The livelihoods of hundreds of Bakarwals, the indigenous community of AJK-Pakistan, have been affected by the spread of COVID-19. Physical distancing, movement restrictions, and illness of animals are reducing the efficiency of their livestock farming business. The supply of inputs and services is also affected by the pandemic. The disruption of animal health extension services combined with interrupted delivery and use of vaccines and medicines is increasing the chances of new epidemics, including those involving animal diseases that cause major livestock losses.
To face the situation, the action is underway by Sukhi Development Foundation through the funding of IPAF-IFAD to mitigate the negative impacts of the pandemic. The organization has managed training sessions for Bakarwals youth to help improve their skill and knowledge about animal diseases, vaccination, use of medicines, improvement in wool quality and marketing skills.
Ghulam Murtaza, 22, is living in village Taobut, District Neelam-AJK with his parents, two younger sisters and a brother. The sole responsibility to rear the sheep and goats rests upon his shoulders as his father is very old and ill and unable to perform anymore duty related to livestock rearing. Murtaza is very hardworking and determined to support his family members by improving his farming business. He acknowledges the support provided by IFAD in the form of capacity building and awareness related to animal diseases and vaccinations.
“During the lockdown period when most of the people were out of work and struggling to make ends meet, the income he earned by the sale of extra sheep and goat brought a welcome relief for his family” said Murtaza. He further revealed that “IFAD and Sukhi have provided valuable training, awareness and market links which saved their animal from mortality and helped enhance the profit”.
