After the October 2005 earthquake that killed more than 74,000 people, USAID designed a recovery strategy to deal with short-term humanitarian needs and the long-term economic and livelihoods recovery that would be necessary. The Improving Livelihoods and Enterprise Development Program (I-LED) is a $28 million three-year initiative implemented by CNFA to assist communities in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Azad Jamu and Kashmir (AJK), the regions most affected by the disaster.

In addition to the high death toll and untold human suffering, the earthquake devastated these regions’ agricultural economy and damaged more than 80% of their infrastructure. Women were particularly affected as the earthquake destroyed income generating activities traditionally associated with women such as vegetable gardening and poultry raising. In response to the economic destruction resulting from the quake, I-LED is working to generate increased incomes and employment and improved economic linkages for the earthquake-affected populations by developing sectors with potential for economic competitiveness.

Reconstruction of Existing Livelihoods

Through a participatory community engagement process, I-LED’s Livelihood work helps rural farming communities restore productive assets lost in the earthquake and rebuild critical agricultural infrastructure. I-LED has focused on empowering women to participate in income-generating activities as well, from poultry production to dairy farming to kitchen gardens.

Value Chain Development

Value chain activities build upon the revitalized agricultural production by introducing sustainable production practices and value-adding activities. Through matching grants backed by technical assistance and training, I-LED’s value chain strategy seeks to generate new employment and income opportunities, improve competitiveness of products and services and increase access to markets. After rigorous market analysis, the project has focused on the dairy, fruit and nuts, poultry, vegetable, ruminants, tourism and potato value chains.

Local Economic Development (LED)

The LED component bolsters the viability of enterprises established by Value Chain grants. By organizing producers and processors into clusters and associations, LED activities create opportunities for innovative marketing, improved access to production inputs and expanded group advocacy opportunities.

I-LED has already had a measurable impact on the region:

• Directly benefited more than 60,000 households in Mansehra and Bagh.
• Created more than 3,500 fulltime jobs.
• Supported more than 2,200 enterprises through matching grants valued at more than $4 million.
• Leveraged more than $1.75 million in grantee investment.
• Delivered livelihood training to more than 15,000 individuals, a majority women.
• Formed or strengthened more than 30 producer associations with about 1,800 members.

Related Links

Pakistan Association Chips Away at Poverty

Pakistan Woman Uses CNFA Grant to Create a Thriving Business

Updated 6/2009