Buner Report

District Buner: A Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact
Aug 2009
Center for Public Policy Research Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 METHODOLOGY 1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection 1.1.2. Statistical rigour and Survey limitations LAYOUT OF THE REPORT ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP 1.3.1 Location PHYSICAL FEATURES 1.4.1 Climate 1.4.2 Mountains 1.4.3 Rivers 1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & Forests MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTEREST
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01 01 02 02 02 03 03 04 04 04 04 05
1.2 1.3 1.4
1.5
2.
SOCIAL ORGANIZATION & INSTITUTIONS

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 SOCIETY AND CULTURE TRIBES AND RACES SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNS GENDER INSTITUTIONS NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
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06 06 07 07 08 08
3.
BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND PRELUDE TO THE CONFLICT1 10

3.1 3.2 HISTORICAL CONTEXT PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICT HEALTH 5.1.1 Conflict and Health EDUCATION 5.2.1 Education and conflict WATER SUPPLY ELECTRICITY ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATIONS SANITATION FACILITIES SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGY SOURCES OF INFORMATION AGRICULTURE 6.1.1 Land Utilization in Buner 6.1.2 Tobacco 10 10
4.
DEMOGRAPHICS
4.1 3.2 4.3
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13 13 14
5.
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9
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15 16 19 21 23 25 25 26 26 27 27
6.
ECONOMY
6.1
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28 29 29
Table of Contents
6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.1.3 Wheat 6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food Security 6.1.5 Maize HORTICULTURE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIAL MINERALS MARBLE INDUSTRY OTHER INDUSTRIES: OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES 6.7.1 Retail businesses 6.7.2 Remittances 6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourism 31 32 33 34 34 35 35 38 38 38 38 39
7.
POVERTY PROFILE
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 POVERTY CHARACTERISTICS CORRELATES OF POVERTY POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICT HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY
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41 41 41 42
8.
DAMAGE AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT

8.1 8.2
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43 45 45 45 46 47 48
LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY 8.2.1 Vehicles: 8.3 INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT 8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS List of District Officials NOTES:
Foreword
The Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is a newly established policy think tank in the Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar. Given the geostrategic significance of the region, such a centre should have been established long ago. My hope is that our awareness of being tardy would impel us to be more responsible, professional, and proactive. Our plan is to act proactively to the current situation of our province. I for one have always felt that most of our policies originate from our reaction to an event or a phenomenon; being reactionary, they lack the spirit of farsightedness. The result is our policies address a problem only in the framework in which it exists. Our policies show loopholes with change in context, and we panic. This naturally leads to a situation where we suspect if we can resolve our issue at all. We tend to look outside and end up importing policies for problems facing us at home. Perhaps, it is time to establish a home grown forum where we can look at the problems facing us and analyze them both in the local and global contexts. An imported policy almost always overlooks the local perspective. We have a hope that CPPR will play an important role to inform and influence our policy-makers. CPPR looks at the problems facing people in NWFP and FATA precisely from this point of view. Instead of looking for a stopgap arrangement and suppress the symptom, we want to understand the genesis of these problems. CPPR looks forward to establishing a more active liaison with the government in order to analyze the present, learn from the past, and plan for the future. This report marks the initiation of the Center's plan of profiling the pertinent socioeconomic characteristics of all districts as part of the bigger strategy culminating in a conflict sensitive Development Framework for the province. We hope this study serves its intent of informing policy makers and development professionals in carrying forward the agenda of sustainable peace and development in the region.
Naseer Ali Khan Director IM| Sciences & Head (Acting) CPPR
Center for Public Policy Research Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact
From the Editors' Desk

Pakistan is going through one of the most challenging times in its tumultuous history. Just in less the three years, conflict in NWFP and FATA has resulted in death of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement personnel, disrupted and displaced millions across the province and adjacent tribal territories and a pervasive fear and uncertainty regarding the safety and security of life and future in the land. The government, international agencies and local organizations teamed up in humanitarian relief and initial reconstruction process in conflict areas. Local communities actively participated in housing hundreds of displaced families in their homes. There is now an increased focus with more resources and broad consensus about the rehabilitation of the affected areas. One of the foremost prerequisite for any development process is availability of accurate social statistics and base line information about the target areas. The present series of district assessments stems from the express need of development agencies and policy professionals to have a concise and handy document as a starting point for planning and designing of humanitarian and development interventions. The report made use of available government and independent datasets and where available, utilized multiple sources and methodologies to include a broader range of information. CPPR is in the process of refining the present methodology and would be highly appreciative of constructive feedback and inputs from the professionals and organizations. The Centre plans to extend this series further to key districts of NWFP and neighboring tribal territories of the country. We will continue to strive for improvement and betterment of our collective understanding in this regard. Javed Iqbal and Zafar Habib Series Editors
1 Introduction
NWFP proper and adjoining border area of FATA is faced with a daunting challenge. Hundreds of civilians and law enforcement personnel have lost their lives in bombing and other acts of terror perpetrated by the militant groups. More than 4 million people were displaced and though majority from Swat and Buner have gone back to their native areas, thousands of families from Bajaur, Mohmand and Waziristan are still living as IDPs in different parts of NWFP and Pakistan. It is with this background that CPPR initiate a District Assessment Series, to document the baseline conditions and need assessment in the conflict affected areas of the Province. Buner valley was chosen as a starting point for the assessment as it presents a microcosm of the whole Malakand belt. Buner was also the first among the districts where a focused military campaign against the militants was successfully launched and the displaced population were rehabilitated back their native areas. The present report serve as a handy document for all those interested in rehabilitation and reconstruction of district Buner, including the government departments and international agencies.
1.1
METHODOLOGY
A 2 member team from CPPR made an observational visit to Buner between July 01-03, 2009 to assess the current status of civic amenities, economic conditions, livelihoods, and infrastructure in the valley after three months of fighting and instability in the district. A second visit was conducted on 23-24 July to assess the damage of the conflict in 'cleared' areas. Together the two visits, key informant interviews and secondary data review made this assessment possible. The team prepared a community questionnaire and an interview schedule for key information interviews. A follow up damage assessment performa was developed to asses the damage rendered due to the ongoing conflict in the district.
1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection

For primary data collection, which is mostly qualitative, a range of PRA techniques in combination with structured instruments are utilized. They include semi structured interviews, Focused Group Discussions, transects, camera work and key informant interviews. The later were particularly useful for discussions with district administration officials and key social service delivery institutions. A couple of Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in two key locations, key informant interviews were held with health & education sector officials, and semi structured interviews conducted with community leaders, Nazims, and other government functionaries. Since the primary data collection was curtailed due to multiple factors, the report takes insights from statistical bureau's statistics, both national and provincial. In particular for
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quantitative data the census for 1998 for Buner District, and statistics from NWFP bureau of Statistics is utilised and values extrapolated. Help has also been sought from a draft rapid assessment carried out by the International Medical Corp's in Buner and a health survey by Paiman. The NWFP development statistics 2008 was a handy resource.
1.1.2 Statistical Rigour and Survey Limitations

The research team for most part relied on PRA techniques due to security constrains, inaccessible areas, armed clashes in certain locations, and a general discouragement by the authorities to conduct any kind of surveys. The statistical rigour required for such essential assessment could not be practiced in the field. Though the Center initially drafted specific questionnaires, FGD themes, and identified key informant list, not much could be put into practice. The report is thus an intelligent mix of primary and secondary data analysis providing key insights into social services, economic sectors, and damage assessment.
1.2
LAYOUT OF THE REPORT

Section 1, 2, and 3 presents a baseline on Buner covering the administrative set up, physical and biological diversity, basic demographics, and a history of Buner and insurgency in the area. Sections 4 and 5 discuss the status of civic amenities and economic profile of the district in detail. In the process, some initial estimates are made available on the costs and impacts of damages to the social infrastructure and economy of the area due to the ongoing insurgency in the region. Section 6 briefly presents the social organization of District Buner followed by an initial poverty profile in section 7. Each section and sub section is followed with a brief damage assessment.
1.3
ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP
Buner was initially a sub-division of district Swat. It was upgraded to the district status in 1991, with a total 1865 Sq.Km. For administrative and revenue purpose, each district in NWFP is divided into tehsil, qanungo circles, patwar circles and Mouzas. However, for Buner, Shnagla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Chitral, Malkanad agency and Kohistan districts, each district is divided into tehsil, tehsils into Union Councils and Union Councils into villages. Buner is divided into Daggar, Gadezai, Chagharzai, Totalye, Chamla and Gagra tehsils and further into 27 Union Councils.
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1.3.1 Location
The District of Buner lies between 34-9 and 34-43 N latitude and 72-10 and 72-47 E longitude located at a distance of 120 km from Peshawar. It is bounded on the North by Swat district, on the West by Malakand Agency, on the South by Mardan District, on the East by River Indus and Hazara Division and on the north-east by Swabi District. Key statistics:
Indicator Total Area Location Statistic 1,865 Sq. Km N34 3-11' to 34-43 North Latitudes and E072-13 to 72-45' East longitudes North: Swat and Shangla distrits. West: Malakand agency and Mardan district. South: Swabi District East: Indus River, Haripur and Mansehra Districts 506,048 (50% Male & 50% Female) 3.9% 271 persons/ Sq. Km Agriculture, Daily Labor (mostly in mining, marble factories) retail, Business and Government Service Muslims 99.5%, Ahmadis 0.3% and Hindus 0.1% Pashto 96.6% and Urdu 0.2% (Generally people understand Urdu easily as this also the official language) 2.90% 22.60% Mining and Marble factories 18.50% 55,860 Varies with elevation and may be classified as dry sub-tropical. Winter season of four to five months. Summer season of seven to eight months with moon soon rains in summer. Kharif: Maize, Rice, Sugar Cane, tobacco Rabi: Wheat, Barley, Rape & Mustard, Onion
Boundaries
Total Population Average Growth rate Population Density Major Occupation Religion Mother Tongue Disabled Population Literacy Ratio Major Industry Un-employment Total housing units Climate
Major Crops
1.4
PHYSICAL FEATURES
The district has rich physical features ranging from mountains, valleys, plain areas, forests, meadows with a diverse climate.
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1.4.1 Climate
The overall climate of Buner can be termed as dry sub-tropical with mostly pleasant weather throughout the year. Winter lasts for 4-5 months with mild harshness while the summers are mildly torrid. Snowfall on mountains peak is common. There are two main rainy seasons; the winter rains in the Rabi season between November and May, and the summer monsoon in the Kharif season providing necessary water for respective crops. Tobacco and wheat are Rabi crops while sugarcane and Maize are the main Kharif crops. The average rainfall is approximately 30 inches in the area.
1.4.2 Mountains
Buner is bounded by mountains on all four sides with the highest elevation of Dosara peak (2911 meters) in the North and lowest at Totalai (366 meters). The surface terrain for most part is rugged and uneven. Most of the rocky material is composed of Barandee, granites and quartz. These mountains are providing livelihoods to local people in the form of rudimentary but growing marble and mineral industry.
1.4.3 Rivers
No major river passes through Buner and agriculture is mostly rain fed with some pockets where underground water is available. There are number of springs and streams that provide water for domestic use and irrigation. Barandq stream (flowing from Dosara mountain) is the most important water line as it connects with all major villages eventually falling into the Indus. Other famous streams (locally known Khwar) include Chamla Khawar, Khadukhel Khawar, Nagrai, and Bar Borai. The famous valleys of Buner include Elum, Gokand, Salarzi, Chagharzi and Amazi. These scenic valleys have great potential for tourism but the government has yet to devise a strategy for tourism promotion here.
1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & Forests

