The earthquake that struck northern Pakistan as well as parts of India and Afghanistan on 8 October 2005, killed more than 83000 people in Pakistan and left nearly 3.5 million people without shelter. The human tragedy was compounded by major losses of productive assets and infrastructure. The affected areas were already among the most food-insecure in the country, characterized by remote locations, smalil and hoidings and very low literacy rates; 80 percent the people here derived their livelihoods from agriculture.

As an immediate response, FAO participated in the UN Flash Appeal with a post-earthquake early recovery and short-term rehabilitation programme for a total amount of US$25 million and, by January 2006, had allocated US$400 000 of its own funds for the purpose. FAO's emergency assistance programme focused on 200 000 affected farming households to protect and restore agriculture-based livelihoods by providing most needed agricultural inputs (seeds, animal feed and fertilizer).

FAO also contributed to the Conferral cluster assessment process initiated by donors, the UN system and national and international NGOs and fielded a rapid assessment mission to provide the basis for the preparation of a coherent Early Recovery Plan as well as a Post Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Plan for the agriculture sector. FAO's assessment found that direct and indirect losses to crops, livestock and irrigation infrastructure in the country amounted to more than US$409 million.

About one million people will need support to restore productive assets, in particular agricultural assets and infrastructure. Priorities proposed by the affected people include drinking king water, shelter for the family, shelter for livestock, work and income, food and fodder for winter, land leveling a nd rehabilitation, seeds and fertilizer, and long-term loans. FAO is working with the Government, local a authorities and others involved in agricultural relief and rehabilitation efforts to ensure coordinated and effective implementation of livelihood recovery activities.