The Socioeconomic Impact of Mirani Dam in District Kech, Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to know the socioeconomic characteristics of sampled households before andafter the construction of Mirani dam right and left bank canal, which were completed in 2006. The distribution ofirrigation water was initiated in 2008 for the cultivation of land. Due to construction of dam, production of all majorcrops has increased significantly. A representative sample of 8 distributaries and 371 farm households (211 from RBCand 160 from LBC) were selected for collecting primary information from the field. According to respondents afterconstruction of both canals their income level, consumption expenditure, and saving increased. The result of this studyrevealed that the economic status of the sampled household changes after Mirani dam right and left bank canal. Withthe increase of income now they are sending more children in school than before. The average number of goats beforeMirani Dam Right and Left Bank Canal were 5.96 TLU with standard error 0.54 and after it, increased to 24.94 withstandard error 1.85. The average number of camels before Mirani dam right and left bank canal was 0.11, Sheep 0.06,Cow 0.20 and the Donkey 0.09 respectively. Whereas the average number of the camel increased to 0.32, Sheep 1.27,Cow 0.20, and Donkey 0.56 respectively. Overall after construction of the dam the production of crops, number oflivestock, dead stocks, income level, expenditure, savings, number of pucca houses and number of schools goingchildren increased significantly because socioeconomic condition of the people in the study area considerablyimproved.