International Journal of Management studies and Social Science Research

Bakht Muhammad Khan 1, Anura Widana 2 and Sadia Batool 3

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2025.5401

ABSTRACT: Background This pioneering study examined the dynamics of food habits and consumption patterns among people affected by construction of the Dasu Hydropower Project in Upper Kohistan District, Pakistan. Project implementation began in 2016 and completion is planned for 2028. As of 2024 about 3,000 households from 47 of 520 villages in the district have been relocated, and the local economy has changed dramatically. Methods Three food-related surveys were conducted: (i) in 2022, interviews with male adults from 42 households, (ii) in 2023, a detailed survey of 400 affected households, and (iii) in 2024, in-depth interviews with 55 women. All respondents were drawn from relocated households. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical tools and qualitative information was analysed thematically. Results The study found that the majority of affected households (61%) have at least one member in paid employment, a significant contrast with the pre-project period when only 27% of households did so. Consequently, purchasing power has significantly increased. In parallel, working and living together with the inmigrant project workforce has changed residents' attitudes and behaviour regarding food. Local agricultural production has decreased, food purchase has increased, meat, eggs and milk are consumed more frequently, there are more restaurants with a wider and better variety of food, eating-out has increased, and the market is now stocked daily with a much wider and fresher variety of food products than was available before the project started. Food consumption remains highly gendered, but there are signs of a trend towards more equality. Conclusions This study analysed the food habits, dietary intake and consumption patterns of households directly affected by the Dasu Hydropower Project. It found that the consumption of basic staples and high-value food items significantly improved from 2015 to 2024. In parallel, men from affected households eat-out frequently now. The sector has responded to the new demand with more food outlets, a wider cuisine and an improved supply of fresh produce to the market. The changes in food consumption and eating habits have been enabled by increased household incomes and assisted by attitudinal change resulting from close work-association with the outside workforce. The changed food habits, dietary composition, eating-out behaviour and food value chains all indicate a higher standard of living amongst the surveyed population. The conclusion of the study is that dietary transition in the affected households has occurred and is the result of growth in household incomes and behavioural change. On this note, it can be argued that some affected people’s lifestyles have improved as a result of the hydropower project. The study recommends gender-sensitive promotion of horticulture and livestock husbandry, a continuation of food-related monitoring, and applied research with a focus on the food status of the most vulnerable households, women and children.

Keyword: Dasu Hydropower project; food and nutrition; dietary composition; dining pattern; food value chain; poverty

Vasiliki Tsilimpokou

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56293/IJMSSSR.2025.5402

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this research is to study sports tourism in the Balkan countries. The forms of sports tourism are analyzed, as well as their economic and innovative impact. Then, case studies from the Balkan peninsula where sports tourism is found are reported. Finally, the final conclusions follow, where emphasis is placed on the participation of the local community and the improvement of infrastructure with sustainable ways for beneficial results.

Keyword: Balkan countries, sports tourism