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Rice farming in developing countries contributes significantly to economic growth, yet it confronts diverse risks. Strengthening its resilience necessitates systematically identifying and prioritizing these risks, allowing for optimized resource allocation. The majority of published literature, however, focuses primarily on individual risks rather than comparing or ranking them according to their importance. This regime needs to be more helpful for managers and policy-makers in achieving effective management. As a result, frequent management failures are causing substantial economic losses and threatening food security in the most populous regions of the world. This study addresses these existing research gaps by systematically identifying and prioritizing these risks, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2, viz., Zero Hunger, ultimately contributing to enhanced risk management and developing countries' rice farming sector resilience. Data was obtained from Pakistan through a purposefully designed questionnaire and sourced from a pool of 412 respondents representing a spectrum of stakeholders selected by the snowball technique. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was employed to deconstruct and comprehend the data statistically. A key observation is the recognition of the main risks within rice farming, notably revolving around resource-related and external environmental risks. These risks emphasize the critical management of sub-risks of water management and pest and disease. This study also identified several risk sub-factors that are critical but have yet to be extensively discussed in the literature. Furthermore, survey respondents expressed low levels of risk perception and suggested strengthening the management system through policy reforms. To enhance the resilience of rice farming, stakeholders must engage in effective risk communication, capacity building, and policy implementation. Therefore, more comprehensive integrated risk management interventions are urgently needed to address rice farming risks for achieving SDG 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability in cotton production is inevitable because producing more cotton means more employment, economic acceleration, and industrial expansion. India, China, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan contribute 74% of worldwide cotton production. Pakistan is contributing only 5%, despite the high potential of cotton. The average yield of cotton in Pakistan is stagnant at 570.99 kg hm−2, whereas it entails the highest cost of production among all other crops. The yield obtained in Pakistan is less than the potential, profitability is drastically lessening, and farmers are abandoning cotton for alternative kharif crops. Some traditional quantitative studies have unveiled different factors that affect cotton production. However, an in-depth qualitative study has never been conducted in Pakistan to explore the root causes of growing cotton crop failure. Following Moustakas's traditional phenomenological guidelines, this phenomenological study was conducted in the district of Rahim Yar Khan in the core cotton zone of Punjab province. A total of 10 interviews were conducted with purposively selected cotton growers based on a criterion: (i) having more than 10 years of cotton growing experience, (ii) being a cotton grower, and (iii) having at least 10 years of formal schooling. Interviews were conducted face to face on an interview guide. One interview lasted 45–50 min, and responses were recorded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A total of 6 themes emerged from the collected data, including (i) climate change, (ii) varietal problems, (iii) pesticide usage, (iv) sense of institutional services, (v) attitude of farmers and (vi) soil health and environment. These six merging themes contributed to cotton crop failure and yield decline. The deep exploration further summarized that researchers, extensionists, and farmers need to seriously consider variety, sowing time, and the environment to revive cotton crops. The detailed recommendations and policy guidelines are presented in this paper, highlighting the cotton sector's research, development and investment areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lack of data about saline aquaculture in Pakistan has curtailed informed policy and investment decision making resulting in undervaluation of and underinvestment in the sector. Therefore, saline aquaculture in Pakistan is today an underdeveloped sector despite its potential as an alternative livelihood for the country's rural farmers. This study represents one of the initial exploratory investigations into saline aquaculture systems in Pakistan, aiming to comprehend the existing sectoral landscape, production challenges, post-harvest constraints, and the associated capacity and investment needs. Methods: The study employed purposive sampling to survey 121 low-income saline aquaculture farmers across five districts of Southern Punjab and Sindh provinces. The analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. Results: The results revealed that the saline aquaculture sector is predominantly male-centric, with agricultural land utilized for both agriculture and aquaculture purposes. Ponds, which usually serve multiple functions, focus primarily on carp production, but adherence to good management practices remains limited. Farmers face various challenges, including the high costs of feed and seeds, freshwater scarcity, inadequate technical knowledge, and marketing issues. Discussion and conclusion: This study serves as a foundational assessment, addressing data and information gaps crucial for supporting the sustainable development of saline aquaculture in Pakistan. To facilitate such development, the study recommends initiating programs to strengthen technical skills in saline aquaculture, together with the establishment of hatcheries and breeding stations for saline-tolerant species, aiming to reduce dependence on freshwater species in saline pond environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is having a significant impact on farmers and agriculture. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, are causing crop failures and reducing yields. This study evaluated existing publications from 2006 to 2022, using the Web of Science database, Citespace, and the Bibliometrix package in R language for a systematic analysis. A total of 426 publications were identified, written by 1449 authors from 56 countries. The results showed that China has the highest share of publications (16.4%), followed by the United States (14.3%) and Australia (6.8%), with China and Pakistan collaborating most frequently. The keyword timeline analysis from 2006 to 2022 identified 11 clusters of research topics related to farmers' climate change risk (CCRF). Cluster #1, "water conservation measures," had the longest duration, highlighting its significance. Key areas of CCRF research include the vulnerability of land-lost farmers, farmers' use of meteorological information, sources of risk, barriers to implementing conservation agriculture, farmers' attitudes towards heavy metal pollution, and the use of protection motivation theory in agricultural adaptation. In conclusion, climate change poses significant threats to farmers, impacting crop yields, soil fertility, and water availability. Farmers adopt adaptation strategies, but effectiveness varies due to resource limitations and policy gaps. The research on farmer adaptation to climate change is growing, emphasizing the need for supportive policies, resources, and knowledge-sharing to achieve sustainable agriculture and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid the epoch of global overpopulation, the agroforestry system can intervene as a novel practice that can safeguard agricultural sustainability, provide a means of livelihood, yield ecological benefits, and contribute to household food security. However, the adoption of sustained agroforestry practices requires an understanding of both farmers' personal characteristics and perceived statuses, constituting a difficult task to anticipate, analyze, and visualize. To this end, it is crucial to understand and identify the most significant factors driving the adoption of agroforestry. This research attempts to examine the determinants and psychological drivers of smallholder farmers' intention to plant trees on farmland and the factors that may discourage them from doing so. The conceptual framework of the study was developed based on the theory of planned behavior. We draw on survey data from 400 smallholder farmers in a northern irrigated plain of Pakistan. A binary logistic regression model was employed to explore how socio-psychological drivers influence farmers' decision to adopt agroforestry practices. The study results reveal that 60.5% of the respondents prefer to adopt agroforestry practices. The results from a logit estimation showed that socio-economic variables such as family size, land ownership, subsidies, livestock rearing, sources of energy, and total income had a significant positive influence on the planting of trees on farmland, while age had a negative influence. Moreover, runoff control and the control of heat significantly affect the perceptions of farmers regarding the adoption of agroforestry. The findings suggest that implementing policies that enhance the delivery of robust agricultural extension services and training programs for farmers could disseminate the agroforestry system countrywide, which might offer substantial benefits for farmers in the long term while maintaining environmental integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many susceptible regions face significant climatic threats. This study proposes an extended framework by linking the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Vulnerability Framework and Sustainable Livelihood Framework to assess the impacts of ecological indicators, household vulnerability, and climate change mitigation. A major ecological region of northwestern Pakistan with diverse geographical and climatic conditions was selected. In total, 24 adjacent rural communes were randomly selected, and 300 farm households were face‐to‐face interviewed based on a pretested questionnaire. The study findings reveal that the Charsadda District is more vulnerable to climate change, having the highest exposure level compared to the Mardan District and the district of Nowshera. Our findings also show that there are small differences in adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and adaptation measures, and sensitivity sources are relatively distinctive among these three districts, which directly and indirectly influence the perception of farmers. Based on the sensitivity analysis, the sensitivity of the Mardan District is the highest in terms of crop and livestock diseases, while the highest sensitivity in terms of water is assumed in the Charsadda District. In terms of adaptive capacity, the advantages and disadvantages varied greatly between the three targeted study districts; specifically, Nowshera had equitable adaptive capacity, Mardan leaned entirely on capital sources, and Charsadda depended solely on advantages in education level. Diverse efforts to address the risks of climate change should be proposed aptly by considering the climatic, socioeconomic, and geographical characteristics of each district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture sector is uncertain and susceptible to climatic risks. Farmer's risk attitude and risk perceptions play important roles in managing the risks at farm level. Precise and timely risk perception may help to evaluate the incidence and severity of risks while farmers' attitude determines the response of the farmers toward risk. Therefore, farmers' risk attitude and perceptions are significant in farmers' decision-making during the uncertain conditions. The present study was designed to examine the farmers' risk attitude and risk perceptions related to climatic factors. The study also focused on socioeconomic factors affecting the farmers' risk attitude and risk perceptions. The study was conducted in three districts of Punjab such as Bahawalpur, Layyah and Rahim Yar Khan. Using a multistage sampling technique, a sample of 382 respondents was interviewed from all districts. The study employed the Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent and Cubic Utility Function to assess the risk attitude. Risk matrix was used to estimate the risk perceptions related to climate factors. The study used probit model to analyze the factors affecting the risk attitude and risk perceptions among farmers. Findings of the study indicate that most of the farmers have risk averse behavior. Farmers perceive rise in temperature as high risk followed by erratic rains, wind storms and pest breakouts. The results show that farmer's age, education, farming experience and off-farm income significantly determine the farmers' risk attitude and perceptions. The study results will be helpful for policy makers and researchers to design risk management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrarian land is being converted into a non-agricultural sector, which is a matter of significant concern. This study aims to determine the factors responsible for the agrarian land conversion to the non-agricultural sector in Pakistan. