The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has entered into partnerships with Islamic Relief Pakistan and the Taraqee Foundation to support rural development in some of the most vulnerable and remote areas of Balochistan. These collaborations, part of the European Union-funded Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP), aim to foster stronger community linkages and promote integrated development.
Formalized in Islamabad, these strategic partnerships seek to enhance community mobilization and adopt sustainable management practices across four major river basins in Balochistan.
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Islamic Relief Pakistan will lead efforts in the Hingol and Hamun-e-Mashkhel river basins, while the Taraqee Foundation will operate in the Pishin Lora and Nari basins. Together, the organizations will work across 32 watersheds within 19 districts.
The FAO emphasized that these partnerships will focus on strengthening local capacity and encouraging grassroots participation to ensure long-term sustainability. By addressing the specific needs of water, agriculture, and livestock management, the initiative strives to deliver results aligned with climate-resilient practices.
The Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme is a five-year initiative backed by a 40-million-euro investment from the European Union and is being executed in coordination with the provincial government of Balochistan. Scheduled for completion in September 2026, it focuses on restoring water resources, improving rangelands, advancing spate irrigation systems, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.
The program’s goals include establishing effective governance structures for equitable management of water and rangeland resources, transitioning to low water use agricultural systems, fostering efficient agricultural value chains, and building the capacities of government institutions, academia, communities, and private sectors.
The FAO noted that these agreements represent a substantial step forward in broadening the outreach and impact of the RBWRP in Balochistan.
