Dasht

1. Community demographics

Local authority figures who used a 2016 Habitat Survey estimated that there 1000 - 3000 households with 10,000 to 20,000 people (1) living in Dasht. All the Inhabitants of the area were said to be Hazara and are predominantly Dari speakers. The majority are children and youth (under the age of 24). Local authority figures spoke about numerous health concerns including tuberculosis, cancer, seasonal diseases as well as problems associated with pregnancy and delivery.

There is an IDP population of approximately 500 households and 2500 people living in the community (1), renting houses or living with their friends. IDPs mainly originate from Shahristan and Gezab districts and were said to be displaced because of war and unemployment, with many working in brick-making. Approximately 50 households with 300 people are returnee migrants mostly from Iran and some from Pakistan, with some key informants there could be an even higher number of returnees. According to local key informants, it is unlikely that the area will see a significant out-flux of inhabitants over the next two years.

(1) One of the key informants said there was no IDP population.

2. Community geography

Chast is located amongst hills and is surrounded by rocky mountains on three sides. The village has large trenches running through it which conserve some amounts of water during the spring. The Lazir river is approximately 15km away from the village but is not used for irrigation because of the difference in elevation between the river and the high-lying farmlands.

The adobe houses made from clay with stone cornerstones are spread across a large area and are not densely located. There are mosques, schools, hotels, a clinic and hospital as well as parking lots for vehicles. The potable water wells that are in use in the village were said to lack water in the summer season.

3. Economic profile

The community members are engaged in agriculture, manual labor or shop-keeping. There are a few people trying to build chicken farms, which are not yet operational. Key informants spoke about how people switch to whichever employment is profitable at the time and gave the example of a tailor switching to construction work and laboring dependent on the time of year. Local authority figures also spoke about how people have recently started engaging in work at home to make money, predominantly women. Activities include needle work, tailoring and growing plants in their warm-houses.

Shura leader –

“The strengths of our community are our unity, abundance of almonds, our mineral resources and our cultural growth. Shura member: yes, I agree, these are true.”

4. Energy profile

There is no grid electricity in Chast. People use solar home systems with low capacity to light a single lamp or use solar lanterns. People use wood and gas for cooking with clay stoves. Community members also use wood and mountain thorns for heating along with animal dung. Generators that can power a household were said to be available for purchase as well.