Floods of 2010 have been the worst in the history of Pakistan, affecting one-fifth of the country, engulfing large parts of all four provinces. The vast scope of damage makes this a national disaster bearing long-term economic and political consequences.
For economic recovery and rehabilitation of flood affected areas, it is important that small farmers, micro entrepreneurs, craftsmen, women and elderly are provided with financial assistance and business development services (BDS) and support for restoration of their businesses, and rehabilitation of livelihood activities at the earliest.
Against the above backdrop, a project has been agreed between SMEDA and UNDP with financial support from European Union.
The objective of the project is to provide cash grants and business development services/support, stimulating economic activity in disaster struck, predominantly poor, rural areas where people have lost their businesses and livelihoods. The project will focus primarily on area specific interventions that are not only commercially viable, but have a multiplier effect, reinvigorating overall economic condition of the area. Under the project, SMEDA will undertake area specific interventions in 29 districts, severely affected by the floods.