Buner's mountainous areas are famous for a variety of medicinal herbs. Some of the important varieties include; ananguanay (wild pomegranate), Bakyana (Persian Lilac), Inzer (figs), and tut (mulberry). Some common found faunal species include Goral, Markhor, grey partridge, black partridge, jackal, and monkey. The total forested area of Buner is 32,102 hectares. Buner district falls in the subtropical ecological zone with warm summers and mild winters. Generally, forest condition is very weak. Main forest types are scrubs (Acacia, Kahu, Sanatha, etc.,) at lower elevation and Chir pines at higher elevation.
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Local people have high dependency on these forests to meet their construction and other requirements such as firewood, fodder requirements, etc. About 30 years ago during the era of Wali-e-Swat, the area was known for its best forests. Those forests comprised Chir, Sanatha, Olive, Phulai, etc. At that time, road network was rudimentary. After merging the area with Pakistan, road network was developed and administrative control became loose that led to over exploitation of forests. In addition to that, few locals and non-locals started illegal timber business. Resultantly, forests were damaged just in two decades. Seasonal Ajars (nomadic grazers) have also played their role in forest depletion. However, the locals have started meeting their firewood needs from the trees planted along the boundaries of their agricultural fields. During the intervening period of harvesting and sowing the agricultural crops, livestock is left open in the agricultural fields for free grazing. This practice causes heavy damage to the plants growing along the boundaries of the agricultural fields. Due to destruction of dense forests, the remaining forests comprise scattered trees. With the ever-increasing population pressure, locals were forced to think over the situation, but no joint efforts/decisions were made.
1.5
MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTEREST

Karakar is located 34 kms south of Saidu Sharif at an elevation of 1336 meters. It is a major tourist resort presenting a good view of the valley. There is a rest house for tourists on the hilltop. Dagger is the main town of the district. It is situated along Barandu river and houses government offices, banks, educational institutions and health facilities. Some government offices and a government degree college are also located at Sawarai, the main trade and commercial centre of the district. Ambela which witnessed unprecedented destruction is a mountainous pass that enters the District from Mardan. This place has historical significance with reference to Ranjit Singh's famous victory in 1863. Standing on the Ambela pass the whole valley up to the areas of Chamla tehsil, Daggar and Gagra are visible.
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2 Social Organization & Institutions

2.1 SOCIETY AND CULTURE
The social living is characterized by a strong love for the motherland, language and local traditions. The society is for the most part ethnically homogenous and egalitarian. The majority of the population belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. Buner presents a picture of tolerant society where local folk music has blended with cultural norms into a harmonious whole. However Sikhs and Hindus are also living here since long. Hindu and Sikh minorities observe local socio-cultural values and feel proud to be called as Pashtuns. Most of them are wealthy businessmen and own electronics and cloth shops in the busy markets of Pir Baba, Diwana Baba and Suwari. At the onset of the current military operation on April 28, 2009 just like their local counterparts, most of the Hindus and Sikhs have been displaced from their homes and have migrated to other parts of the country. Majority of the population speak Pashto (95.5%). A minority of Ajars and Gujars seasonally visiting Buner also speak Ajari and Gujari. Majority of the people dress themselves in the traditional Shalwar Qameez.
2.2
TRIBES AND RACES

Majority of the district's population is descended from the Yousufzai tribes of Pashtuns. They are divided into Khels (clans) and Sub-Khels (Sub-clans). Apart from the Yousafzais other tribes include Mandar, Syed, Gujar and Sikhs. The Yousafzai are inhibiting this part of the land from ages. Major sub tribes of the Yousafzai's are spread throughout the District. If we could map Buner on the tribal lines the spatial distribution of various tribes would be as follows; Gadazai in the north, Salarzai in the west, Ashaizai and Dawalatzai in the center, Naurayzai in the center west, and chagarzai in the eastern part. Locals during focused group discussions said that generally people prefer to marry within their khels, however some of the youth who work abroad have also married to women of foreign nationalities, mainly Malaysians. Buner is a male-dominated area and women play little role in decision making. In some areas of Salarzai women work in the fields and contribute to the economic gains of their families. Like all other societies, family holds the key to child socialization. In addition to informal learning of the cultural and societal norms, the child is sent to religious institutions (madrassas) for getting religious education. Formal schooling is also stressed to a greater degree. Most of the old men are uneducated but they seriously pursue their children education.
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2.3 SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNS
Like other parts of rural Pakistan, settlements are not planned. Most of the smaller villages hold homogenous populations. However as the size of community increases in terms of households, the population gets heterogeneous. This pattern was observed from key informant interviews held with the inhabitants of Sultanwas, Laghara, Anghapur, Bazargai and Shalbandai and by spending 3 days and nights in a village. A prototype house consists of two to three rooms with a covered front and open yard. Kitchens are usually katcha or semi pacca. One indicator on Paiman's survey was the material used for the construction of roof which returns the following results; 60% of the roofs are made of a combination of wood/bamboo and mud, 27% have concrete roofs while 13% use iron sheets. Remittances play a major role in improving living conditions of households whose members are working abroad, particularly in Malaysia and Gulf states. The houses are decorated both from the outside and inside with marble and other ornamental stones. The 1998 census report for Buner presents the following indices of congestion in a household. Table 6-1: Housing indices at a glance
Specs Persons per housing unit Persons per room Rooms per housing unit Housing units with 1 room (%) Housing units with 2-4 rooms (%) Housing units with 5 or more rooms (%)
Source: District Census Report (1998), Buner
No/%age 9 4.3 2.1 39 55 6
2.4
GENDER
Women's participation in the commercial activities in the district is almost non existent. The primary data collected shows no sectors currently employing women. This discussion is meant to elaborate why women are not part of the regular work force and how there visibility can be enhanced for a balanced development of the district. Women's participation and contribution to the economic affairs of the district was categorized as minimal by both FGD participants and key informants. The same trend came to the fore from the primary data collection exercise. Traditionally women have not participated in commercial activities for a number of reasons. Their economic activity,
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like poultry and live stock rearing has remained confined to indoors. Their role in economic decision-making is less than that of other regions. A large male workforce is working abroad mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. Absent males usually translates into bigger roles for women and the incidence of women holding on to assets is common. The FGDs participants discussed the sectors that could possibly support more women employment. One distinctly clear area is livestock. The participants agreed that most of the work related to animal husbandry inside the house is performed by woman. It includes feed, wash, and milking the animals. Bringing fodder home is, for most part, remains the responsibility of men. In some areas though, people do keep bigger herds and are kept on family's farms for most of the time. Poultry is found in almost every household. Women and children care for them but it is not a commercialized activity. There is a vast potential of employment creation in the poultry and livestock sector. Bee keeping is also becoming an enterprise in some villages and women's role in such enterprise can be contemplated. Horticulture and kitchen gardens are other examples of activities where women's role can be enhanced. In villages, women can also be accommodated in small retail businesses.
2.5
INSTITUTIONS
Under the local government system introduced in 2001, District Nazim as an elected representative heads the district. The District Coordinating Officer (DCO) is the executive head. There are respective Executive District Officers (EDO) and District officers (DO). The DPO is directly under the office of the District Nazim. Apart from the five Marble associations in the district, no other sector presents any semblance of collectivism. There are transport associations confined to particular addas (bus terminals/stands). The agriculture sector also is ill organized where some of the self proclaimed representatives (bigger landlords) participate in district and province level sporadic meetings. Some of the public support organizations exist but only confined to their offices with no recorded activity. For example, the research team found the office of the agricultural extension department locked on each three visits.
2.6
NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

There are a number of international NGOs and UN agencies operating in Buner. These include Save the children (UK), Islamic Relief, Care International, World Vision and Merlyn. The World Food Program is still working in the district mostly on food items.
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National and Provincial level NGOs include IDEA, Al-Khidmat foundation, IRSP, PEACE and SPO etc. are currently involved in the rehabilitation and reconstruction. Al-khidmat foundation, in particular, has been instrumental initially in helping fleeing IDPs from the area and providing food to people trapped inside the district. Then onwards, it is still working in the district on the intra-district displaced people. Amongst the district's level NGOs, Rahbar, Bahar, Jirga and RDO have done some work in the past.
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3 Brief Historical Overview and Prelude to the Conflict1

3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT
There is no consensus on the meaning of the name Buner or on its origins. However the overwhelming consensus points to its Sanskrit origin which means forest. The area has great historical and cultural significance and has been remained a passage of different invaders during different periods of time from 327 BC to 1863 AD. Alexander's Armies passed through the area in 326-327 BC. In 1587 Armies of King Akbar fought against locals in, while British Armies fought famous Ambela fight against Yousafzai tribes in 1863. In all these battles the local tribesmen caused huge loses to the invading armies. Buner was an independent territory under the control of local Feudal Lords (Khans) and the day to day affairs were managed under the code of Pashtunwali (Pashtuns' code of life). It is generally known as the Era of Pashto. In 1922 it was annexed with Swat State and remained part of it till 1969. The Yousafzai State of Swat under the rule of Miangul Abdul Wadood and then his son Miangul Abdul Haq Jehanzeb was merged into Pakistan on July 29, 1969. The benevolent rulers of Swat state established a network of educational institutions and basic health units in almost all parts of Buner and provided speedy justice to the people. However, after its merger into Pakistan, less attention has been paid to the development of the area by sucssive administrations. Buner is also famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba and Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over the tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. However after Taliban's rising influence in the region this tradition is dying out.
3.2
PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT

Buner was one of the districts with lowest crime rates in NWFP. The traditional values of hospitality, inter-dependence, tolerance and peaceful co-existence governed sociopolitical, economic and cultural life in the valley. The society accommodated all types of religious groups including Hindus and Sikhs and a large number of Afghan refugees and provided them with opportunities for development. In some areas places of worships for Muslims and Non-Muslims were constructed side by side. In 1990s when Maulana Sufi Muhammad launched the Movement for the enforcement of Muhammadan Law (TNSM), he also held gatherings in Buner to get support from the
This section in large part has been contributed by Shaheen Buneri, a Peshawar based Journalist associated with the British Broadcasting Services (BBC)
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local communities. A small portion of the local population mainly from the hilly areas extended support to Sufi Muhammad. In 1994 the incumbent government of Benazir Bhutto took action against the supporters of TNSM for violating law of the land and blocking the main route connecting Buner with Mardan. The military action resulted into the death of 6-8 TNSM supporters in Buner. It was the biggest incident of violence in the modern history of Buner, till the Taliban influenced chaos in 2008. Since then Maulana Sufi Muhammad lost popularity in the valley and the people condemned him for harming the peaceful atmosphere in the district. Soon his influence was restricted to the hilly areas of Gokand valley and certain parts of Chagharzai Tehsil. With the rise of Maulana Fazlullah, a cleric turned militant commander and son in law of Maulana Sufi Muhammad in mid 2006 the neighbouring Swat valley came under the influence of an extremist religious thought. Soon he spread his brand of Islam to other parts of the Swat valley and started recruiting youth for Jihad against the US-sponsored Pakistan security forces. In 2007 he established training camps and started the construction of huge complex at Imam Dheri (Swat) close to Mingora city. Through his illegal radio station Maulana Fazlullah was able to collect donation of millions of Pakistani Rupees and huge quantity of Gold. The red mosque incident further intensified Fazlullah's campaign. He announced a socalled Islamic system in his area of influence and started resolving people feuds in his courts. The whole Swat valley plunged into an un-ending series of suicide bomb blasts, targeted killings and bomb attacks on public places. On August 4, 2008, unidentified militants killed a police officer in Gadezi Tehsil. On August 08, 2008, a group of Taliban militants attacked a police Station in Kingar Galai Buner and killed 8 policemen. Taliban spokesman in Swat accepted responsibility for the attack. On August 11, 2008 a huge gathering of Buner people held a Jirga in SuSuwari and unanimously decided not to allow Taliban in the valley. On August 13, 2008 a tribal Lashkar killed six militants led by Taliban commander Kamran Khan, in Shalbandi village of Buner. Taliban announced to avenge the killing. Though some Taliban fighters remained active in Buner and attacked police stations and girls' schools, their strength has been weakened after losing their commander. On December 28, 2008 a suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden car in a school building in Shalbandi village of Buner and killed 44 people including 15 children. Taliban Spokesman Haji Muslim Khan claimed responsibility for the attack and said that
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it was the revenge of the killing of six militants by Shalbandi villagers. In April 2009, about 100 militants tried to enter Buner via Gokand Valley and Qadar Nagar pass. Locals of Sultanwas and nearby villages resisted them and killed 20 of them. The locals decided to flee the area after repeated failed negotiations with the militants, partially conducted through administrative officials based in Swat. Taliban consolidated their position in Gadezi Tehsil and established check posts in Torwarsak, Juwar, Dagger and SuSuwari areas of the district. They imposed ban on music and ordered barbers not to involve in the un-Islamic act of shaving. Women were also barred to visit public places. Their interference in each and every walk of life sent shock waves among the local population. Later on hundreds of Taliban fighters occupied the shrine of eminent saint Pir Baba and houses of the elders of the Tribal Lashkar in Sultanwas. Due to the fear of imminent military action people in Pir Baba, Sultanwas, Daggar and Suwarai started vacating their homes and moving to other areas. On April 28, 2009 the government launched a full scale military operation against Taliban in Buner. Paramilitary fighters from the Frontier Corps backed by regular Army units, artillery, helicopter gunships, and attack aircraft moved into Buner. Heavy clashes erupted in Ambela, Dagger, Sultanwas and Gokand Valley. However the locals complained that most of the people killed in the first phase of the operation were civilians. The conflict displaced over 75% of the District's population. The worst affected areas include Bajkata, Diwana Baba, Matwanai, Sani Gram, Shalbandi and Kalpani in Gagara Tehsil, Daggar, Krapa, Suwarai, Elai, Torwarsak, Anghapur and Ambela in Daggar Tehsil, Pir Baba, Sultanwas, and Ghazikhani in Gadezi Tehsil, Chamla, Kauga, Nagrai and Totalai in Amazai and Totalai Tehsils. Currently operation is underway in Chagharzai Tehsil. Locals say that majority of the people are leaving the area for safer places. The military claims that it has cleared a major part of the district from the militants however complain that they are still visible in the mountainous regions and pose serious threats to their security.
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4.1 OVERVIEW
4 Demographics
Buner is the 11th biggest district of NWFP in terms of size and 15th in terms of population. It has 2.85% of the NWFP's population and spans over 2.5 % of the Province land mass. According to the 1998 census, the total population of Buner is 506,406, with a gender ratio of 100 i.e. hundred males for hundred females. Taking the growth factor, the present population estimate in district Buner is 740,000. 95% of the population is Muslim, with remaining Sikhs and Hindus.
4.2
ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION

The total population of Buner above 10 years of age at the time of 1998 census was 326,348 of which 159,993 were males and 166,355 females. The labour force survey for the same year suggested that 98,098 people were available for work of which 96,305 were males and 1793 females. The employed population was 79,976 out of which 78,257 were males and 1719 females. The unemployed population was reported as 18122 with 18048 as men and 74 as women. The total dependent population in the district at the time of 1998 census was 248695. The dependency ratio2 in Buner is 109% with a higher side for young population (102.9%) than for the old age.
Table 3-1 Dependency ratio of District Buner (1998)

Total Dependency 0-14 Years 15-64 Years 65 and above Years Ratio (%) Age Group 248695 241608 15745 109.45 Child Dependency Ratio (%) 102.93 Old age Dependency Ratio (%) 6.52
Source: Compiled from the 1998 District Census Reports of NWFP by Pop. Census Organization, Islamabad.
In percentages, 49.2% of the district population is below 15 years of age while 3.1% above 65. This leaves 47.7% of working population (15-64 years) thereby suggesting a big dependency ratio of 109.6%. See table 3-2 for age groups gender wise. Table: 3-2: age groups and sex distribution of the population in percentages
Age Group Under 15 15-49 15-64 Total 49.2 40.8 47.7 Male 51.3 38.2 45.3 Female 47 43.4 50.2
Source: Extracted from District Census Report, 1998, Buner 2 A measure of the portion of a population which is composed of dependents (people who are too young or too old to work). The dependency ratio is equal to the number of individuals aged below 15 or above 64 divided by the number of individuals aged 15 to 64, expressed as a percentage
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4.3
DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICT

The United Nation's Office for Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) with the support NADRA suggests that 66,488 families (or 465416 individuals) have been displaced from the district. This is almost 71% of the area's population. The report further suggests that an estimated 30% of the population have returned to their places of origin in three months (June 18-July 2 2009). Additionally, independent sources and data gathered by CPPR suggests that inter-district displacement have been substantial, with confirmed number of at least 1,069 families i.e. more than 9000 individuals displaced, primarily living with friends and families in the cleared areas. The government has established a camp in Sowarai for returning population but limited number of people has opted to reside in the facility. According to government sources as of July 2009, eight of the 27 union councils in Buner remain insecure. ICRC assessment suggest that three areas in Buner (Daggar, Sultan Was, and Pir Baba), had moved towards the Southern areas of the district between 17 to 27 June.
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5 Social Infrastructure and Amenities

The provision of civic amenities in Buner is not at par with that of other relatively developed districts of NWFP and the rest of Pakistan. Some of the key social infrastructure and amenities are outlined below together with a brief assessment of the impact of conflict on health and education sector.
5.1
HEALTH
Prior to the conflict there were a total of 36 health facilities for the population of 0.74 million people (table 3-1). Immunization rate3 as reported in 1998 was 68.5% with a slightly better rate for males against female children.
Table 4-1: A Snapshot of Health Facilities in the District (as of June 2009)
Health Units District Headquarter hospital (DHQ) Rural Health Centers (RHC) Civil hospitals (CHS) Basic health Units (BHUs) Community Dispensaries (DS) Leprosy Centers Total Number 1 3 3 19 8 2 36
Source: EDO Health, Buner
Capacity 200 beds 25 beds (each 16 beds (each) OPD OPD OPD
The health care delivery network in the district is managed by the District Health Office which is headed by Executive District Officer (EDO Health). The EDO Health is assisted by the MS of DHQ hospital and THQ hospital, Coordinator National Program for FP & PHC. All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in remote health facilities. All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in remote health facilities. In 2006, there were only 60 doctors, compared to 196 and 107 doctors for Mardan and
3 Immunization rate here refers to immunization of children below 10 years of age against 6 basic diseases i.e., tuberculosis, diphtereria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles.
15
Swabi respectively. Four dental surgeons, 45 compounders, 37 nurses, 22 LHVs and 189 Para-medic staff were serving in the district. Table 4-2: District wise number of medical & paramedical staff actually posted in NWFP 2006
District Doctors Radialogists* 2 1 2 Dental Surgeons 4 9 2 4 11 Compounders 45 29 57 15 134 Nurses Dias * LHVs Other Para Medical staff 189 532 149 341 555
Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat
60 196 47 107 206
37 64 13 32 101
46 101 25 61 89
22 18 43 57
Source: Director General Health Services, NWFP, Peshawar
The population per hospital bed is extremely high at 3432 compared to 1609 for NWFP. Buner also has a growing private sector health care as can be seen from the list below of local health care providers. In severe emergencies, locals resort either to the DHQ Mardan or public hospitals in Peshawar. Table 4-3: Private Health Providers in the District
No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Names Sultan General Hospital Seena Medical Center New Seena Medical Center Rahat Surgical Center Al-Syed Medical Center Children Care Clinic Buner Medical Center Buner Children Care Center Bilal Medical Center Qaumi Shafakhana Addresses Mardan road, Swarai Deewana Baba Road, Swarai Deewana Baba Road, Swarai Near DHQ hospital Daggar Pir Baba Road, Swarai Deewana Baba Road, Swarai Near DHQ hospital Daggar Shnai Torwarsak Buner Pacha Kalai Pir Baba Pacha Kalai Pir Baba
Source: Adopted from Paiman's District Health Profile for Buner
5.1.1 Conflict and Health