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for analysis. Quantitative data were collected from 608 farmers through a questionnaire survey, while qualitative data by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study uses a logistic regression model and thematic analysis to determine the factors responsible for land conversion. Results show that farmers' education, total landholding, urbanization, and the provision of government facilities positively influence land conversion. The ratio of irrigated land and production per acre were negatively associated with such land conversion. The qualitative data identified the push factors such as the social network of farmers, institutional and economic, while the pull factors included commercial opportunities, industrialization, and future expectations. Farmers should be assisted in diversifying their farm operations to generate multiple income streams, reducing the financial pressure that might lead to their selling land. Strict policies are also necessary to control the conversion of agrarian land into use for non-agricultural activities. • The farmers' characteristics, land, geographical, and institutional factors played a role in agrarian land conversion. • Farmers' education, the price of land, urbanization, and government facilities positively influenced land conversion. • The lack of check & balance in government institutions triggered the problem. • The mixed study has provided an in-depth analysis of the factors influencing land conversion. • The regression model is checked for overfitting of the model, multicollinearity, and confounders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research evaluated farmers’ decisions to adopt organic farming. It was first introduced by developed countries to minimize environmental impacts originated by intensive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to enhance production yield. Although, organic farming offers environmentally sound methodologies for crop production, but Asian farmers are reluctant to adopt organic farming. In this study, a survival analysis (SA) was employed to determine the reasons for and the time is taken by farmers to adopt organic agriculture. This research studied the farmers’ goals, agricultural policies, and attitude towards risk, as covariates in the survival analysis. A multiple criteria decisionmaking method based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to evaluate the farmers’ goals. Data were collected from agricultural farms located in three districts in Punjab, Pakistan. A questionnaire was used to collect empirical evidence. This study reported that the farmers’ goals were crucial to their acceptance of organic farming; furthermore, young farmers and farmers with risk-inclined attitudes were more prone to adopting organic farming. The study also determined that change in policy and introduce special package for organic agriculture can encouraged the adoption of organic methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservative agriculture practice (CAP) adoption literature advocates that adoption is caused by many factors comprising cognitive, social, economic, personal, and CAP-related factors. Evaluating the adoption of CAPs as the outcome is complex and challenging with regression-based models as the systemic interdependencies of the factors offer diverse or varying results. Farmer production and environmental orientations as cognitive stances are notable interpreters of CAP adoption. The appetite level for risk-taking, innovativeness, and trust facilitates the adoption of CAPs. However, a causal-predictive technique should be used to investigate the adoption of CAP. Hence, this study engages in a configuration approach using a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA) to analyze the patterns of different types of farmers' orientations, personal level of trust on extension services, and innovativeness risk-taking attitude on the intention to adopt CAPs. The analysis is based on the 155-farmer data collected employing a structured interview from Pakistan. The results suggest that a higher level of environment orientation and innovativeness is sufficient to increase the intention to adopt CAPs. Moreover, a higher intention to adopt CAPs is achieved with a lower production orientation, a higher personal level of innovativeness, and a risk-taking attitude of the farmer. The innovativeness can help to develop the intention to adopt the CAPs among the environment and production-oriented farmers. Causal solutions offer a unique understanding that the farmers' environment and production orientation can combine to suggest inclined to adopt CAPs by having an attitude of innovativeness and risk-taking. The causal solutions achieved significant predictive validity in the holdout samples. Policy and farmer-level suggestions were made to raise the intention to adopt CAPs among the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallholder farmers in Pakistan are at the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis as their livelihoods have been disrupted due to a countrywide lockdown. This crosssectional study was conducted over the duration of two months, April and May 2020, with the aim to assess awareness of smallholder farmers regarding COVID-19, their challenges, and attitude towards governments’ lockdown strategies in Pakistan. The sample was composed of 384 cotton-wheat smallholder farmers from 1,403 villages of Bahawalnagar, Layyah, and Toba Tek Singh districts of Punjab province. Due to travel restrictions, a telephonic survey was conducted, and data were collected through a semi-structured interview schedule. The instrument contained both open and closed-ended questions and Likert scale items. Results revealed that the vast majority of the smallholder farmers was highly aware of the coronavirus disease, and they had positive attitudes towards the government lockdown strategies. However, some farmers were also facing great challenges in access to farm inputs, unavailability of farm laborers, high prices, and selling their farm produce in the market due to lockdown, which resulted in a drop of their crop incomes and lower food consumption. There remains a dire need to support them in the current crisis and address their challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agriculture sector in Pakistan is confronted with massive floods and other climate-induced disasters. Resultantly, the farmers are compelled to adopt several risk-management activities to cope with these risks. Therefore, the study aims to explore the risk management tools and their association with farmers' risk perception, risk-averse attitude, and other socio-economic factors. We collected data from 200 respondents from