FAO Partners with NGOs to Enhance Resilience of Livestock Farmers in Balochistan
Quetta – 4 June 2026 (Adnan Hameed) : The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has signed Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with four local NGOs to implement Farmer Field Schools (FFS) across six targeted districts of Balochistan under the European Union (EU) -funded Post Flood Resilient Recovery and Strengthening of Livestock Sector in Balochistan Project.
The project is being implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Government of Balochistan, to support livestock-dependent communities affected by the 2022 floods. It aims to strengthen food security, improve livestock productivity through climate-smart approaches, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, with a particular focus on women and youth, benefiting at least 45,000 livestock-keeping households.
Farmer Field Schools are community-based learning platforms that enable livestock farmers to gain practical skills through a tailored systematic training, regular observation, experimentation, and peer-to-peer learning. The approach will be used to holistically promote improved animal husbandry practices, strengthen animal health management, genetic improvement, rangeland management, fodder production to enhance productivity, and explore market linkages in a bid to build resilience to climate-related shocks.
Under the LoAs, Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) will lead implementation of Farmer Field School activities in Pishin; Innovative Development Organization (IDO) in Loralai and Zhob; Society for Community Action Process (SCAP) in Khuzdar; and Words Pakistan in Jaffarabad-Usta Muhammad. An additional LoA is planned for Lasbela district to further expand geographic coverage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, James Okoth, Officer-in-Charge, FAO Pakistan, said, “Building resilient livestock systems requires strong collaboration between communities, government institutions, private sector and development partners, says press note. The Farmer Field Schools is a tested methodology adopted in more than 92 countries to strengthen practical knowledge and skills in diverse and rapidly changing contexts because of effects of climate change. We are optimistic that through the FFS, the livestock farmers in Balochistan will improve productivity, recover from shocks, and build more sustainable livelihoods.”
Dr Muhammad Farooq Tareen, Director General, Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Government of Balochistan, while welcoming the initiative said, “Livestock remains a key source of livelihood and food security for rural communities in Balochistan. Through close coordination with FAO and local service providers, this initiative will help more farmers access improved knowledge and services to enhance productivity and resilience.”
Waleed Mahdi, Head of Office, FAO Balochistan said in his remarks, “This partnership marks a critical step in reaching the most vulnerable livestock farmers in remote districts of the province. Particularly encouraged by the inclusion of women and youth, who play a vital role in Balochistan’s rural economy. Together with the government and our implementing partners, we are committed to delivering lasting impact on the ground.
The project forms part of broader efforts by FAO and the European Union to support post-flood recovery in Balochistan by strengthening livelihoods, promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices, and enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural communities.
