14. The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme: An Approach to Village Management Systems in Northern Pakistan

The unseen, unknown and misunderstood: complexities of development in Hunza, Pakistan

“…The reasons for reluctance to take opportunities for development, or problems in carrying initiatives through may arise from deep-seated traditions and schisms which are often difficult to identify even after the damage is done. Such inequalities in the effect of initiatives were recently noted by Bebblngton (1997) in the Andes, and in Hunza by Husain (1992). A selection of these issues are raised below, but first a case study is presented which illustrates a number of these apparent anomalies in the outcome of development initiatives.…”

“…Problems of the slow development of land following the completion of irrigation channels have been reported by AKRSP with reference to Passu in upper Hunza (Husain, 1992). Here lack of consensus over the allocation of land to be supplied by the new channel has meant that benefits from this channel are temporarily suspended.…”

“…This approach contrasts with the traditional 'soft approach' where the Government took control of provision of development infrastructure, often not meeting the requirements of the local population. The AKRSP has, in effect, filled the power vacuum left by the deposed Mir in 1974, and has allowed a more effective mobilisation and organisation of interested local participants to take up opportunities for the development of infrastructure, technology and market economy (Husain, 1992) The AKRSP is primarily concerned with agricultural development, health and education. The main agricultural projects (Productive Physical Infrastructure) include irrigation channels, link roads to the KKH and microhydel plants, and, more specifically, crop and livestock improvement and technological development (machinery, fertilisers, etc.).…”