Using Wastewater for Agriculture in Faisalabad: Appraisal of Socio-Cultural and Economic Outcomes

Abstract

The urban slums deprived of basic human needs like drinking water, and sanitation facilities are spreading in major cities like Faisalabad, Karachi, and Lahore. The wastewater generated in houses and foul water of rain is being thrown away directly into open channels or in covered sewers. The wastewater collected at disposal stations either after treatment or as such is being used for agriculture purposes by farmers placed in surrounding villages. The reuse of wastewater for agriculture is influencing the physical ecosystem as well as cultural and socio-economic situations of the community. The study was carried out to appraise cultural and socio-economic outcomes of using wastewater for agriculture in Department of Sociology, Government College University Faisalabad during January-March 2020. The data were collected both from primary and secondary sources. Certain transact walks in area of the study were made and consultative meetings with key informants were also held. 60 farmers who were using wastewater for agriculture, were selected by simple random sampling techniques. The appraisal of data revealed that reuse of wastewater for agriculture activities had positive impacts on cultural and socio-economic aspects of the rural community. The results indicated that reuse of wastewater for agriculture activities had many positive impacts on cultural and socio-economic aspects of the rural population. Price of agricultural land, rent of land, and households’ monthly income were increased. Employment opportunities were also generated. The perception of community about most of the environmental improvement was better. However, perception of farmers about impact on public health, soil structure and groundwater resources were medium or low.  It is also concluded that use of wastewater for agriculture is a beneficial source of plant nutrients and organic matter required for retaining the richness and output levels of soil that enhance living standards of inhabitants and lessen poverty.