The survey team conducted a focused group discussion on the impact of conflict on the district's health infrastructure. In the process the broad themes of availability of health facilities in the district, major ailments, staffing and damage due to ongoing conflict were discussed. Participants included Dr.Maqsod Ahmad, Executive District Officer (EDO) Health Buner, Dr. Sher Muhammad, Medical Specialist DHQ Daggar, Women Medical
16
Officer (WMOs) and Paramedics. Following is a broad analysis of the FGD data. The doctors' fraternity in Buner is not happy with the available health facilities. Some of the health facilities in the far-flung areas do not attract ready recruits, particularly trained female specialists. During the conflict more women medical practitioners left their stations than males ones. Even the DHQ Daggar which remained open throughout the conflict period of more than two months experienced a lack of female staff. In the rural areas the medical staff deserted their respective health facilities therefore the flow of all people requiring healthcare was towards DHQ Daggar. The participants further said that miscreants targeted health facilities in different parts of Buner by destroying buildings infrastructure, taking away ambulances and government vehicles, equipments and even medicines. Dr. Maqsod's office was also looted and militants took away his office furniture, laptop, computers, and his official jeep etc. as shown in the table below. Table 4-5: Health infrastructure details of the EDO health (during the conflict)
No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Name of Health Fcility EDO Health Office 5 KV Generators Nil 3 Computers with HP Nil Premiers & 3 Stabilizers Office Table Office Chairs Multimedia Overhead projector Lap Top Nil 4 20 2 2 3
Source: EDO health office, Buner
Present Position Requirement Remarks 1 Stolen by militants Stolen by militants Stolen by Militants Broken by Militants Broken by Militants Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants
The executive director's office has conducted a preliminary assessment of immediate requirements for health facilities. These facilities are the only ones where the team could reach for assessment at the time of survey.
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No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Name of Health Fcility RHC Jowar RHC Sarqala RHC Nagrai CH Nawagai CH Totalai CH Pir Baba EDO Office
Present Position Requirement Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Ambulance Ambulance Ambulance Ambulance Ambulance Ambulance Potohar Jeep
Source: EDO health Office, Buner
Remarks Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants
Stolen by Militants
Table 4-4: Requirements of Health Units The participants discussed at length about the districts' post conflict health requirements post conflict and once the 70% inhabitants' starts returning back who left at the onset of military offensive. Dr. Sher Muhammad called for unprecedented government and non government support both in technical and financial aspects of healthcare. He also echoed the EDO's health basic premise that there are potential opportunities hidden in challenges and said that health sector will emerge stronger in post conflict scenario. A summary of the FGD is presented below;
n The present
stock is sufficient for the present number of ailments however if IDPs return as planned by the government, the hospitals will need stock of necessary medicines that is enough in the short to medium terms.
n In-depth
assessment of health facilities and infrastructure in areas which are currently in a state of conflict. (EDO health accepted the fact that due to security concerns medical staff is unable to visit most of the areas and collect necessary data)
n Even the pre-conflict health infrastructure was not sufficient to cater for the growing
population of the district. The conflict further damaged this infrastructure. There is not only need for re-building but sustainable expansion of the health sector.
n A primary area of intervention for NGOs can be remunerating health staff above the
government salaries. This can be an added motivation for medical staff to stay there and perform duties.
n There
is dearth of female staff i.e. nurses, WMO and Gynecologists. Again both the governmental and non-governmental organizations should come forward to assist the district health sector in terms of high remunerations for the female staff and provision of technical facilities.
n Measures should be taken to boost the preventive health initiatives.
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n The government
needs to beef up its budgetary allocations for the district health sector, particularly after the destruction caused by the conflict.
n The trauma of displacement has resulted into serious psychological ailments among
the people. There is need of sustainable psycho-social support for the local population.
5.2
EDUCATION
Little attention has been paid to the education sector improvement in Buner which manifests itself in lower literacy rates for the district amongst its neighbouring districts as well as amongst all the districts in Malakand agency. As per the 1998 census literacy rate in Buner is 22.62 %. The literacy rate for male is 38% and for female only 7.7%. During the era of Wali of Swat (1949-1969) a number of primary, middle and high schools were founded but later on the government could not carry on with the momentum of providing quality education to the local population. The current statistics on education are as follows; Table 4-6: Academic institutions and students enrolment both government and private 2009
No Govt. Educational Institutions Primary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Higher Secondary schools Degree Colleges Private Educational Institutions Primary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Higher Secondary 24 29 20 3
Source: EDO Education District Buner
Total Number of Educational Institutions
Male `
Female
577 60 48 4 3
422 40 37 3 2
155 20 11 2 1
Co education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education
There has been little growth in primary education infrastructure in the last 5 years across NWFP. According to government statistics for 2006-07, there were a total 581 primary schools in Buner with 426 catering male and 155 female students. There is a marked
19
gender disparity in favour of boys as only 27% of schools are open to girls. Compare this with neighbouring districts of Swabi, Swat and Mardan with 42, 35% and 41% girls' schools respectively. Table 4-5: district wise number of primary schools in NWFP
2004-05 District Total 575 1,279 566 1,004 1,280 Male 423 745 405 589 834 Female 7,490 152 534 161 415 446 Total 22,183 576 1,286 567 999 1,291 Male 14,600 422 754 405 588 835 N.W.F.P 22,024 14,534 Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat 2005-06 Female 7,583 154 532 162 411 456 Total 22,281 581 1,286 574 1,010 1,288 2006-07 Male 14,654 426 757 410 591 837 Female 7,627 155 529 164 419 451
Source: Education directorate, NWFP
In 2006-07, the total primary enrolment in Buner was 95642 of which 58595 were boys and 37047 were girls. The corresponding teaching staff in primary school for the period 2006-07 was 1892 with 1413 male teachers and 479 female. Similarly if we look at the status of higher education, there are only 4 degree colleges in the whole of Buner with only one catering women population. Table: District wise number of government degree colleges in NWFP, 2004-05 to 2006-07
2004-05 District N.W.F.P Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat Total 95 1 8 3 8 4 Male 63 1 7 3 4 2 Female 32 1 4 2 Total 101 2 9 3 8 4 Male 69 2 8 3 4 2 2005-06 Female 32 1 4 2 Total 118 4 10 3 10 7 2006-07 Male 77 3 8 3 6 3 Female 41 1 2 0 4 4
Source: adopted form the Directorate of Higher Education, NWFP, Peshawar
Sensing this service delivery gap in education, the district has witnessed a mushrooming of private education institutions. It is easy to find one to two private primary to high (grade 10) schools in bigger villages of the district.
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5.2.1 Education and conflict