two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study employed a multivariate probit model to investigate the association among dependent variables (risk management tools) and explanatory variables. Findings indicated that floods and heavy rains were not the sources of risk for most of the large farmers. The majority of small farmers were risk-averse. The multivariate probit model results exposed that farmers' age, their risk perception about the heavy rains, and the size of landholding were positively associated with the adoption of assets depletion as a risk management tool. Farmers' age, education, off-farm income, and farmers' risk-averse attitude were positive, while the farming experience was negatively associated with consumption reduction. Moreover, farming experience, risk perception about the floods and heavy rains, and risk-averse attitude are positively associated with the adoption of diversification. Farmers in the study area were vulnerable, and they were relying on traditional tools of risk management. Hence, the government is suggested extending agricultural credit and crop insurance facilities to these farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tendencies of centralization of power in Pakistan since independence led to many constitutional and political controversies. It culminated in the shape of seceding of one part (East Pakistan) in 1971. It was hoped to get a lesson from this great tragedy but in vain. In the post-1971 period, the case of KP in respect of its grievances against the center on the subject of tobacco and revenue generated from the associated industry is a glaring example. In 2010, an attempt was made in the 18th amendment to re-regulate the centerprovince relations. However, keeping in view the control of the federal government over Pakistan Tobacco Board and tobacco revenue not only a bone of contention between the province and center rather it also questions the claim of ensuring provincial autonomy in the 18th amendments. Tobacco has the potential to transform the rural economy by creating huge opportunities for employment, revenue for the national exchequer, and earnings for the local concerned people. Tobacco contributes more than half of federal excise duty (FED) to the national exchequer. This paper examines the taxation system of tobacco, its division, and utilization issues and an attempt to discuss comparatively the steps taken about resources distribution among the federating units and its outcomes. In-depth interviews and focused group discussions with the concerned policymakers, farmers, politicians and political workers and stakeholders of the targeted area remained the main sources of data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agriculture sector is confronting numerous types of risk. Like other crops' farmers, rice growers are also facing multifarious challenges, including production and environmental risk. On the one hand, they are suffering from water shortage. On the other hand, if a flood occurs, there is no proper water reservation management, especially in developing countries. Global warming is another erotic topic for agriculture sustainability. To address the growers' perceptions and their attitudes toward such types of risks, a farm base survey was carried out, and rice farmers were investigated in Pakistan. Methods of equally likely certainty equivalent and risk matrix were applied to investigate the farmers' risk perceptions and attitude. A probit model was also used to estimate the factors that influence farmers' perceptions and attitudes toward risks. The outcomes of the study show that flood, input high prices, increasing temperature, and crop diseases are the perceiving risks among rice farmers. Different types of socio-economic factors are influencing farmers' risk perceptions and their attitudes, such as age, education level, a distance of farms from rivers, and non-farm income. This study provides valuable information to the policymakers and concerning authorities to apprehend agricultural risks among rice farmers and farming sustainability, especially in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farming community confronted with sundry type of risks while production and environmental risks are more significant. Farms management decisions and operations are considerably influenced by farmers' perceptions and attitude to risks. Risk management issues specific to cereals crops not properly focused in developing countries specifically to Pakistan, so this gap tried to address in this study. This research work was spotlighted to quantify farmers' perception and attitude of diverse form of risks toward rice crop in Pakistan. The present study used cross-sectional data of 450 rice farmers categorized as low, medium, and high production base six rice districts of Punjab, Pakistan. In attempting to identify farmers attitude to risk, the study used Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent approach, as farmers' perception were ranked in four catastrophic risk basis, rice diseases, high input prices, drought, and heavy rainfall and hail, by risk matrix. In estimating the factors influencing farmers' attitude and perceptions to risk, the study used Probit model. Farmers believe heavy rainfall and hails, high input prices, drought, and rice disease major threats for rice crop while mostly farmer is risk-averse behavior as indicated in the results of the study. Estimates of the study signified as education, gender, size of farm, religious, age, credit, off-farm income, farmer livestock, and experience of farming significantly influences farmer risk perception and risk attitude. This research provided applied and suitable investigation for farming community, extension services, researchers, agricultural policymakers, and insurance institutions. Farmers confronting risk and their attitude need to understand by researcher and policymakers' access them accurate information regarding sophisticated tools of risk management and risks to make sure the provision of advance extension services and agricultural finance. In formulating applied policy measures, it is prerequisite for researchers and policymakers to accurate understanding of local environmental conditions, crop-related threats, and farmers' perceptions and attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, rice is considered as the second staple food and provides livelihoods to the millions of the farm households. During recent years, rice production in Pakistan significantly decreased reportedly due to changes in climate and its induced risks. This study analyzed the incidence and severity of climate change and its induced risks in the rice-growing region of Pakistan and assessed farmers' perception and attitude by employing risk matrix and