Example from Pakistan: Community-Managed Rainwater Harvesting in Tharparkar, Sindh
A strong example of a community-centered climate adaptation plan in Pakistan comes from Tharparkar district in Sindh, where communities have implemented rainwater harvesting systems to cope with recurring drought. Local communities, together with NGOs and local government, designed small rainwater ponds and household tanks to store rainfall for drinking and livestock purposes. The adaptation plan emerged directly from community consultations in which residents identified water scarcity as their most urgent climate challenge. Women’s groups, village elders, and youth all participated in selecting sites, managing systems, and establishing maintenance committees, ensuring that the plan reflected local priorities rather than being externally imposed.
The plan strongly represents community values because it builds on traditional practices of water sharing and collective decision-making. It particularly recognizes the role of women, who are primarily responsible for collecting water, and includes them in leadership and management. In terms of addressing challenges, the project reduces long walking distances for water collection, improves livestock survival during droughts, and decreases reliance on unsafe water sources, which previously led to health problems. Vulnerability was adequately assessed through participatory rural appraisals, mapping drought-affected households, and documenting the impacts on livelihoods and nutrition.
The adaptation plan also demonstrates conflict resolution mechanisms. Water committees developed local rules about fair water distribution, prioritizing drinking water during shortages, and mediating disputes when demand exceeded supply. Because the rules were created collectively, they were widely accepted within the community. The plan has largely met community expectations by reducing the burden on women and children, improving household water security, and stabilizing livelihoods connected to livestock. Finally, the project contributes to long-term adaptive capacity by strengthening local institutions, building technical skills in water management, encouraging cooperation, and reducing dependence on emergency relief. Overall, it shows how climate adaptation becomes more effective and sustainable when communities are placed at the center of planning and decision-making.