During one of the focused group discussion with teachers from both government and private schools, it was revealed that militants discouraged education particularly higher education of girls. It is manifested in the number of girls' schools damaged during the conflict (see table below) Following table shows the status of educational institutions during the conflict period. Table 4-7: Education institutions during the conflict period
No. 1. Name of Educational institution GGHS Pachakalay Tehsil Gadezi Present Status Partially damaged in the conflict Partially damaged Partially damaged Partially damaged Partially damaged Remarks Requires repair, furniture, library books, science lab and stationary Do Requires repair and furniture Requires repair and furniture Requires repair and furniture
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
GGHS Bagra GGMS Batai GGPS Sultanwas GGPS Laghara GGMS Anghapur
Daggar Gadezai Gadezai Daggar Daggar
Furniture, doors and Requires repair, furniture, record burnt down by doors, windows the militants. Lab equipment stolen Partially damaged Furniture and doors burnt down by militants and Lab equipment stolen Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture Requires repair, furniture, doors, windows, science lab etc. Requires repair and furniture
7. 8.
GGPS Bazargai GHS Gatkala
Gadezai Gadezai
89. GPS Bazar Gai 10. GHS Torwarsak GHS Juwar GHS Maradu GPS Torwarsak GPS Maradu
Gadezai Gadezai Gadezai
Completely destroyed Needs to be reconstructed in the conflict Completely destroyed Do Do Do Do Do
Chagharzai Completely destroyed Gadezai Completely destroyed
Chagharzai Completely destroyed Completely destroyed by the militants
Degree college for Girls Juwar Gadezi
Source: EDO Education Office, District Buner
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A local teacher informed that the miscreants issued orders that girls above 10 years of age must wear burqa. In some areas of Gadezi and Daggar Tehsils Taliban occupied schools and used them as bunkers. Few schools were also destroyed when the security forces targeted them to take on the fighters. The militants also looted science laboratories, libraries and burnt down furniture of schools in Gadezi, Daggar, Chamla and Chagharzi tehsils. On way back the survey team visited govt. High School No.2 at Daggar village. The doors of the school were recently opened however there were no students and a few local teachers showed up. In our meeting with the teaching staff it was revealed that the district coordination officer had issued a letter asking teachers in areas cleared by the military, to attend schools. When asked when the schools will be open, the teachers said that parents are still afraid of sending their children to school. Most of the students are still displaced and living with their families in other districts. Secondly, there is still fear and uncertainty and the parents don't encourage their children to go to schools, said Ahmad Ali, a teacher in the school. Sher Akbar, another senior teacher informed that the teachers were in the school just to justify the claim of the provincial government that the area was cleared of militants and all the educational institutions in the valley had been opened. Even we are uncertain whether we will be able to teach our students once again, he further said. We also observed that the doors of government degree college Daggar and high school of Chanar were locked. No students and teachers were seen there. Locals said that all the government and private educational institutions are closed for the last two and half months. In our interviews with school teachers, parents, students and NGO workers following recommendations were given for the revival of education sector in the valley.
n Durable peace must be restored in the valley. The operation must be targeted, focused
and within a specified time frame. Education cannot be imparted in environment of fear and intimidation.
n Both governmental and non-governmental organizations should take concrete steps
to ensure the return of displaced families. They should be provided with reasonable financial assistance to restart their normal lives. Once the families are back the students will also return to their homes and schools.
n The students
of intermediate complained that they were promoted to next class without taking any examination. They were given the same marks they got in the previous class. The students said that normally students get higher marks in 12th grade. They feared this will reduce their chances of getting admission in professional colleges and institutions.
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1
n The teachers
complained of low salaries. They argued that the area is conflictstricken there must be a reasonable increase in their salaries. They added that now they will perform duties in the most fragile situation therefore there must be special incentives for them.
n The district
education sector needs huge financial aid for rebuilding schools and building security walls around them. The provincial minister for education said that USAID have pledged to re-construct destroyed schools in the area, however the locals say that the government should come forward to open new educational institutions in the hilly areas (Chagharzai, Gokand and Chamla) where students still travel on their feet for 4-6 kilometers to reach schools.
n A special
media campaign may be launched by the government to encourage and motivate students to attend their schools. The students also need psycho-social support to pull them out of the trauma of war and violence.
n The militants
have poisoned people minds about girls' education in the hilly areas. There must of a special awareness rising campaigns and incentives for parents to send their girls to schools.
n The district
lack in female teachers. There is every need that the governmental and non-governmental organizations provide financial assistance to hire teachers from other districts on higher salaries.
n In the
hilly areas girls' students and female teachers need security and transport to attend their schools.
n Owners of private schools suffered huge losses during the conflict. For the last three
months they are not able to pay salaries to their staff. They need financial assistance to re-enlivened educational activities on their campuses.
n Special quota may be announced for the students of Buner valley in other educational
institutions (Particularly professional institutions) of the country.
5.3
WATER SUPPLY
The recent available statistics on water supply in various districts of NWFP for the 200506, published by the provincial Bureau of Statistics. The total population served by assured water supply in the district is 463,000 which is approximately 68% of the district's total population. This is a relatively good coverage than most districts of Pakistan. Amongst its neighbouring districts, only Swabi betters its rate at 71%. Table 4- Water supply coverage in district Buner and adjoining districts, 2005-06
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In the plain areas of Buner most of the people are dependent on government run Water
District Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat Pop: served (000) Total 463 1,085 308 920 666 Urban 0 269 72 108 Rural 463 816 308 848 558 Total 67.99 58.9 55.05 71.32 40.85 %age Coverage Urban 0 70 31 45.37 Rural 67.99 56 55.05 80 40.05
Source: adopted from Buner's PHE works and Services Department, and the Tehsil Municipal Office (TMO).
supply schemes. In the hilly areas of Gokand, Chagharzai, Amazi, and Salarzi people use water from the natural streams. Due to two months power break-down water supply schemes could not work in most of the areas including Shalbandi, Amnawar, Diwana Baba, Kalpani, Bajkata, Juwar, Pir Baba and Chamla. Therefore the people turned to their traditional method of pitching water from open streams. As cattle also drink water from the main streams therefore in many cases water from the streams were found contaminated and resulted into diarrhoea and minor skin diseases among the local population. In Shalbandi village that the people still pitch water from natural streams. Cattle were seen drinking water from the streams while people were filling their pitchers from the same water source. A survey conducted by Paiman suggests that respondents when asked to indicate their main source of drinking water cited government water supply as their primary mode of domestic water (41 percent). 12 percent indicated that they used a communal water source. Indoor wells and motorized/hand pumps (inside) were also cited as sources of drinking water (12 percent and 8 percent respectively). Interestingly, nearly 4 percent of the population also indicated that they obtained their drinking water from nearby rivers/canals/streams, while about 2 percent from pool/pond water. Such open water sources are unsafe for consumption as they may lead to the spread of water induced diseases. Therefore, approximately 5 percent of the population of Buner is at risk of contracting serious water induced diseases. The trend of sinking in tube wells is getting in vogue. While it is good news for local agriculture, the already deep aquifer in the process might get stressed. There is a need for environmental studies to quantify the impact of drawing out ground water in huge quantities for agriculture purposes. During an FGD in UC shalbandi resource mapping suggested that there are about 20 tube wells irrigating an area of 8000 acres of village
24
land. However the elders said that most of the tube wells are for personal use and tube wells owners don't share water with other people. Water supply schemes have undoubtedly been destroyed due to the army's shelling and miscreants' targeting communal properties. A local councillor in Daggar said that at least 45 such community water supply schemes need urgent repairs, a claim that could not be independently verified.
5.4
ELECTRICITY
As of 2005, a total of 96 villages were provided with electricity in Buner. The rate of village electrification over the years has been slow and cumbersome in the district. It is one of the most important inputs for enabling local livelihoods. The local marble industry is hit hard by regular brownouts and weak supply of electricity and so are other businesses in the area.
Table 4-: District wise number of villages electrified in NWFP, 2002-03 to 2004-05
District N.W.F.P Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat 2002-03 During 95 2 2 3 Cumulative 8,624 42 998 4 56 862 92 3 2003-04 During Cumulative 8,716 42 998 4 56 865 2004-05 During 2,072 54 211 22 118 82 Cumulative 10,788 96 1209 26 174 947
Due to the conflict, electricity was not provided to the whole district. At the time of field visit, electricity had been restored in most of the areas in Daggar, Gadezi, Gagara, Chamla and Khadukhel Tehsils. In certain areas of Gokand valley (Gadezi Tehsil) and Chagharzai areas the electricity poles and transformers were observed to be destroyed and in need of major repairs. The Power and Electricity corporation in Buner has estimated that there is a need of investing Rs. 1,53,92,930 for restoring the electricity infrastructure in the area. The major items destroyed include poles, wires, conductors, meters, PVC cores, X arms, and construction. Most of the destructions have occurred in sub divisions of Koga, Korea, Ambela, Kalpani, Rega, Bajkata, and Suwari.
5.5
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
The total length of Buner's road network is 462 kilometres. This includes 346 kms of
25
metalled network and 116 kilometres of dirt and jeep-able roads. Compared to its neighbouring districts, the connectivity is relatively better. Table: Road network in Buner and adjoining districts
2005-06 (in Kms) District N.W.F.P Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat Total 10840.521 462 302 311 466 634 High Type 7582.778 346 291 105 335 582 Low Type 3257.743 116 11 206 131 52
Source: Chief Engineer, Works & Services, NWFP, Peshawar
Main roads leading from Mardan to Buner and from Swabi to Buner are metalled and in comparatively good condition. However roads in the rural areas are in dilapidated conditions and requires urgent attention. Locals informed the team that the road linking Daggar with Pir Baba town is in some places destroyed during the military shelling. The miscreants also had drilled roads in Pacha Kalay, Gadezi and Torwarsak areas to plant mines in order to disrupt the movement of security forces.
5.6
COMMUNICATIONS
The area is connected via landline telephony to the rest of the country. In far off areas, the PTCL introduced wireless phone was in vogue until private cellular companies started operating in the past 3 years. The cellular services have been resumed in the valley. In the hilly areas of Chagharzai and Gokand valley, landline connectivity is still out of service and need repairs.
5.7
SANITATION FACILITIES
Toilet facilities are a major indicator of a household's socioeconomic status and therefore the level of hygiene, sanitation and comfort available to an expectant or new mother, along with her newborn children. The type of toilet facility of a household directly reflects the quality of sanitation, which has a more direct affect on mortality than the socioeconomic status (Martin, Linda et al, 1983, pp. 425). One of the studies suggests that 35% of the sampled population do not have access to inhouse toilet facility. 24% of the population had access to flush latrines connected to septic tanks while the percentage of people using raised latrines and pits account for 18 and 15 percent respectively.
26
The government figures suggest that separate kitchen, bathroom and latrine facilities are available in 42.6, 52.9, and 25 percent of the households respectively.
5.8
SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGY

Almost half of Buner's population use electricity as a source of lighting while another half uses kerosene along with petro-max and mustard oil etc. almost all the major villages and towns are electrified Almost the entire district Buner is dependent on forest wood for domestic energy usage. During FGDs with local elders there was a consensus amongst the participants that the spread of forest has become thinner as they have aged. They remember relatively bigger spread of trees inside villages and surrounding mountains. On observation, one can easily find that the local forest department has done plantation on selected sites. The research team visited the district forest department but found the offices closed due to conflict. The study suggests that 98 percent of the respondents in Buner use firewood for cooking Purposes, while 1.9 percent use LPG and other sources. This finding is reinforced by the 1998 findings from the government sources.
5.9
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
At the time of 1998 census, 40% of the households have access to television, radio or newspaper, the three major sources of information to the outside world. Approximately 40% of the households have TV facility and 87.8% have or access to radios. The survey team had a chance to meet local poets who frequently calls international radio stations to transmit their poetry. It was easy to see people around with radio sets in the evenings usually listening to BBC Urdu/Pashto, Duesthe Welle, and Voice of America. During an FGD participants said that the message of extremism can best be tackled by starting up local FM stations that would promote local arts and culture. Most of the households whose members are working outside the country have installed dish antennas, a trend that could be clearly seen in well to do households. There is one printing press in Buner district.
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6 Economy
Buner has no urban centres and the whole district is categorized as a rural area. By and large the economy of Buner rests on the agriculture sector. The only big manufacturing industry is that of marble which will take some time to recover from the current turmoil. Equally important is the in flow of remittances from abroad. A good proportion of Buner's population are working abroad mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. This reflects in the relative prosperity of the area. Employment Categories The major occupation groups in the district include skilled agriculture workers (particularly in processing tobacco), services workers, professional teachers, and labourers in mining, construction and manufacturing sector as outlined in the table below. Table: Employment Categories and Work Force
Occupation Agriculture Mining, construction, transport & manufacturing Service workers, shops, markets, sales workers Professionals (mostly public school teachers) No. of People 58162
Source: Buner District Census Report, 1998
6744
6039 (including 74 women) 2604
These figures are 10 years old and no new data is available. However one trend that still persists is the lack of women representation in all these categories. Apart from the services sector (teaching mostly), it is hard to find women economic activity in Buner's economy.
6.1
AGRICULTURE
Main crops of the area include Wheat, Maize, Tobacco and Sugarcane. Rice is also cultivated in the riverine areas but the total output is quite low (457 tonnes in 2006-07). Vegetable production is also low however potato, ladyfinger, pumpkins, beans, tomato are grown on small scale. The fable below shows vegetables produced in Buner in 2007, 08. Table: Area, Production, Yield per Hectare, Production Per Capita and Percentage Share of Vegetables in Buner, 2007-08
Area 000 Hectare 0.53 Production 000 Ton 6.18 Yield per hectare Kgs 11660 Production per capita Kgs 8 Distt: % share Distt: % share of Area with of production NWFP with NWFP % 1.70 % 1.18
Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar
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A few types of fruits are also grown in the area such as apricot, wild persimmon, mulberry and Apples. The total output of fruits in the district is presented in the table below.
Table: Area, Production, Yield Per Hectare, Production Per Capita And Percentage Share of Fruits in Buner, 2007-08
Yield per hectare Kgs 9272.7 Production per capita Kgs 5.6 Distt: % share Distt: % share of Area with of production NWFP with NWFP % 1.1 % 0.96
Area 000 Hectare 0.44
Production 000 Ton 4.08
Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar
PRSP draft for NWFP recommends initiating district level studies to assess how best to develop and promote horticulture and vegetable farming, food processing including fruit preservation, timber and non timber forest products exploitation and mineral and gems development on modern business lines. It is worth mentioning here that there are no government provided storage facilities in District Buner.
6.1.1 Land Utilization in Buner

