Natural resource management in rural areas of northern Pakistan

In erosive upland watersheds, population pressures are severe and there is now much effort put into helping villagers intensify food, fuel and fibre production on low quality, dry, upland soils. Improved water harvesting and water management are keys to improved agricultural and forest production. Erosion control and reforestation are other important long-term goals. Six focal directions are suggested; improved agricultural technology; reforestation of upland watersheds; construction of gully plugs and check dams; rechannelisation and dyking; upland terracing; and economic incentives to encourage these practices. -P.J.Jarvis