Natural Resources Management, Farming Systems and Rural Livelihoods

This paper synthesises the preliminary findings, conclusions and recommendations emerging from the first year of AREU’s study, “Applied Thematic Research into Water Management, Livestock and the Opium Economy” (abbreviated as WOL). It examines irrigation methods and water management systems, and draws linkages between water availability, livestock production and opium cultivation. Based on this analysis, the paper makes recommendations for the improvement of natural resource access, rural development and agricultural policy.