and dominant language is Pashto (locally referred to as Pakhto) and the provincial capital is Peshawar. According to the 1998 census, the total population of NWFP is approximately 17 million, out of whom 52% are males and 48% females. It has a population density of 187 per km². Pashtuns make up approximately two thirds of the population. At the time the current crisis unfolded, there were already about 1.5 million Afghan refugees in the province. Pashto is the predominant language, bilingualism and trilingualism is common, and Urdu is the other primary spoken language. The majority of the inhabitants of the NWFP are Muslim, with a Sunni majority and a significant minority of Shias. In terms of economic development, NWFP's share of Pakistan's GDP has historically been between 10% to 12%. It dominates in the areas of forestry and mining. However, agriculture remains important and the main cash crops include wheat, maize, rice, sugar beets, as well as various fruits. Swat district is located in the north of NWFP, bordering Buner and Malakand to the south, while on the west are the Lower and Upper Dir districts. The total area of the district is 5,065 km 2 with a population of 1.8 million. A greater part of the population is dependent on off farm employment, especially remittances. In December 2008, the militants who, because of their religious orientation, banned education for girls and either bombed or torched more than 170 schools and other government owned buildings, captured most of the area. In addition, some 400 private schools enrolling 40,000 girls have been shut down. At least 10 girls' schools that tried to re open after the 15 January 2009 deadline set by the Taliban were blown up by the militants in the town of Mingora, the capital of the Swat district. In a stated attempt to bring peace to this region, the Pakistani Government on 16 February 2009, signed a peace accord with the Taliban, and agreed to the imposition of Sharia law in Swat and the suspension of military offensives against them. Women and girls were forbidden from participating in public life, having to conceal themselves from head to toe as per Sharia law. Despite the ceasefire, the militants refused to lay down their arms and the Government announced in late April that it would fight the militants in the Swat Valley regain control of the region. This, in part, led to a humanitarian crisis. By June 2009, most of Swat was freed from the militants and Mingora was in government control again. Buner is a district in the NWFP. In April 2009, the militants seized control also of Buner after a brief battle with local residents, who were unsupported by the Pakistani army. Strict rules had been enforced by the militants, including the elimination of video stores, bans on cutting beards, and the 20

21 prevention of women from appearing in many public places. On 29 April 2009, the Government responded by sending the army to the region. By the end of May 2009, almost all of Buner was cleared of the militants. Lower Dir is bounded by district of Swat to the east, Bajaur Agency to the west, Upper Dir to the north, and Malakand District to the south. According to the 1998 census report, its population is approximately 798,000. The literacy ratio of the district population aged 10 years and above is 30%. Male literacy ratio is higher than female, which is only 12%. Lower Dir has limited facilities for the provision of education, health, transportation and communication services for its inhabitants. Federally Administered Tribal Areas The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) border Afghanistan and comprises some 27,220 km². The area has Afghanistan to the north and west, NWFP to the east and Balochistan to the south. Its total population was estimated in 2000 to be approximately 3,341,000 people, or roughly 2% of Pakistan's population. FATA is the most impoverished part of Pakistan, with a per capita income of USD 250 in 2008, and only 34% of households managing to rise above the poverty level. The average literacy rate is 17%. About 30% of males and only 3% of females receive an education. The economy is chiefly pastoral, with some agriculture practiced in the region's few fertile valleys. Bajaur agency is situated in the north west of NWFP surrounded by Dir on the north east, Afghanistan on the north west, Mohmand to the south west, and Malakand on the south east. According to the 1998 census, the population is around 595,000 inhabitants. The early recovery needs assessment clearly confirms the gap in education between women and men: of the respondents from both NWFP and FATA, 36% of men and 82% of women declared that they had not completed primary school. Immediate Effects of the Crisis The scale and intensity of the fighting since 2008 was compounded by the on going insecurity and has severely impacted on the civilian population, particularly as it has largely been undertaken in heavily populated areas. The region affected by severe insecurity resulting from this complex crisis is extensive, with an approximate total population of 7.5 million people 6. Preliminary reports indicate, and the results of CERINA confirm, severe restrictions on the freedom of movement, particularly for women and girls, limited and in some cases no access to emergency health and education services the latter being the specific case for girls large scale population dislocations, and destruction of houses, agricultural fields, as well as public infrastructure. Since the end of April 2009, many people in the region have been unable to flee to safety due to the intensity of the fighting, the imposition of curfews, and obstructions such as military and militant 6 Statistical Office of Pakistan, faxed communication, 18 th August