Land utilization in NWFP is lower as compared to Punjab and Sindh provinces. The same trend is reflected in various districts. For Buner, a total of 172431 hectares is available for cultivation out of which 55457 hectares is actually cultivated (32%) while almost 9 % is fallow land. 40983 hectares of Buner's land comprises forest. There is a great potential for making the fallow lands available for cultivation and increase the area under forest. In the preceding, the major crops, yields, and area under cultivation is presented along with a comparative analysis of Buner with border districts of Swabi, Mardan, Swat, Shangla as well as provincial averages.
6.1.2 Tobacco
Tobacco is the major cash crop in district Buner as well as the surrounding districts. Buner on the average produces 8% of the total provincial tobacco's production. This area is famous for fine quality tobacco regionally. The total acreage of tobacco in NWFP for the period 2006-07 was 36457 hectares. The districts of Mardan, Swabi, Swat and Buner together produce tobacco at 26329 hectares which is 72% of the total area under tobacco cultivation in NWFP. Importantly together these districts produced 64192 tonnes of tobacco which translates into 73% of the total NWFP's production.
29
30
Table 5.1: land utilization for NWFP, Buner and adjoining districts
Cultivated Area (in hectares) Total Cultrable Waste Forest
Cropped Area (hectares)
Un-cultivated area ( hectares)
District
Reported Area Total Net Sown Total
Current Fallow
Area Sown More Than Once
Not Available for Cultivation 1,041,662 1,610,595
N.W.F.P
5,619,732
1,682,719
1,161,409
521,310
1,646,205
484,796
3,937,013
1,041,662
Buner
172,431
55,457
50,530
4,927
98,749
48,219
116,974
5,550
40,983
70,441
Mardan
162,085
112,834
82,592
30,242
126,661
44,069
49,251
3,138
7,932
38,181
Shangla
137,442
41,720
40,185
1,535
80,370
40,185
95,722
49,359
39,848
6,515
Swabi
148,689
87,046
76,822
10,224
105,402
28,580
61,643
26,630
26,505
8,508
Swat
506,528
98,054
97,675
379
186,005
88,330
408,474
84,524
136,705
187,245
Source: Director Agriculture Statistics, NWFP, Peshawar
As is evident from table 5-2, Buner's tobacco's acreage is lesser than the two big producers of tobacco (Districts Swabi and Mardan). Same is the case with the yield per hectare which is lesser than that of the Province as whole. The prime reason is uncertain water supplies as almost the whole of Buner is dependent on rain water for irrigation. Shortage of fertilizer and access to quality insecticides were cited as some of the major reasons for less production in Buner by farmers during the FGD. Buner has a bigger potential for being a big player in the local tobacco market provided water and non water inputs are made available. There also is a need for financial services to local small farmers as well as coherent penetration of the two giant tobacco companies in the area. Tobacco is a labour intensive crop and has the potential to create jobs, particulary for vulnerable segments of the society. Table 5-2: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of Tobacco in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)
2004-05 Area N.W.F.P 32,143 Buner Mardan Swabi Swat 3,182 6,012 13,584 767 Yield per Productio Hectare in kg n 77,335 7,385 15,675 33,306 1,370 2,406 2,321 2,607 2,452 1,786 Area 36,457 3,633 7,238 15,088 370 2005-06 Productio Yield per n Hectare in kg 87,870 7,300 18,464 37,919 509 2,410 2,009 2,551 2,513 1,376 Area 36,457 3,633 7,238 15,088 370 2006-07 Productio Yield per n Hectare in kg 87,870 7,300 18,464 37,919 509 2,410 2,009 2,551 2,513 1,376
Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP
6.1.3Wheat
Wheat is the staple diet of the area. Together with the neighbouring districts, Buner produces quality wheat for local consumption though it falls short of the local demand persistently. The province of NWFP almost always records deficit wheat. Compared with its bordering districts, Buner's climate as well as local food security requires good wheat production consistently. The per hectare wheat production is a little lower than that of the provincial average but significantly lower than neighbouring irrigation districts. In the season 2006-07, Buner produced around 7% of the total's province's wheat production with wheat cultivated on more area than in the adjoined irrigated districts of Mardan and Swabi.
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Table 5-3: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of WHEAT in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)
2004-05 Area N.W.F.P 636,525 Buner 51,485 Production 948,614 65,064 78,869 56,368 93,467 Yield per Area Hectare in kg 1,490 1,264 1,755 1,519 1,518 609,170 48,564 44,988 32,599 62,198 2005-06 Production 956,502 67,810 89,891 61,255 102,707 Yield per Hectare in kg 1,570 1,396 1,998 1,879 1,651 Area 2006-07 Production Yield per Hectare in kg 1,586 1,464 2,220 1,883 1,658
638,109 1,011,757 49,361 44,949 45,025 62,137 72,253 99,801 84,779 103,004
Mardan 44,937 Swabi Swat 37,097 61,568
6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food Security

NWFP has always been a wheat deficit province, the short fall is recouped through allocations made by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) from indigenous wheat or imports from abroad. Annual wheat requirement of the province is based on the population of the NWFP (settled areas) plus population of FATA and Afghan Refugees living in the province at prescribed scale of 124kg per head per annum. (Food Department, Govt of NWFP) Amongst its neighbouring districts, Buner has the second lowest population and corresponding wheat requirements (81 thousand tonnes). The local wheat production is almost entirely rain dependent. There was a deficit of 16 thousand tonnes in 2006-07, a trend that can be extrapolated to expand in face of the current crisis. There are fears that the ongoing year's production has largely been wasted due to the start of conflict in wheat's harvest season, and the district might experience a high shortfall of wheat in the preceding year. Table 5-4: Wheat Availability District Wise (in Thousand Tons.) 2006-07
District N.W.F.P Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat Population (000) 22,675 70 1897 577 1,329 1,685 Wheat Requirement 2,612 81 219 66 153 194 Wheat Production 1,012 72 100 21 85 103 Net Availability 911 65 90 19 76 93 Difference (Deficit/ Access) -1,701 -16 -129 -47 -77 -101
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Food security in Buner is threatened in the wake of missing the harvest, particularly for wheat crop. A joint study by Care Pakistan and IDEA asked respondents in camps/host communities in Mardan and Charassda districts the following question. If you were to return in the next few weeks, does your household have adequate food until the next harvest period? 92% of the sampled respondents said they would not have enough food for the rest of the season. A further probing on how the respondents are going to cope with such insecurity, 51% said they would sell their assets and the rest suggested a combination of using their already thin savings and seeking loans.
Source: extracted from IDEA-CIP joint assessment
6.1.5 Maize
Maize is one of the major crops for the agricultural community of the district. Following a trend line of maize production from 2004 to 2007, it is clear that Buner produces quality maize in good quantities with a lower per hectare yield than that of neighbouring districts. In 2006-07 it produced 72,253 tonnes of maize with a per hectare yield of 1464 kg. The lower per hectare produce can be attributed in large to the absence of perennial water resources for irrigation purposes in the district. Table 5-5: 3-years Maize production comparison between Buner and adjoining districts (Area in Hectares, Production in Tonnes & Yield in Kgs)
2004-05 Area N.W.F.P 636,525 Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat 51,485 44,937 21,712 37,097 61,568 Production 948,614 65,064 78,869 19,581 56,368 93,467 Yield per Hectare in kg 1,490 1,264 1,755 902 1,519 1,518 Area 609,170 48,564 44,988 22,207 32,599 62,198 2005-06 Production 956,502 67,810 89,891 19,924 61,255 102,707 Yield per Hectare in kg 1,570 1,396 1,998 897 1,879 1,651 Area 2006-07 Production Yield per Hectare in kg 1,586 1,464 2,220 927 1,883 1,658
638,109 1,011,757 49,361 44,949 22,522 45,025 62,137 72,253 99,801 20,873 84,779 103,004
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The district's residents are asked not to cultivate maize in the ongoing season. The government has banned maize cultivation citing security reasons. The agriculture department Buner in its latest estimates (20th July 2009) warns that the district risks losing 45000 hectares of maize crop worth 351 crore rupees.
6.2
HORTICULTURE
The area is famous for producing many types of fruits such as apricot, mulberry, fig, plum, walnut, wild persimmon, pear, peach, citrus and apples. However there is no big scale horticulture activities reported in the District.
6.3
LIVESTOCK
There were a total of 785,618 ruminant heads in Buner in 2006-07 including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, camel, horses and poultry. Cattles outnumber any other ruminants in the district. Buffaloes are also kept in large numbers but not favoured because of their huge water requirements.. The livestock are considered as a supplementary source of income and serves the dietary needs of the local population. There is not a single government provided veterinary service in the area. Some private vets operate in Suwari and Daggar intermittently. Mostly traditional modes of healing are relied upon for the health of such an important contributor to local food and livelihoods security. According to an assessment carried out by Save the Children NGO, 67 percent of households owned livestock prior to the conflict. The most common animals owned were cows and buffaloes, followed by sheep or goats, and horses or donkeys (see table). Of the households which owned livestock, 36 percent either lost or sold animals during the military operation and period of displacement. This mostly affected middle and lowerincome groups for whom animals are an important asset. Besides livestock, 93 percent of households owned poultry (predominantly hens) with an average ownership of 9 hens per household. During the conflict, 84 percent of households lost poultry.
Table5-6: Livestock in Buner, adjoining districts and NWFP