Equally Likely Certainty Equivalent model. According to the findings, the majority of the farmers were found risk-averse in behavior, while perceptions varied among different kinds of risks. Among the five kinds of risks, biological and financial risks were conceived as high risk, followed by the climate, biophysical, and social risk. Moreover, probit regression indicated farmers' age, education, landholding, off-farm income, advisory access, and credit utilization among the significant determinants of farmers' risk perceptions and attitudes. These findings suggest adopting a comprehensive approach with extended institutional and adaptation support to deal with various kinds of risks being faced by rice farmers in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have examined the impact of climatic variability on agricultural productivity, although an understanding of these effects on farmland values and their relationship to farmers’ decisions to adapt and modify their land-use practices remains nascent in developing nations. We estimated the impacts of the deviation in our study year's (2012) temperature and precipitation patterns from medium-term (1980–2011) climatic patterns on farmland values in Pakistan. This was accomplished by employing a modified form of a Ricardian regression model. We also examined farmers’ perceptions of climate change during this period, as well as their perceptions of climate change impacts on farm productivity, in addition to past and anticipated farm adaptation strategies. Our results indicate that positive temperature deviation from the medium-term mean – indicative of climatic change – affects farmland values in Pakistan. Deviation in annual cumulative precipitation conversely appears to have no significant impact. Estimates of the marginal impact of temperature deviation suggested a slight but negative linear relationship with farmland values. The location of farms in areas where farmers can avail financial or extension services conversely had a positive impact on farmland values, as did the availability of irrigation facilities. Our analysis of farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their consequent adaptation behavior indicated a relatively high degree of awareness of climatic variability that influenced a number of proactive and future anticipated farm adaptation strategies. Examples included increased use of irrigation and farm enterprise diversification, as well as land-use change, including shifting from agriculture into alternative land uses. National policy in Pakistan underscores the importance of maintaining a productive rural agricultural sector. Our findings consequently highlight the importance of appropriate adaptation strategies to maintain both farm productivity and farmland values in much of Pakistan. The implications of increased extension and financial services to enhance farmers’ potential for climate change adaptation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Livestock is an important segment of agricultural economy of Pakistan. Sensing the increasing importance of livestock in national economy, Govt. of Punjab introduced market intervention in the form of model cattle markets to enhance bargaining power of farmers. This paper attempts to analyze farmers' preferences for traditional and model livestock markets in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A sample of 100 farmers, having experience of trading in model and traditional markets, was selected purposively from Sheikhupura model cattle market. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used to analyse data. Findings of the study showed that majority of the farmers were satisfied with facilities in the model cattle market as compared to traditional livestock market. Coefficients of estimated model reveal that education of the farmers, farming experience, land holding, distance of farmers from model cattle market, number of visits of extension workers, and perceptions of farmers about prices in model cattle markets were found significant variables whereas total number of animals and perceptions of farmers about facilities in the market showed insignificant effect. Highest odd ratios were found for the variable of farmers' perceptions about good prices in model market followed by variables of land holding and total number of animals. It is concluded that role of cattle market management companies will be crucial for success of this new market model. The study suggests improving education level of farmers and activation of extension system to motivate and convince farmers to take their animals in model cattle markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climatic events and increasing population are impacting the food system's resilience. The significance of a looming food crisis may be more pronounced in a country like Pakistan. Therefore, to manage farm production sustainably, this research infers the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory to analyze small growers' pro-environmental adaptation and mitigation behaviors on the farm. The data of 250 samples were collected from the Sindh province of Pakistan. We applied the partial least squire modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the farmers' pro-environmental behaviors towards climate change mitigation and adaptation practices in farm productions. The results provide evidence that farmers' pro-environmental personal norms R2(80.2%), explain mitigation attitudes (41.2%), and (29.0%) adaptation behaviors of growers. All antecedents of VBN theory reveal robustness and significantly positive relationships except for egoistic values. Thus, pro-environmental personal norms predicted the farmers-orientation behaviors significantly toward the climate variability adaptation practices and mitigation attitudes. Moreover, findings indicate that the VBN theory enacts well when expounding altruistic values and biospheric values of farmers' mitigation attitudes and adaptation behaviors. Despite guaranteeing food security, this research suggests designing policy tools to encourage small growers' pro-environmental behaviors in response to climatic changes to increase sustainable agricultural production in the region. • This research used the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation behaviors in farm production. • This study empirically examines the determinants of growers' pro-environmental personal norms towards mitigation and adaption via partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). • The VBN theory provides evidence that farmers' pro-environmental personal norms R2(80.2%) explain mitigation attitudes (41.2%) and (29.0%) adaptation behaviors toward climate change. • Thus, pro-environmental personal norms predicted