22 checkpoints. For those who have been able to flee, many have had to pay exorbitant transportation costs or have been forced to walk over mountainous terrain to safe locations of up to 80 km away. According to the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan, 7 from mid 2008 to end April 2009 at least 577,167 people fled areas in NWFP and FATA. Since the beginning of the operations at the end of April 2009, the intensified insecurity in the southern Malakand division led to a further dislocation of approximately 1,206,213 people. Of the initial 577,167 people displaced between mid 2008 and end April 2009, 114,215 were accommodated in 11 official camps across the NWFP. The majority 462,952 or 81% took shelter with host families or in rented accommodation. As the number of internally displaced persons kept increasing, the capacities of host families and host communities to accommodate them were overwhelmed. 8 The household survey revealed that, on average, each host family accommodated approximately two households, consequently more than doubling their household size for an average period of two months during the height of the crisis. Mardan and Swabi have a combined estimated population of just over 3 million people (over 440,000 households) 9. In June, the Social Welfare Department registered 36,833 IDP families in Mardan and 14,511 families in Swabi as living off camp, amounting to 51,344 households or an estimated 359,000 people in total. UNHCR figures released in July 2009 reveal that the on going military operation has forced approximately 2 million people to flee their homes. 10 These internally displaced persons fled to the relative safety of surrounding areas, where they have been accommodated in humanitarian relief camps and in host communities in the districts of Charsadda, Lower Dir, Nowshera, Mardan, Malakand, Peshawar and Swabi. The host communities are also affected by the crisis, as their resources are limited. In addition, host communities are at risk of potential epidemics and shortages of food, clean water, medicines and other resources. CERINA also included an assessment of the host community, the results of which are incorporated in this Report. Figure 1: Aspects of the IDP hosting household that was affected the most 7 United Nations, Humanitarian Response Plan Revision, May United Nations, Humanitarian Response Plan Revision, May GOP Statistical Office, Fax of 5 March accessed on 19th August

23 Which Aspects of ur HH is the most affected by hosting? (Gender wise) Percentages Don t Know House Space Money Privacy W - 1 Man Woman Cumulative Sex Food Latrine & Sanitation No Answ er Security According to official figures at the height of the crisis in early July, over 2 million people had been displaced since early May Approximately 260,000 men, women and children were living in 27 government recognized relief camps set up across the region. The remaining 1.74 million people had spread out across the region, accepting and occupying whatever little space was made available to them, or living in rented accommodation. Schools, colleges, and in some cases even poultry farms and warehouses were converted into makeshift camps to house IDPs. 11 In July 2009 the GoP announced the initiation of a phased approach to facilitate the return of the IDPs to their places of origin, in tandem with those IDPs who had already started returning spontaneously and without waiting for assistance. As a result, IDPs began to return home in large numbers, and IDP camps in Charsadda, Mardan and Swabi were closed. The GoP had a three phase return plan, focusing first on repatriating displaced people living in camps, while the second and third phases would help affected persons staying with host families, renting rooms or staying in schools. The Government expected the repatriation programme to be completed in about six weeks. 12 This complex crisis has had wide ranging effects on the lives of the local communities, and the vulnerable segments of the population therein. Before the military operations, the imposition of Sharia law prohibited women and young girls from going out of their homes without being accompanied by a male family member and forbade them from participating in public life. Female education was totally discouraged and girls schools were either destroyed or shut down by the militants. The imposition of Sharia law also severely limits the livelihood opportunities and choices of women. This has had multiplier effects on the households as well as on different generations. Due to the deaths of a significant number of men and women, the demographic structure of families has changed: women from families who have lost their male bread earners are now forced to play the dual role of caregiver and income earner. The latter becomes an impossible task when women are 11 UNHCR, Press Release, July accessed on 19th August

24 forbidden from accessing public space, which in turn places an additional burden on young boys in the family. In some cases, entire families are dependent on minors of less than 15 years. In other cases, the families have merged together to make up for their losses, without any increase in earnings. 13 Figure 2: Monthly household income before the crisis HH monthly income before crisis Percentage Bajaur Buner Swat Cumulative District 0 to to to to to $ above Figure 3: Monthly household income after the crisis 13 The average family size is typically more than 7 individuals. 24

