Experience of Rural Communities Facing Climate Change In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change is a major environmental and socio-economic problem to rural population, Especially in those areas where agriculture and natural resources are the main source of income. This paper examines the social lives of rural families in Swat, Mansehra, and Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan and how they experience climate fluctuation, handle its effects, and embrace the localized means of adaptation. A qualitative research design was employed, which allowed gathering data by means of semi-structured interviews with 30 people who had a variety of social and occupational backgrounds, such as students, teachers, former housewives, and farmers. The thematic analysis suggested 8 major themes, including perception of climate change, agricultural effects, economic vulnerability, water scarcity and management, health challenges, gender roles in adaptation, community networks and social support, and institutional support and government assistance. Results show that climate variability affects agriculture, income, health, and water resources and that adaptation practices are influenced by socio-economic status, gender role, indigenous knowledge and believability. The household resilience of women has a leading role, and the inadequate institutional support augmented the dependence on the local coping strategies. The paper brings out the interaction between the social vulnerability and sustainable livelihood models in the concept of rural adaptation. The findings of this study can inform the development of inclusive, community-based, and gender-sensitive climate change adaptation policies that can be used to enhance resilience and sustainable rural livelihoods in Pakistan.

Keywords: climate change, rural livelihoods, Adaptation strategies, Social vulnerability, Sustainable livelihoods, Pakistan.