the farmers-orientation behaviors significantly toward the climate variability adaptation practices and mitigation attitudes. • This study implicates future policies that promote effective and sustainable pro-environmental behavioral changes in agriculture while ensuring regional food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privatization of extension services changes the ownership from public to private sector which is also facing so many other challenges. In the situation when economy of the country is sinking and public sector extension is facing financial constraints, commercialization of extension services is being suggested an option simultaneously keeping hold of the government extension system and also to generate profit. A study was conducted in the Institute of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development during the year 2015 to explore strengths and weaknesses of commercialization of agricultural extension services in the Punjab. District Sargodha was selected as study area from citrus growing areas of the Punjab. Multistage sampling technique was used for data collection. At first stage one district (district Sargodha) was selected purposively, at and second stage four tehsils (Silanwali, Kot Momin, Sargodha and Bhalwal) were selected randomly. In view the limitations of time and financial resources, a sample of 400 (100 from each tehsil) was drawn from the entire population using Fitz table for sample size. The results showed that about one-fifth of the respondents had full access to public sector advisory services while majority of selected citrus farmers had not adequate access to these services. Only one fifth of the respondents showed their satisfaction with the availability of these services. Higher farm output was ranked first among all the strengths of commercialization whereas financial burden on farmers was perceived as major weakness in commercialization. Among different strategies to reform agricultural extension services, structural issue was major constraint whereas policy and governance were found as the potential threats in the way of commercialization. It was suggested that commercialized extension services should be need oriented, cost effective, timely available and good governed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In parts of Pakistan, the sustainability of conventional flooded rice systems is threatened by diminishing resources, particularly – land, water, and labour. The adoption of aerobic rice system (ARS), an alternative to the conventional systems, could considerably increase resource-use efficiencies. Information on farmer perceptions is vital to identify socio-technological factors of adoption. Our aim was to understand and analyse farmer perceptions about ARS in regards to future adoption. We conducted our study in the Pakistani Punjab with three groups of farmers: (I) informant farmers in rice–wheat system who trialled ARS in a participatory research trial ( n = 70), (II) rice farmers in rice–wheat, mixed-cropping and cotton–wheat system with no experience of ARS ( n = 97), and (III) non-rice farmers in mixed-cropping and cotton–wheat system ( n = 48). Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and analysed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. More than half of respondents in groups II and III had never heard of ARS, though, 76% were open to experimenting. Across three groups, farmers perceived ARS as a means of increasing resource-use efficiency particularly for labour, net profitability, and an option for crop diversification in the mixed-cropping system. Perceived threats were weeds, diseases, poor germination, spikelet sterility, low yields, and frequent irrigation requirement. Deciding factors for repeat ARS plantings by group I were: ease of operation due to direct seeding, good income, and low input requirement. Deciding factors against repeat plantings were: unavailability of suitable fine grain basmati varieties, falling water table, weed problem, and unsuitable soil type. The results suggest that aerobic rice is an interesting alternative to traditional rice production as evident from the willingness to plant again by 73% group I demonstration households but the unavailability of well-adapted basmati varieties hampers its expansion. Farmers’ appreciation of risks and benefits can pave the way for large-scale adoption. Associated risks can be reduced by filling the identified knowledge or technological gaps through additional research and farmer awareness programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to get insight about farmers' intention towards adoption of micro catchments as a useful tool for rainwater harvesting. The assessment of acceptability and compatibility of the intervention through farmers' perceptions, feed-back, practices and intentions regarding up-scaling the technology would develop the up-scaling and sustainability options for wider area. Under Watershed Rehabilitation and Irrigation Improvement Project besides other technologies, rainwater harvesting through micro catch-ments were demonstrated by Soil and Water Conservation Research Institute (SWCRI) in Pothwar area, Pakistan. The results highlight that the technology is not only suitable for in situ water conservation for fruit plants but also cost effective, water, labor and resource saving along with farmer friendly under rainfed condition with scare supplemental water availability. The cost of adoption of technology including labor charges for its preparation and maintenance was recovered from irrigation cost saved from single rainfall at the demonstration site. One of the important implications drawn in this regard was the need of a shift from site development to skill development. The same was derived as an important recommendation during assessment and evaluation of different demonstration and dissemination activities being conducted under Watershed Project. This shift could catalyze the technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptation to climate change is a complex process and requires sound understanding of how climatic changes are perceived and interpreted at local level by dairy farmers. This study is therefore designed to investigate the climatic risk perception, risk attitude, determinants of adaptation measures/strategies and constraints faced by the dairy farmers. The present study is among the pioneering studies considering dairy sector in developing countries in general and Pakistan in particular. A well-structured questionnaire was used to interview 450 dairy households from three agro-ecological zones of Punjab province of Pakistan. The study employed binary logit models to determine the influence of climate risk perception, risk attitude and other