25 HH monthly income after crisis Percentage Bajaur Buner Swat Cumulative District 0 to to to to to $ above In addition, children have suffered as a result of the recent operation against the militants, not only by having their educational activities disrupted, but also by being psychologically affected by dislocation, loss of family members, and cruelties of the ongoing armed operations. National and International Response to the Crisis In May 2009, the NWFP Provincial Government under the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) established an Emergency Response Unit (ERU) to manage the crisis. The ERU was set up to strengthen the Provincial Relief Commission in the provision of relief services to the IDPs. As the ERU was a temporary arrangement, for longer term interventions the Government subsequently established the Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority (PaRRSA) to provide a one window facilitation point for Federal/Provincial Governments, donors and partner organizations. This Authority has been entrusted with the task of looking after the reconstruction, rehabilitation, recovery, and settlement of the affected population. Over more than ten years, humanitarian and development partners have continuously worked in support of Government efforts to address the devastating effects of natural disasters droughts, floods, and earthquakes as well as development challenges. Within the current context, the humanitarian community under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator has been working with the GoP to respond to the massive dislocation following the start of the military operation in April The response has been organized through an Inter Agency Standing Committee 14 coordination 14 Additional information on the Humanitarian Reform and the Cluster Approach can be found at: Information on the Early Recovery Cluster can be found at: 25

26 structure that encompasses eleven clusters comprised of UN and international and national NGOs whose activities have focused on specific priority sectors. The majority of clusters are co chaired in partnership with a Government department. The clusters deployed are the following: Table 1: Sector with corresponding Government Counterpart and Cluster Lead Agency Sector Agriculture Camp Management and Coordination Early Recovery Education Food Security Health Logistics Nutrition Protection Shelter and Non Food Items Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Government Counterpart and Cluster Lead Agency Agriculture Department and FAO Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees and UNHCR Emergency Response Unit and UNDP Education Department and UNICEF Emergency Response Unit and WFP Health Department and WHO WFP Health Department and UNICEF Social Welfare Department and UNHCR Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees and UNHCR Local Government Department and UNICEF In May 2009 the international community launched a humanitarian appeal for financial support to respond to the emergency needs resulting from the crisis. The donor community responded to the appeal to make life saving activities possible. With the start of IDP return in mid July 2009, humanitarian assistance refocused its attention to populations returning to their places of origin. In anticipation of the continuing but lessening emergency needs, the UN system and humanitarian and development partners, through the Early Recovery Network, embarked together with the government on a Conflict Early Recovery Initial Needs Assessment (CERINA) in order to document the early recovery multi sectoral needs of the affected population and propose corresponding targeted short term and quick impact interventions. Figure 4: Issues most worried about in the next 6 18 month by District/Agency 26

27 Most worried problems in the next 6-18 month (District wise 25 Percentage Security risks in the village / back home Continued fighting; landmines; Is food available, food quality Health Electricity Drinking Water availability Problems between different Children s problems Land problems Bajaur Buner Swat Cumulative Problems 27

28 Section II Early Recovery Needs and Priorities CERINA Methodology In an attempt to address the early recovery needs of the IDPs, as well as those segments of the population who remained in the crisis zones, the GoP and the Early Recovery Network initiated an early recovery process to identify and design an effective program to address the immediate needs of the affected population according to evidence based priorities. The assessment covered a total of 13 sectors: (1) Agriculture, (2) Basic Community Infrastructure, (3) Education, (4) Environment, (5) Food Security, (6) Governance, (7) Health, (8) Livelihoods, (9) Nutrition, (10) Protection, (11) Temporary Shelter/Housing, (12) Social Cohesion, and (13) WASH for five distinct groups of the affected population, namely: (i) IDPs in camps; (ii) IDPs with host families; (iii) affected households who remained in the crisis areas; (iv) returnees; and (v) host families. The deployment of CERINA in NWFP and FATA was the first step to this end. The field assessment itself was undertaken over a period of 12 days and was followed by an intensive analysis by sector specialists and multi sectoral teams. The main tasks were to assess the key effects of the crisis on men, women and communities, and identify ways in which governance institutions were affected. It was conducted through a multi pronged approach using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The purpose of the qualitative information was to provide supplementary information to the quantitative survey data and strengthen the analysis through in depth discussions with key stakeholders and community representatives. Data was collected through the following techniques: Secondary data analysis: desk reviews, statistical analyses In depth Key Informant Interviews (KII) Focus Group Discussions (FGD) Observations Household sample survey Due to the geographic and population scale, time limitations, and security considerations, it was not possible to quantitatively assess all the affected areas. As a result, a sample was chosen based on two criteria: (i) areas with the greatest need; and (ii) areas as representative as possible of the affected population. The quantitative assessment covered three crisis affected areas: Swat and Buner districts in NWFP and Bajaur agency in FATA; 600 sampled household interviews, 50 Focus Group Discussions and 70 Key Informant Interviews were conducted with community members, Government and private sector representatives from Bajaur, Buner, Swat, Lower Dir, Mardan, Mohmand, and Swabi. Efforts were made to capture the variation between the most affected areas and the less affected areas, as categorized by the Government. In addition, 60 household surveys were conducted with host families in Mardan and Swabi. 28

