Monitoring and Milestone Verification of USAID-funded Waran Canal and Gomal Zam Dam Command Area Development Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed to enhance irrigation infrastructure and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Haji Rab Nawaz, a resident of Garra-Rab Nawaz union council Maddi, owns 65 acres of land under the Gomal Zam distributary canal No 8. Prior to the project, Nawaz's land was irrigated by hill-torrents on average once in four years, resulting in seasonal migration and unemployment. However, with the completion of the Gomal Zam Irrigation System, Nawaz now cultivates his land with his sons and sharecropping tenants, benefiting from the project's irrigation infrastructure. The project has led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity, with farmers cultivating a diverse range of crops, including maize, vegetables, and fodder crops. The introduction of maize, a water-efficient crop, has replaced rice, which was previously considered unsuitable for the Gomal Zam area. Farmers have harvested 47 out of 50 maize demonstration plots, with yields expected to increase further in the coming season. Nawaz's own agricultural productivity has improved significantly, with wheat yields increasing from 800 kg per acre to 1600 kg per acre. The availability of water and increased vegetation have also led to improved pastures, resulting in a marked increase in milk production. The project has not only improved agricultural productivity but has also contributed to social harmony and peace in the project area, with farmers expressing gratitude to the American people for their support. The project's impact on the local economy is evident, with land prices increasing by three times, from PKR 120,000 per acre to PKR 320,000 to PKR 360,000 per acre. The project has also promoted social development, with farmers benefiting from improved livelihoods and increased income. The success of the Gomal Zam Dam Command Area Development Project serves as a model for future agricultural development initiatives in the region.