factors on adaptation decision of farmers. The findings of study revealed that climatic risk perception and risk tolerant nature of farmers positively influenced the use of adaptation measures such as selling of weak/diseased animals, migration, off-farm income activities and changes in cropping pattern, while risk averse behavior had negative impact on adaptation decisions. Among other determinants, education, farming experience, number of dairy animals, access to extension/veterinary officer and access to credit facilities has positive and significant influence on adaptation to climate change. Study also identified major constraints (socio-psychological, economic, technical, infrastructural/institutional and communicational) preventing dairy farmers to adopt adaptation measures against climatic risks. The study posits important policy measures. • Climate change severely devastating the agriculture productivity and its allied sector dairy production in developing countries like Pakistan. • Timely adaptation is the only solution to mitigate the undesirable effects of climate change on dairy production. • Perception about climate changes, attitude of farmers and socioeconomic and access to institutional services significantly influences the adaptation decisions. • Study recommends government should provide some support to small farmers in terms of institutional services and provision of feed and medicines in the time of climatic risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pastoralists' awareness of infectious disease outbreaks depends on their socioeconomic characteristics and considerably affects their land use strategies. This study aimed to identify the factors that affect transhumant communities' awareness of recently emerged Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in humans and foot and mouth disease (FMD) in animals. This study also investigated the key factors that govern the adoption of alternative land use strategies by nonmigrating transhumants to avoid seasonal migration in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan (HKH) region of Pakistan. To link the awareness of disease spread to the adoption of alternative land use strategies, a focus group discussion and a socioeconomic survey were conducted in the study area. A total of 300 households were randomly selected from a nonmigrating transhumant community. The results of the binary logit model showed that landholding size, good relationships with extension field staff, and extension contact were positively related, whereas household education was negatively related to pastoralists' awareness of infectious disease outbreaks. In the case of adopting alternative strategies to avoid future long-distance migration, our model showed that pastoralists' awareness of infectious disease outbreaks significantly and positively affected pastoralists' adoption of these strategies. The other variables that were positively associated with the pastoralists' adoption of these strategies included good relationships with extension field staff, household size and primary dependence on pastoral-based livelihood, whereas the education level of the head of the household, lack of financial resources and disputes over agricultural lands/forests were negatively associated with the pastoralists' adoption of these strategies. We conclude that to avoid infectious disease spread and promote adoption of alternative strategies, the government should pay attention to creating awareness among transhumant communities. Communicating the latest scientific research on infectious disease outbreaks and effective control measures that are translated in an understandable (pictographic) manner could be an effective policy intervention. • Transhumant communities are widely believed as the main source of infectious diseases outspread in human and animals. • The socio-economic dynamics of transhumant communities can have an important influence on wide spread awareness of infectious diseases outspread and adoption of alternative land use strategies. • The study recommends that any intervention aimed at farmers' awareness should increase farmers' confidence in extension services through better extension contact in order to raise adoption of novel practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in the rice-growing zone of Punjab province, where rice production is affected by climate variabilities. The study aimed to assess farmers' perception of and adaptation to climate variability and its associated factors. Cross-sectional data of 480 rice growers was collected from the four rice-growing districts in Punjab using a multi-stage sampling approach. A multivariate probit model is used to analyze the determinants of farmers' adaptation decisions, and an ordered probit model is employed to estimate the factors affecting adaptation intensity. We find that farmers perceived significant changes in local climate, i.e., increase in summer temperature, decrease in summer rainfall, and changing pattern of rainfall and winter cropping season. Rice growers applied supplementary irrigation, changed rice cultivation dates, considered fertilizer management and crop diversification, and changed crop varieties as adaptation strategies to cope with climatic variability. The results of the multivariate probit model indicate farmers' age, farm size, availability of water resources, livestock ownership, off-farm income, and access to farm advisory services, credit, and climate information as significant determinants of adaptation strategies. The ordered probit model shows a positive and significant effect of farmers' education level and availability of irrigation water, farm labor, credit, farm advisory services, and climate information on adaptation intensity. The findings identify lack of water resources, financial constraints, and limited advisory services as key barriers to adaptation. This study suggests that the government should adopt a proactive approach to support farming communities to adapt to climate variability through improved access to water resources, advisory services, and credit services. • Climate variability is negatively impacting rice production in Pakistan. • This study analyses farm level perception and adaptation practices to climate variability. • Rice farmers perceive climate variability and adopt different adaptation measures. • Farmers' access to extension services, credit, labor, and irrigation source improves adaptation. • This study provides implications in designing extended adaptation framework in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The study estimates farmers' intention, barriers & drivers to use improved grassland. • Theory of planned behavior determined farmers' intention to use improved grassland. • Favorable attitude was found to use improved grassland, which is emerged from beliefs. • Socioeconomic factors were the main barriers to not using improved grassland. • Farmers were strongly encouraged by peer farmers & friends to use improved grassland. The study aims to estimate farmers' intentions, barriers, and drivers to use improved grassland. In 2019, following a snowball sampling technique, 240 farmers from district Mansehra of Pakistan were interviewed using a well-structured questionnaire. During interviews, detailed questions were asked about socioeconomic variables, behavior belief, normative belief, and control belief. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to determine farmers' cognitive and socio-psychological behavior to use improved grassland. Comparative to non-users, the grassland users were found with higher age, more education, large herd size, more milking animals, and milk yield. Factors such as large family size, higher dependency burden, less satisfaction from livestock farming, non-farm income, and lack of grassland ownership were the barriers to not using improved grassland in the study area. Path analysis confirmed that farmers who formed favourable attitudes to use improved grassland, had perceived strong social pressure. Moreover, they have had perceived difficulty and likely to believe that they control this behaviour and develop a firm intention to use improved grassland. A favorable attitude was found to use improved grassland, which is emerged from beliefs. Farmers were strongly agreed with statements that the improved grassland is beneficial for pasture availability throughout the year and to increase feed and milk production. Moreover, farmers were strongly encouraged by peer farmers and friends to use improved grassland, and they expressed a high degree of motivation to comply with the referents. Similarly, animal welfare concerns have positive while moral norms and self-identity negatively and significantly correlated with farmers' intention to use improved grassland. The estimated behavior belief, normative belief, and perceived behavior control significantly correlated with farmers' intention. While perceived difficulty negatively correlated with the intention. The study findings suggest to develop a proper framework of extension services to increase awareness of using improved grassland for sustainable pasture production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Farm households perceive different climatic events: variation in precipitation, rise in temperature, floods and droughts. • Farm households' decision about climate change adaptation strategies depends on their resource's availability. • Aware farm households are more willing to adapt the new adaptation strategies. • Socio economics conditions of farm households affect awareness level of farm households. • Access to extension services/awareness of climate change by institutional services, need to be enhanced. Climate change is an environmental threat to all the sectors, especially the agricultural sector around the globe. Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable regions to extreme climatic events in developing world especially in Southeast Asia. Pakistan has detrimentally affected by the climatic variations due to its high exposure to extreme climatic events. Several studies have reported the farm households' perception, adaptation and mitigation about climate change but there is inadequate knowledge available on the awareness of farm households about climate change in Pakistan. To fill this research gap, the purpose of research aims to examine the Pakistani farm household's awareness level of climate change and its associated factors. By using structured questionnaire in data of 400 study participants were collected from four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan through a household's survey. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized for collection of primary data. A probit model approach was employed to analyze the farm households' awareness of climate change and its associated socioeconomic and demographic variables. Results of our study exposed that 73 % farm households were aware of climate change. Socio economics and demographic variables such as age of farm households, education level, farming experience, land ownership status, extension and information sources access were pointedly related to farm households' awareness of climate change. Further, results of our study showed that the evaluation of farm households' adaptation behavior suggests that farm households are active in using several adaptation strategies such as crop diversification and use of irrigation etc. It is expected that the findings of the present research will be helpful to guide governmental agencies and policymakers and contribute to the construction of sustainable adaptation measures in Pakistan and other regions in the framework of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pakistan is highly vulnerable and exposed to extreme climatic events. • Farmers' risk perception and attitude are crucial factors influencing farm-related decisions. • Majority of the farmers were aware of climate change. • The farmers adapted several adaptation measures to cope with climate change. • Several factors, including poverty and credit constraints, make farmers more vulnerable. Pakistan is highly vulnerable to extreme climatic events, such as floods and droughts. This study determines the farmers' risk perception, risk attitude, adaptation measures and various aspects of vulnerability to climate change (e.g. floods, droughts, heavy rainfalls, pests and disease) at farm level in rural Pakistan. The risk perception and attitude of farm households are crucial factors that influence farm productivity, investment and management decisions at this level. A well-designed questionnaire was used to interview 720 farm households from six districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A binary logit model was used to determine the main factors that affect the choice of adaptation strategies of the farm household. The findings revealed that crop diversification, changing crop varieties, altering the crop calendar, varying the fertilizer used, mulching and farm insurance were the main adaptation strategies followed by farm households. The results of the binary logit model revealed that age, education, farm size, household size, credit accessibility, annual income and the perception on the increase in temperature and decrease in rainfall had significant influence on the selection of the adaption strategies. The findings of this study can provide guidance, policy recommendations and reference for future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]