Description of the project: Rain is the only source of water for drinking and domestic usage in rain fed areas. PODA is implementing projects in 27 villages of the Chakwal District that are highly vulnerable to climate change and prolonged drought. Technical capacity-building trainings of women farmers are spreading awareness among communities on how to harvest every drop of rain for drinking, domestic usage and food production. The PODA team conducts trainings and technical assistance of women in rooftop construction, rainwater harvesting, runoff farming, storm flow conservation, benching and terracing of agriculture, micro catchments, solar pump systems; and using in-situ rainwater for sustainable food production.

Climate Impact: Food productivity is being affected by climate change including shifts in rainfall patterns, drought, temperature hikes, changes in sowing and harvesting dates, and water and land quality. This project is based on innovative adaptation technologies in order to mitigate excess usage of natural resources. Rainwater conservation by women has had excellent impacts on food security and saves water in order to reduce flooding in downstream areas. Extreme climatic events and prolonged droughts can be coped with efficiently with this project and, as a result, the demand on other natural resources will be limited. Water-borne diseases and hunger are reduced and nutrition and health are efficiently delivered with adaptation to climatic conditions.

Gender Impact: Women who are highly vulnerable to extreme climate change are trained well for adaptation under this project. As a result, women farmers are practicing multiple rainwater harvesting technologies to save water for future use. This project positively impacts on rural women’s lives and reduces their daily work to gather water from long distances for drinking and sustainable food production. Women farmers are collecting rainwater and utilizing it for kitchen gardening for their family’s consumption. This also empowers women economically. Issues faced by women farmers regarding both groundwater pollution and water scarcity for drinking, livestock and domestic use are addressed and sorted out in the targeted project area.