Despite the unfavourable climate, the area has potential for agricultural development. Currently about 90 to 95 percent of the district is depending on rain, which is not adequate available. However, Bolan’s vast "Kaccha" belt, if irrigated, could be utilised for single and mixed cropping, as it is muddy and loamy. According to the agricultural experts, the area is insect free and little spray is needed. Continuous supply of water can lead to two to three crops a year. But lack of water is as yet the major constraint in the development of agriculture. The promotion of the agricultural sector can rapidly raise the income level of the people.

Livestock is the second major but common source of livelihood for the majority of rural people. The current size of the livestock population is not clear, but potential grazing land is available for a much larger livestock population than the current statistics show.

For both agriculture and livestock development additional water resources need to be identified. The potential of water storage like karezes, springs and open surface wells should be further explored. Flood waters need to be used efficiently through the construction of delay action dams in the first place. The storage of Nari river water and flood water each year can give a boost to the development of the agricultural sector. If the Bolan dam, which has washed away, is reconstructed and water storages were built, the farmers’ demand for water could be met better..

Large segments of the Bolan population live in remote areas. The road network is not sufficiently developed. With the exception of the ones along the highway, villages and towns are linked with shingle and dirt roads, which are impassable in the rainy season. The construction of roads, as in other parts of Balochistan, can promote a socio-cultural change in the area.

The role of Sardars and tribal chiefs has always been dominant in the development affairs of the area. Based on interviews with a number of educated persons from lower and middle class and with four Deputy Commissioners who served in the district since 1992, including the sitting one, tribal pressure on the construction of roads and other development such as exploration of minerals, female schools and maintenance of law and order, is high. The Sardars are unwilling to loosen their grip on society. Tribal pressure increased after the introduction of the National Assembly (Majles Soora) and Provincial Assembly and tribal chiefs got elected into the houses. Development projects are often not initiated for reasons of technical and social welfare, but for mere political reasons.

Illiteracy, extreme poverty and poor infrastructure are major bottlenecks for the development of Bolan district. Education facilities are meagre.

The area also lacks a development culture. Many people seem to have little interest in the development of their district. When the government provides them funds for small projects, like irrigation schemes, the establishment of a bee centre or a tree plantation, fruitful results fail to appear.

Women remain overburdened with work and are often subject to male harassment. Their is no legal aid available for women threatened with Siakari, an extreme form of violation of human rights. It is difficult to educate women about their rights, hence they remain oppressed. This in turn marginalizes half the district population, which subsequently unfavourably affects the development process.