Although Zhob is one of the oldest districts in Balochistan, only 4 % of its geographical area is reported. This can be seen as an indication of its rugged environment. As far as is known, the potential area for cultivation is less than 3% of the total geographical area. The district is strategically located, bordering Afghanistan and the provinces of NWFP and Punjab. The population is estimated to be nearly 350,000, which makes the district exactly as densely populated as Balochistan as a whole.

The society in Zhob is male dominated and firmly rooted in tribalism. The role of the Khan (chief) of the tribe is however limited; many decisions are taken at tribal level with the consent of a group of elders. A large number of people in the district live a nomadic or semi-nomadic life. Most people live in a joint family; in particular in Zhob town the nuclear family system also exists.

It is a male dominated society with a subordinate position for women, especially in public life. Women have a much lower literacy rate. There is a gender imbalance with regard to access to educational and health services. The influence of women in politics and in decision making in general is not at all commensurate with their contribution to the economy (work in agriculture and livestock) and with the work they do in the household.

The role of local government institutions is potentially of utmost importance for the running of the district affairs and for the further development of the district, but is in reality severely handicapped because of financial constraints. NGOs play a very marginal role in the district.

The provincial government is the most influential actor, both in administrative sense as in developmental matters.

The rainfall in Zhob district (around 300 mm. a year) is one of the highest in Balochistan. It is of course not enough for a thriving agricultural sector. The main water input in agriculture is through irrigation, with springs and perennial rivers as the main sources. Horticulture is the most important sub-sector, especially due to the increased access to electricity. Apples are the biggest crop. The main constraints are the traditional growing methods, the limited supply of water (groundwater is not available). Tribal feuds have in a number of cases played a detrimental role as well in the further development of agriculture. The role of the middlemen in marketing is still big, which negatively influences the income of the growers.

The livestock sector provides a source of livelihood to a large section of Zhob's population. Many households have sheep and goats, in herds varying from 20 to 1,000. The livestock sector has potential, since the carrying capacity of the rangelands still can sustain an expansion of the numbers of animals. Constraints are the methods used in livestock raising and the lack of training and extension facilities to improve those methods. More attention should be given to the provision of veterinary care, especially to the maintenance of the dispensaries. The Livestock Department should review its staff requirements in order to provide adequate support to this important sector.

Private enterprises play an important role in forestry. Pine- nuts and timber are the most important products. The impression is that the Forestry Department could have a more beneficial impact on the sector. A well defined partnership between public and private sector could increase the contribution of the forestry sector to the economy of the district.

Industry can be considered as non-existent in Zhob, although there is a potential for agro- industry. Many elements of the required economic infrastructure are present (as road links, electricity). The money to invest in new industries is probably also locally available, but an industrial culture has not yet developed. Another constraint is the lack of a vocational training institute which could provide skilled labour.

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