Impacts of Hill Torrents’ Management on Socio-Economic Conditions of Arid Land Farmers: a Case Study of Tehsil D.G. Khan

Abstract

The study conducted in arid areas of Dera Ghazi Khan occasionally affected by hill torrents (Suri-Lund, Vidore, Sakhi-Sarwar, Mithawan) coming from Koh-e-Suleman range. The study found that hill torrent water is used for agriculture, domestic and livestock. The management of this water significantly affects on income, crop yield, soil fertility, health conditions and living standard of farmers. The local cost effective methods to store this water include wah, dubba and bundh but most of water is wasted as they are insufficient. The water distribution mechanism fosters cooperation and helps to form new relations with co-farmers. The study suggested that government and NGOs should help people to construct concrete diversions, bundhs, ponds and dams to manage hill torrent water.