Consultation: Assessing damage from disasters and interventions in K-P

Education sector, particularly female education, has been severely affected by conflict in the region, says Akbar Ali.

Conflicts and disasters in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have damaged infrastructure and reduced livelihood opportunities in the province.

To effectively assess the damage and analyse whether the rehabilitation interventions are in accordance with the needs, activities and aspirations of the people, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) held a consultative meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, said a press release.

During the meeting, titled “Mapping Strategies for livelihood, Basic Services and Social Services in Post Conflict Areas,” research conducted by the institute was shared among participants and their opinion was sought to refine research output of ongoing studies.

SDPI Research Associate Anam Khan said the combination of conflict and natural disasters has left K-P with levels of poverty and food insecurity significantly higher than the national average. Another SDPI researcher, Akbar Ali said the education sector, particularly female education, has been severely affected by conflict in the region.

He suggested policy action including rebuilding of households in K-P and FATA, restocking of livestock, short-term cash transfers to reduce debt and maintain household consumption and provision of agricultural tools and seeds to the needful.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 1^st, 2012.