29 The early recovery assessment findings are indicative of potential trends and needs, assuming no significant changes in the realities on the ground in the affected areas. All efforts were made to maintain a gender balance amongst the enumerators (with 18 women and 20 men) in order to better document the many dimensions of the crisis, including its gendered dimensions, with a view to both designing and implementing a gender aware early recovery programme. It is important to note that CERINA is not a damage needs assessment of lost or damaged government infrastructure., which is carried out through other mechanisms, such as the GoP s own assessments and the Damage Needs Assessment (DNA) commissioned by the GoP through the World Bank and Asia Development Bank. Rather, CERINA looks at the damage and loss sustained from a human perspective and examines the processes that are in need of immediate restoration for affected populations to regain access to basic social service and restart their livelihoods. While not assessing infrastructure damage itself, CERINA does make reference to available government figures of lost or damaged infrastructure related to specific sectors, such as education, health and basic community infrastructure, in order to determine the soft needs also or particularly in that context. As elaborated on in Part B, the corresponding early recovery priority interventions identified through this needs assessment intend to be short term and quick impact, initiated in the next six months and completed within a year. They aim at laying the foundation for longer term recovery projects envisaged by the DNA, Malakand Division Strategy (MDS) of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan, and the Post Crisis Needs Assessment (PCNA). 29

30 Evidence Based Impact of the Crisis and Early Recovery Needs Agriculture Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, contributing 21% of GDP, while livestock accounts for 52% of agricultural value added and contributes 11% to the GDP. Agriculture (cultivation of crops and rearing of animals) is the backbone of the rural economy in the crisis area; this sector remains the mainstay for about 75% of the households. The land holdings are small, averaging one hectare per household. The valleys are fertile and have the potential to become a major source of fruit and vegetables due to the moderate climate. The cropping system consists of different kinds of crops produced on both rain fed and irrigated land. The major crops grown are wheat, maize, rice, tomato, onion, potato, vegetables (normal and off season), and some tobacco. Amongst the fruit crops, apple, peach, plum, apricot, persimmon, and citrus are the important cash crops. The majority of the cropped area is planted with cereals, an indication of the households food security priority. Livestock is an integral part of all farming systems in the area of operation, and crop livestock interactions dominate. Livestock has been a major source of food security, providing milk, dairy products and meat at weddings and funerals, as well as being a major source of income for the farmers. Around 90% of the farmers keep livestock. Farmers in valleys with irrigation facilities and close to urban centers tend to keep more buffaloes than cows for milk production. Buffaloes are stall fed, whereas cattle are grazed. A typical household with 1.5 hectares of irrigated land keeps 2 3 buffaloes, 1 2 cows, 3 4 sheep and goats and 6 10 chickens. In rain fed (barani) areas cows predominate as they can be grazed and thus require less extra feed. Farmers with more than 4 hectares of land usually keep a bullock if tractor services for ploughing are not available. Women are intensively involved in agriculture and livestock activities. They contribute significantly to crop management, especially sowing and harvesting. Livestock is the responsibility of women. This includes milk and milk products processing and selling as well as poultry rearing, from which they derive most of their income. Livestock has been a major source of both food security and cash income for the farmers. Agriculture extension departments provide technical advice to the population in the affected areas, while the Department of Livestock and Dairy Development provide veterinary services. In Swat and Buner 26% of the farmers own less than 0.5 hectare, 35% own hectare, and 32% have hectares of land. The remaining farms fall in the range of hectare. In Bajaur agency most of the farmers are small landowners. Approximately 95% own less than 5 hectare of land. The rest are medium to large landowners having 5 10 and hectares respectively. Large holdings are not (above 20 hectares) found. Many farmers, especially in the rain fed area, are subsistence producers. The food grains produced only meet family food requirements for 5 6 months; for the rest of the year they buy grain by selling livestock or from off farm income. Small farmers who irrigate produce fruits and vegetables for the market and are comparatively better off, earning reasonable cash income. However farming on rain fed lands is dependent on rainfall making these farmers extremely vulnerable. 30