District N.W.F.P Buner Mardan Swabi Swat Total Cattle Buffaloes Sheep Goats Poultry Camel 41617 762 873 821 78 Horse Asses Mules
27604214 3227865 1332390 1475943 4544271 16493846 785618 101006 83395 100230 71118 100372 10200 34326 15660 59713 70053 126067 93302 504223 1158964 813820
45273 398176 44833 507 2303 2658 2394 12749 13414 34754 13828 2723 440 265 1979
1618178 181561 1203005 170607 1626561 194312
179641 1074244
Source: Directorate of livestock, Bureau of Statistics, NWFP
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Another rapid joint assessment by IDEA and CIP suggest that of the 156 (32%) households having livestock prior to migration, 54% have lost or sold all of their livestock during or after migration.
6.4
INDUSTRIAL MINERALS
According to the Directorate General of mines and minerals, the province has about 3 billion ton estimated resource of dimension stones (marble and granite) for basing its mining and processing industries. Buner has a potentially thriving mineral industry. Some of the major minerals include quartz, phosphate, dolomite, bayraite, and granite. Above all the district produced 183961 tonnes of marble in 2006-07. Table 5-7: Mineral Production in Buner 2004-2007
Buner production (in tonnes) Type of Minerals 2004-2005 Barytes Dolomite Feldspar Granite Lime Stone Marble Phosphate Quartz Surpentine 8642 1700 105403 1435 290 2005-2006 323 130 2617 980 400 204334 278 16 2006-07 183 2263 228 140 183961 536 -
Source: Directorate General Mines & Mineral Govt. of NWFP, Peshawar
Since marble is the most important industry in Buner, this study made some research on the loss of economic value to Buner's economy from this industry during the conflict.
6.5
MARBLE INDUSTRY
Marble and Granite is the sixth largest mineral extracted, the others being coal, rock salt, lime stone and china clay. Since 1990 mining & quarrying has consistently contributed 0.5% to the GDP. According to the industry estimates 1.37 million tons of marble and granite were produced while 97% of it was consumed locally. The SMEDA report on the mining industry in Pakistan suggests that mostly mining is
35
done in the country through primitive techniques including uncontrolled blasting. In majority of the mines basic machinery and equipment like compressors, drill sets and lifters are not available. This not only leads to colossal wastage but also to low production at mines. Average production of the majority of mines is 10 tons per day and none of the mine owners and workers at mines knows the technical details of the reserves, topography of the mine and chemical or geological analysis of the stone therein. The directory of Industrial establishments 2007 records 175 marble factories with investment ranging from a lowest 4 million to a highest 20 million in Buner. The average number of employed people in unit factory is less than 10. The range of output per factory varies from 15000 square foot to 40,000 square foot per month. Looking at the available data, it is easy to infer that most of the factories have mushroomed towards the first five years of this decade suggesting an intensified investment trend in the sector. Some other government figures made available suggest that a total of 215 marble factories and most of them received damages one way or the other. The following table presents the current scenario and losses incurred due to non-operation.
Cluster Buner Nowshera Swabi Swat Khyber Agency Malakand Approximate reserves Over 100 million tons
Source: Cluster mapping of Pakistan's marble sector (NWFP), 2002 1.65 million tons
0.38 million tons 25 million tons 1 million tons 1 million tons
The NWFP marble reserves constitute about 97 per cent of the country's total deposits. Among 160.2 million tons of the total estimated reserves of marble in the country, 158 million tons are in the NWFP. Further break up of this reserve is presented in table below. During the three months of military operation, the local marble industry was at a standstill. It still remains out of operations. According to a conservative estimate there are around 300 such factories in Buner spread through 5 bigger clusters. Table 5-8: Marble factories and estimated losses incurred (28 Apr-20 July 2009)
Cluster area Chamla & Sunigram Dewanababa Salarzi Karakar Total No. of marble factories 78 41 53 43 215
Source: DCO office, Buner
Estimated losses 31,200,000 861,000 11,660,000 9,460,000 6,0930,000
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The NWFP economic report conducted an integrated value chain analysis for the marble sector in NWFP. According to the report, 26% of total costs (including return on capital, hence total costs equal sales price) in marble production came from polishing, followed by packaging and distribution at 23% and stone extraction at 21%. Each stage reveals a number of cross cutting issues. Poor property rights at the extraction stage create weak incentives to create the type of investment that might increase the yield of high value blocks. The result is a chain that has excessive transport costs at the extraction stage and extra polishing costs. Entrepreneurs in the marble sector also contend with high electricity costs. Due the nature of stone extraction and the poor techniques and technology used by the industry participants, industrial waste in marble extraction and processing is higher in Pakistan than other major competing countries. The same report documents the percent of waste from Marble mining and processing for 2003/04. The total percent of waste is approximately 90-95% of which More than 60% of the waste occurs in mining, and 25-35% in processing. The Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (CMPMS) NWFP, 2002, herein after referred to as CMPMS, establishes the following major types of marble in Buner. 1. Grey marble is marketed as 'Sunny Grey'. Grey marble is explored in the western and southwestern parts of the area. Its exposed thickness in the project area is about 350 meters. It forms the highest peaks and ridges within the project site. 2. White marble with black streaks contains carbonaceous material. It is medium to coarse-textured. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It has widely spaced joints and fractures. 3. Black marble is located in the west. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It is hard and compact and highly fractured at places. The black marble in the area is mostly processed for thin plates used in floor for arrangement of different shapes. Marble Reserves in Buner
Source: Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (NWFP), 2002
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6.6
OTHER INDUSTRIES:
The industrial base of Buner is entirely based on marble. There are a few other industries outlined in table below. For most part those industries are non operational. There is only one functional flour mill in Buner with installed capacity of 140 tons/day. Table 5-9: Other major industries in Buner, 2007
Name of the unit Buner Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd Johar, Buner. Ghori Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd: Buner Ali Brothers Ice factory, daggar, Buer Ittifaq ice factory, Swari, Buner Shamakai rice husking, Buner Summer Tobacco Co: (Pvt) Ltd: Agarai, Buner. Buner Aluminium, Suwari, Buner year of establishme nt 1998 2001 1997 item of production Flour Flour ice installed capacity 200 tons/day 140 tons/day 20 tons/day Investment Rs (million) 27.5 14.5 2.7 No. of workers Closed 7 Closed
1997 1980 1991 1998
ice Rice cigarettes aluminium utensils
10 tons/day 1.5 tons/day 600 Mln Nos/ annum 30 tonnes/ annum
1.7 0.15 3.791 0.58
Closed 3 Closed Closed
Source: Department of Industries, Commerce, Labour & Mineral Development, Govt of NWFP
6.7
OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES
6.7.1 Retail businesses

Retail is another bigger sector in the local economy with villages in far off mountainous areas. Interviews were conducted with local retail merchants in 6 locations, including Sawarai, shal Bandai, Daggar, and Ambela. The local retail businesses have rudimentary structures with little value addition over longer time frames. There is a severe dearth of financial opportunities and relatives/friends remain the only source of credit and that too with a thin credit line. The retail sector is perpetually in debt. Expansion or specialization of the sector needs to be undertaken. It has the potential to become a key engine in local prosperity.
6.7.2 Remittances
The focused group discussions on traditional livelihoods patterns in the communities shows that remittances play a crucial role in local livelihoods mechanisms. It is hard to
28
find a single household in most of the villages where at least one of the family members is not in Malaysia or any of the Gulf States. There are some villages in Buner where Malaya language is spoken and understood with equal ease as that of local dialect. It is estimated that, if a household survey is conducted in Buner, remittances will be 2nd or 3rd highest source of income. Employment opportunities are negligible and 86% of the population is dependent on remittances. In the same vein, the Malakand Rural Development Project (MRDP) carried out a survey with a portion dedicated to remittance factor. The report gives the following insight; the proportion of the economically active population involved in farming was the lowest, about 63% amongst other districts of Malakand agency. There was a correspondingly low amount of people involved in unskilled labour. However, workers in Buner pursued an income-maximising strategy whereby a large proportion of them worked overseas (about 23% of the sampled population). Ground evidence supported this finding. No doubt then that Buner has the second highest per capita income amongst all districts in NWFP as reported by the NWFP's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey. The report suggest that 22% of Buner's population is working overseas, only second to Hangu district in NWFP.
6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourism

Buner is famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba and Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over the tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. During the field interviews local businesses said that they have suffered from the declining trend of tourists to their area. they feared that the trend is likely to prevail in the foreseeable future due to the conflict situation in the area. The fading trend of cultural tourism to the area has also impacted the local cultural values, said Ghani Rehma, an elder in Shalbandai village. He said that we always had beneficial interaction with outsiders and have shared a great deal on local politics, traditions, dresses, culinary skills, games and folk wisdom etc.
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7 Poverty Profile
NWFP is by far the poorest province of Pakistan, with an overall incidence of poverty substantially higher than that for the country as a whole (poverty headcount in 1998-99 for NWFP is 43% as compared to 33% for Pakistan). Both urban and rural poverty in NWFP are higher than that for the entire country (poverty headcounts for urban and rural NWFP are 31% and 47% respectively, compared to 24% and 36% respectively for all of Pakistan). The poverty rate in NWFP has declined steadily, particularly for urban areas, in the past two decades with no clear trends over longer spans of time. For example between 1993 and 1999, the decline in urban poverty in NWFP still does not match the reduced poverty throughout the rest of the country (see figure 7-1) Figure 7-1: The continuously deteriorating NWFP poverty situation 1993 to 1999
Source: Source: Draft PRSP NWFP, 2003
7.1
POVERTY CHARACTERISTICS
Buner, like the rest of the NWFP, presents unique characteristics of poverty.
n To a
larger extent poverty in Buner is due to its geography, historical evolution and location;
n The area
does not hold diverse natural resources. Empirical evidence suggests that single resource rural areas fare worse than those having diverse resources. This proposition holds truer for areas that are or have been in conflict.
n The whole
of district Buner is characterized as rural. A cursory look at rural-urban disparities in NWFP and across Pakistan suggests that rural areas are poorer than urban centers.
Draft Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers 2003, government of NWFP
40
n Similarly
gender gaps, another dimension of poverty, tend to be wider in rural areas than in urban areas of NWFP.
n Land
ownership in rural NWFP is less concentrated than for the rest of the country, and there is prevalence of small landholdings, low agriculture productivity and high rural poverty.
7.2
CORRELATES OF POVERTY
Review of secondary data and empirical evidence from the field clearly shows that the poverty correlates for the rest of NWFP stands true for Buner district as well. Some of the major correlates are given below;
n The poor are more likely to live in larger households and Buner has higher incidence
of large households(9 persons per household as reported by the 1998 census)

n Poverty
is associated with lack of asset ownership. The average size of agricultural land owned by poor households is 0.25 hectares in rural NWFP, a case that fits Buner's land distribution;
n Small
and marginal landholders are almost equally poor as those who own no land. Poverty among large landowners is significantly lower. This is particularly true for Buner as no perennial sources of irrigation are present. Tube wells are either costly to install, the aquifer too shallow, or there is no energy to run them;
n Poverty is strongly associated with lack of human capital, measured by the education
and literacy status of the head of the household and looking at the literacy rates of Buner suggest this to be the case.
7.3
POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICT

Table 7-1 below presents ranking of districts based on six key indicators: infant mortality, primary school enrolment, adult literacy, water and sanitation and income per day per capita. The results from MICS show that there is considerable variation within the province in terms of poverty and social indicators. Districts of Kohistan, Upper Dir, Bunner, Batagram, Shanga and Tank are among the poorest six districts in NWFP, and ranking extremely low in terms of social indicators. Out of the 24 districts in the province, Buner ranks 13 on the composite indicators scale. On the non income dimensions of poverty, the district is far behind the rest of NWFP. For example, it ranks far below other districts on infant mortality (9th), primary education enrolment (20th), usage of safe drinking water, adequate toiled facilities, and urban population (22nd). On income per day per capita however, it is the 2nd ranked district.
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Table: NWFP- Summary results of districts by Rankings

District Haripur Abbottabad Malakand Kohat Mansehra Peshawar Nowshera Mardan Karak Chitral Hangu Swabi Bunner Lower Dir Swat D I Khan Charsadda Bannu Lakki Marwat Tank Batgram Upper Dir Shangla Kohistan Combine Inffant d Rand mortality 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 6 2 7 5 4 8 12 3 11 10 18 9 15 21 17 13 16 14 20 23 19 22 24 Enrolled in primary 2 1 3 6 4 13 7 5 14 6 16 9 20 10 11 17 15 19 21 18 12 22 23 24 Adul literacy 15+ 2 1 7 3 5 6 10 11 4 8 14 13 22 17 9 19 16 12 15 18 21 23 20 24 Use of safe water 14 12 4 10 17 3 7 6 11 15 16 8 19 21 9 2 18 1 5 13 20 23 22 24 Adequate toilet 2 4 8 5 14 3 6 13 19 1 9 12 18 22 7 10 20 16 15 17 21 23 11 24 Average income per day per capita 3 4 8 1 7 12 11 9 15 18 5 10 2 6 17 13 14 20 22 21 16 19 24 23 Urban pop 12 7 15 2 19 1 3 5 17 13 4 8 22 18 11 10 6 16 14 9 21 20 24 23
Source: District-based Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (2001)
7.4
HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY

