For Girdawy Village Residents, CBARD Irrigation Project has Trickle-Down Effect
For years, farmers at Girdawy village struggled to irrigate their farmland. Although a canal existed, it took a few attempts to enable proper irrigation and water management. Erosion of the land and crop destruction during flooding was a common occurrence, as was conflict over water distribution.
Through the UNDP Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development – Access to Licit Livelihoods (CBARD-ALL) Program, Girdawy village now has capacity to properly manage its water distribution and protect its farmland. About 40 villagers came together for 18 days to complete the irrigation project, resulting in more than 700 days of paid work for skilled and unskilled labor. The installation of 15 water control gates and a canal lining measuring one tenth a kilometer in length, has not only improved irrigation for existing, high-value crops but has also expanded the village’s arable land by more than 16 hectares (81 jeribs). This will increase access to farmland for 200 families, or approximately 1,500 individuals.
For 51-year-old Girdawy village resident, Dawood, this achievement represents a hopeful turning point for his family and community. “Farming is an important part of our heritage, but in recent years it has become difficult to make a living because, despite the flooding, there simply isn’t enough water to go around,” says Mr. Dawood, who, in addition to maintaining an orchard, vegetable garden, and cow farm on six jeribs of land, drives a taxi to support his family of nine. “The lack of proper irrigation not only destroys our livelihoods, but is a source of conflict in my village. My dream is to live off our land in peace with our neighbors, and I feel this project has brought us one step closer to this becoming a reality.”
“My sons are working in these orchards which I planted several years ago,” says 57-year-old Nawrad Khan of Girdawy village, who supports a family of 15. Along with improved irrigation, Mr. Khan sees opportunity for increased crop production and income. “We have struggled financially for years, but after seeing the new irrigation project, I am prepared to invest in more orchards and greenhouses.”
Fifty-four year-old Nadar points out that food production is more important now than ever before. “Food and and money to buy basic goods are becoming scarce,” he says. “My family will not only benefit from the new irrigation system, but the project was an opportunity for 15 members of my family to earn money supporting the canal construction.”