Abid Suleri

Impact of participatory forest management on vulnerability and livelihood assets of forest-dependent communities in northern Pakistan

During the past two decades, several (donor-funded) participatory forest management projects were implemented in the forest-rich North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan, but these projects could not reduce the high rate of deforestation in the province. In 1996 the Asian Development Bank funded the Forestry Sector Project (FSP) in NWFP, which has institutionalized the participatory forest management system in the province. Forests are important natural capital and an essential part of the daily lives of the people who live in and around them. It was therefore considered imperative to analyze the impact of the participatory forest management model introduced by the FSP through a livelihoods lens, and to assess the contribution to livelihood sustainability made by the participatory approach. The findings of the study may be applied to similar situations in Third World settings. People of similar socio-economic and ecological zones may learn lessons for accelerating the process of sustainable natural resource management in their areas. The results showed that the participatory forest management system introduced by the FSP has had a definite impact on increasing the natural and social assets of forest dwellers and reducing vulnerability to their livelihoods. But the project did not address most of the factors of vulnerability and the elites that dominated the newly created institutions. It is suggested that the available livelihood assets, diverse factors of vulnerability and livelihood strategies of the local communities should be analyzed before the implementation of such mega-projects.

Informal Flow of Merchandise from India: The Case of Pakistan

This chapter aims to update past estimates on informal trade between India and Pakistan. This survey-based study captures the informal merchandise flow from India through the various routes identified by Pakistani traders. The quantitative estimates provided by the wholesaler and retailer community were validated through clearing agents and customs officials. We found that the key sectors in which informal flow from India takes place are fruits and vegetables, textiles, automobile parts, jewelry, cosmetics, medicine, tobacco, herbal products, spices and herbs, paper and paper products, and crockery. The major routes from where these goods are channeled into Pakistan are Dubai, Kabul, Kandahar, Chaman, and Bandar Abbas. The minor routes include several places in the adjoining border region. Our estimates show that the value of this informal flow from India to Pakistan is US

ANALYSIS OF INTEREST FREE MICRO CREDIT SCHEME OF AKHUWAT IN DISTRICT MANSEHRA, KPK: IMPLICATION FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN

1.79 billion annually. While such flows have narrowed the demand-supply gap in various product categories and created livelihoods for several in the poor regions, we also observe that this expansion in informal trade is hurting the manufacturing community. Pakistani producers end up competing with items on which duty has not been paid and, thus, are cheaper in the local market. There is also a loss of revenue to the government, as these goods are not subjected to the usual customs procedures. In the case of food, herbs, and pharmaceutical items, the merchandise is not checked for health and safety standards, which poses risks to human health. We argue that given the large volumes of informal trade, it is in the interests of the government to move fast and adopt measures that lead to the formalization of trade. The overall process of India-Pakistan trade normalization can certainly help this endeavor.

Strengthening South Asia Value Chain

*Microcredit is considered as a strategy for poverty reduction & rural development. Poor people may invest small loans in farm or non-farm activities for income generation to secure their livelihoods. Most of the micro-credit schemes in Pakistan are based on interest but there are few organizations; Akhuwat is one of them who claim that they offer interest-free loans. The present research project took the Akhuwat as case study. Akhuwat adopted the concept of ``Qaraz-e-Hassna`` or simply interest free loan. The present study was conducted on the basis two guiding questions of research. The methodology for this research project was based on qualitative data collection however & quantitative data was also used on limited scale to elucidate the qualitative data. It was concluded that majority of the respondents got the loan for expansion in existing business. 80% of the respondents utilized the loan for intended purpose. Education, food and was ranked at 1 st , 2nd and 3 rd order respectively by the respondents impacted by Akhuwat loan scheme.

FDI in India: Prospects for Pakistan

This article discusses some key constraints in the way of developing South Asian value chains. Using a qualitative approach we have surveyed private sector representatives from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The article, among other challenges, particularly notes, (a) lack of functional economic corridors in the region; (b) conflict zones brewing mistrust between neighbours; (c) slow progress on trade facilitation and free trade agreements in the region; (d) and non-tariff barriers that prevent skills and technology transfer in the region, as some of the most important issues requiring policy response. In order to strengthen the region-wide value chains, the article recommends priority implementation of pending agreements related to transport, energy, connectivity and dispute resolution. Second, in order to bring down the cost of doing business, trade facilitation measures across the region may be expedited. Third, government-to-government contact needs to be enhanced and institution-specific connectivity is important to resolve issues such as compliance with product standards, visas for business community and technical staff, harmonization of licenses and permits (for example, at the state level in India), and opening up of bank branches.

Impact of participatory forest management on financial assets of rural communities in Northwest Pakistan

As India has liberalized its FDI regime for investment from Pakistan, new opportunities have opened up for investment between the two countries. This chapter aims to highlight Pakistan-specific investment opportunities in India. A sectoral approach is employed in this chapter whereby consultations are held with the business community in Pakistan already engaged in outward investments in sectors such as leather, sports, surgical, engineering, auto, education, textiles, and steel about their willingness to invest in India.