Abstract
Over the last fifty years, huge investments have been made in the drainage sector of Pakistan to lower the watertable to overcome waterlogging and associated soil salinity problems. These investments include construction of 15,000 kilometers long surface drains, installation of 14,000 deep public tubewells and more than nine subsurface horizontal pipe drainage projects. These projects were targeted to reduce poverty in the rural areas through improving land degradation and increased crop production. The impact of these projects is usually evaluated by estimating the areas reclaimed and no real attempts have been made to evaluate their impact on the improvement of socio-economic conditions of the people living in the affected areas. The analysis revealed that these projects have contributed substantially in improving land conditions, which in turn has enhanced the agricultural productivity; thereby increasing farm incomes. Resultantly, in waterlogged and saline areas, the head count poverty has decreased from 20% to 14%. The study suggests that for the more comprehensive evaluation of these drainage investments, all physical, technical, social and environmental benefits should be taken into consideration.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | IDW9 |
Editors | C J de Zeeuw, W.F. Vlotman |
Place of Publication | the Netherlands |
Publisher | Alterra-ILRI |
Pages | 128 & CD |
Publication status | Published - 2004 |
Event | 9th International Drainage Workshop - Utrecht, the Netherlands, Netherlands Duration: 10 Sept 2003 → 13 Sept 2003 |
Workshop
Workshop | 9th International Drainage Workshop |
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Country/Territory | Netherlands |
Period | 10/09/03 → 13/09/03 |