Buner fares well on the income poverty indicator. One recent survey carried out by Care Pakistan on the IDPs asked respondents to place their households in different income categories. Of those that responded, 8.4% had household incomes less than Rs. 1000/month, 10.8% from Rs. 1001-2000/month, 16.3% from Rs. 2001-4000, 15.7% from 4001-6000, 12.7% from 6001-8000, 12.3% from 8001-10000, 10.5% from 10,00115000, 6.9% from 15001-25000, 4.3% above 25000 while 2.2% did not have consistent income. Grouped together, 41% of the households were found to be earning in the range of Rs.4000-10000 per month. The lower end roughly equates to $50 per month and $ 1.66 per day. By the dollar one a day definition, they are not in the category of acute poverty.
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8 Damage and Needs Assessment
In many post-conflict situations the creation of adequate economic, social and political conditions to make a smoother return for displaced populations remains a huge challenge. There is little chance for displaced people to return if their places of origin do not have schools, basic health facilities and livelihoods. It is important that basic services such as water, roads, and electricity are available. During the two months military operations in Buner, substantial damage has been rendered to the government property and civilian infrastructure. The demolished, damaged and partially damaged infrastructure includes primary, secondary, and high schools, colleges, government rest houses, roads, bridges, water supply systems, vehicles and houses. Police stations were targeted at will and at least 25 police stations and related infrastructure stands destroyed (see table 8-2). Various government departments have conducted some early damage assessments but they can be described modest, at best. Some of these assessments are presented in this section.
8.1
LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

Amongst government institutions, schools were discriminatorily targeted. Table 8-1 for example assesses the damage only in two tehsils of Daggar and Gadezai only for major government infrastructure. During the field visit a few primary schools were found damaged in these two tehsils. By any intelligent guess it is not hard to imagine vast destruction in the still un-cleared areas of Buner.
Table 8-1: Detail of loses to government education institutions (28 Apr- 20 July)
Name of Damaged Property Govt Higher Secondary School Daggar Govt Girls Degree College- Daggar Govt. Degree College Daggar Headquarter Compound Rest house Daggar Circuit house Daggar Govt Higher Secondary School Gadezi Govt Girls higher secondary School Gadezi Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [
Source: District Coordinator Officer, District Buner
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Table 8-2: Police stations damaged, demolished and partially damaged in Buner
No. 1. 2. 3. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Name of Police Station Police Post Chinglai Police Quarter Chinglai Police station Gagra Police post Amnawar Police quarter Amnawar Police Post Torwarsak Police Post Durmai Police post Bagra Police Post Karakar Police quarter Karakar Police post Juwar Police quarters Juwar Police station Pir Baba Police post Kingergali Police post Nagrai Police post Ambela Police post Khanao Derai Police post Channar Police post Legani Police post Babaji Kandaw Police post Sra Thana Police post Gul Bandai Police post Darand Totalai Police rest house Karakar Police Mosque Karakar Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [
[ [
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [
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In addition to police stations, other government property targeted includes infrastructure of revenue department, education, forest departments as well as property of Frontier Corps and District Councils. Table 8-3: Summary of damages to government infrastructure in Buner
Government departments Police stations and infrastructure Frontier Corps Revenue department Education department District Council Forest Department Total
Source: district Coordination Offices, District Buner
Total number 25 1 4 7 1 2 40
8.2
LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY
8.2.1 Vehicles:
29 vehicles in the early assessment by the DCO office are reported to be destroyed. This includes trucks, motor cars, motor cycles, jeeps, raksha, and vans etc. However, this is an unscientific and real early assessment covering limited geographic area of Buner. It is feared that hundreds of vehicles have been completely destroyed or damaged during the operations.
8.3
INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The team's preliminary assessment suggests that there can be longer term interventions in the following prioritized sectors; Agriculture & Food security: Suggested interventions in the agriculture sector can be farm loans, subsidized availability of fertilizers, better seeds and insecticides, and above all provision of clean water. The displacement of the farmers in harvest season is likely to result in acute food shortages in the district. Rationing for food items at least until the next wheat crop was also recommended by locals.
45
Education: Education sector has been singled out by the militants for destruction. Most of the militant activities throughout Pakistan specifically target schools, and universities, particularly girls' schools and institutions. Special arrangements need to be made for the lost time of students due to the displacement in Buner. Educational infrastructure needs to be rebuild on priority basis. Health: Health facilities were not exemplary prior to the conflict. The militants have targeted and looted the hospital equipment and burned down several facilities. Where the infrastructure is intact, there is an acute shortage of doctors and paramedic, especially the female staff. The paramedic staff also needs gender balancing. Incentives, such as hardship allowances, might be a good idea for health professionals to work in the area.
8.4
Recommendations
1. District officers, social welfare and support staff should be deployed as soon as possible to the districts 2. Damages of building/properties need a thorough assessment. 3. The provincial government should foster long term engagement with specialized UN agencies and other international humanitarian organization with the district administration. For example, there is only one trauma center in Buner and with some effort from the government by linking local BHUs/CH with relevant donors (UNIFEM, UNICEF etc) for providing psycho-social centers will lead to sustainability of the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort. 4. Shelter houses are required on immediate basis. They can be later turned into community grain storages or put to other productive purposes. 5. A comprehensive conflict analysis should be carried out and based on that meaningful interventions should be designed. 6. There is an acute need for livelihood generation on sustainable basis. The Marble industry needs to be modernized in accordance with an exhaustive study (the Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's marble industry; NWFP). In addition agriculture, particularly the tobacco sector needs reforms.
Exhibit 1: Stakeholders' list

The following is a list of district level stakeholders- both public and private- contacted during the primary data collection exercise.
46
List of District Officials

S. No. Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Yahya Akhunzada Rashid Khan Abid Kamal Musharraf Khan Syed Bahadur Shah Sher Afzal Khan Muhammad Sahib Dr. Maqsood Liaqat Ali Khan Mir Aslam Khan Jamshaid Khan Faza-i-Aeeml Designation DCO Buner DPO Buner EDO Agriculture EDO Finance & Planning District Social Welfare Officer Executive District Education Officer District Education Officer EDO Health TMO Dagger 1 and Secretary District Council TMO Swarai SDO C&W Assistant Distrit Health Officer
47
NOTES:
Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP-I, 2005) and (PRSP-II, 2009) NWFP Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (Draft- 2003) Early Recovery Plan, Government of NWFP Draft Assessments of the Executive District Officer Health, District Buner Comprehensive Development Strategy 2009-15, Govt of NWFP Draft Situation Analysis for Buner, International Medical Corp Directorate of Food, NWFP Peshawar Industrial Directory 2007. Industries, Commerce, Labour, Mineral Development, Technical Education Department, Govt of NWFP. Marble and Granite Sector Brief, 2002. Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Govt of Pakistan. Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of NWFP, May 2002. Provincial Census Report of N.W.F.P October 2000. District Health Profile Buner, Paiman North West Frontier Province Economic Report, 2005. Poverty Reduction & Economic Management Unit, South Asia Region, World Bank & Govt of the NWFP Horticulture Sector Brief by Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Govt of Pakistan. Agriculture Census Organization (2000), Agriculture census 2000, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan Federal Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan Integrated Household Survey (PIHS) 1998/99 and 2001/2002 Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan. Federal Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force Survey, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan Government of NWFP (2001), NWFP Multi Indicators Cluster Survey, Planning and development Department. Government of NWFP (2004), Five Year Plan for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Peshawar: Works and Services department Government of NWFP, Agricultural Statistics, Bureau of Statistics, Peshawar (various issues)
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Towards a Conflict-Sensitive Development Framework (CSDF)

Lack of baseline information and key social statistics in NWFP has been identified as a major bottleneck in timely planning and effective designing of development interventions, primarily in the affected districts of the province. District baseline series is the CPPR initiative to concisely and accurately document profiles of select districts, with the intent to provide a starting point for policy research and development interventions in the region. The baseline also serves as a major component in an integrated assessment series, which also includes Poverty & Social Impact Assessment (PSIA) and Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA) of the districts. These studies will contribute towards the Center's plans to establish a CSDF for the province, in line with the public priorities and UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Centre for Public Policy Research www.cppr.edu.pk
Institute of Management Sciences 1-A, Sector E/5, Phase - VII, Hayatabad, Peshawar Voice: 091-5861024, 091-5861025

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District Buner: A Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Center for Public Policy Research Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar

1.2 1.3 1.4

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION & INSTITUTIONS

BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND PRELUDE TO THE CONFLICT1 10

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES

DAMAGE AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT

From the Editors' Desk

1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection

1.1.2 Statistical Rigour and Survey Limitations

LAYOUT OF THE REPORT

1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & Forests

MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTEREST

2 Social Organization & Institutions

TRIBES AND RACES

No/%age 9 4.3 2.1 39 55 6

NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

3 Brief Historical Overview and Prelude to the Conflict1

PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT

ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION

Table 3-1 Dependency ratio of District Buner (1998)

DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICT

5 Social Infrastructure and Amenities

Buner Mardan Shangla Swabi Swat

60 196 47 107 206

Source: Director General Health Services, NWFP, Peshawar

Source: Adopted from Paiman's District Health Profile for Buner

5.1.1 Conflict and Health

Remarks Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants Stolen by Militants

n Measures should be taken to boost the preventive health initiatives.

Total Number of Educational Institutions

Co education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education Co-education

Source: Education directorate, NWFP

Source: adopted form the Directorate of Higher Education, NWFP, Peshawar

5.2.1 Education and conflict

Daggar Gadezai Gadezai Daggar Daggar

GGPS Bazargai GHS Gatkala

Gadezai Gadezai Gadezai

Completely destroyed Needs to be reconstructed in the conflict Completely destroyed Do Do Do Do Do

Chagharzai Completely destroyed Gadezai Completely destroyed

Chagharzai Completely destroyed Completely destroyed by the militants

Degree college for Girls Juwar Gadezi

Source: EDO Education Office, District Buner

institutions (Particularly professional institutions) of the country.

Source: Chief Engineer, Works & Services, NWFP, Peshawar

SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGY

6039 (including 74 women) 2604

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

Area 000 Hectare 0.44

Production 000 Ton 4.08

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

6.1.1 Land Utilization in Buner

Cultivated Area (in hectares) Total Cultrable Waste Forest

Cropped Area (hectares)

Un-cultivated area ( hectares)

Reported Area Total Net Sown Total

Area Sown More Than Once

Not Available for Cultivation 1,041,662 1,610,595

Source: Director Agriculture Statistics, NWFP, Peshawar

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

Mardan 44,937 Swabi Swat 37,097 61,568

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food Security