Journal of Academic Research for Humanities (JARH) is a double-blind, peer-reviewed, Open Free Access, online Multidisciplinary Research Journal
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Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026)
International Journal of Academic Research for Humanities

Research Articles

Climate-Smart Agriculture in Pakistan: Farmers’ Perceptions, Gender Inequality, and Institutional Constraints

https://doi.org/10.67244/jar.bwo-researches.v6i3.a627

Published 30-09-2026

  • Zainab Habib
    • ,
  • Neha Muskan
    • ,
  • Dr. Muhammad Habib

Zainab Habib
Scholar, International Relations, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan

Neha Muskan
Scholar, International Relations, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Habib
Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change severely affects the agricultural sector through floods, droughts, intensified heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and reduced productivity. It threatens food security & the livelihoods of farmers. This study adopts a qualitative explanatory approach to examine farmers’ perceptions of climate change and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) adoption practices, and the role of social, institutional, financial, and gender-related factors in shaping adoption decisions. The study draws on primary data from six semi-structured interviews with farmers in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, supplemented by secondary sources including academic journals, NGO reports, government documents, and development publications. The interview and documentary evidence were analysed thematically. The findings reveal robust experiential knowledge of climate change among farmers, which is influencing partial adaptation to resilient agricultural practices such as hybrid seeds, improved irrigation, agroforestry, & soil conservation. However, several obstacles, including ineffective extension services, lack of financial resources, insecure land tenure, poor policy implementation of the policy and gender disparities, drastically restrict adaptation, especially limiting the role of women in decision-making. The reviewed evidence and participant accounts indicate that NGO-led trainings can contribute to improved agricultural resilience and productivity among women farmers. The study frames Climate Smart Agriculture CSA not only as a technological innovation but as a socio-institutional imperative. It advocates for robust extension networks, gender-responsive policies, equitable access to credit and land rights, and inclusive governance to empower marginalised groups. By outlining these facilitators and barriers, the study provides policy implications for developing climate-resilient agriculture, protecting food systems, & enhancing sustainable rural development in Pakistan.

Keywords

Marginalised groups, Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), Extension Services, Sustainable rural development, Socio-institutional imperative, Gender-responsive policies

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