The Potential Role of Precision Agriculture in Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Farm Resilience Amid Climate Change: A Stakeholders’ Perspective from Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Aamir Raza, Ejaz Ashraf, Saima Sadaf, Nasir Abbas Khan, Ashfaq Ahmad Shah (), Bader Alhafi Alotaib and Muhammad Rafay Muzamil
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Aamir Raza: Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Studies, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 04021, Pakistan
Ejaz Ashraf: Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Studies, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 04021, Pakistan
Saima Sadaf: Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Studies, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 04021, Pakistan
Nasir Abbas Khan: School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
Ashfaq Ahmad Shah: College of Humanities and Development Studies (COHD), China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100094, China
Bader Alhafi Alotaib: Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Society, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Rafay Muzamil: Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education & Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: This study explores the potential role of precision agricultural technologies (PATs) in enhancing the physical, natural, human, financial, and social capitals of farming communities in the southern Punjab region of Pakistan, specifically focusing on the districts of Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Multan. A stratified random sampling method with proportional allocation was employed to gather insights from four heterogeneous key stakeholder groups, including progressive farmers, researchers, extension agents, and academicians, yielding a total sample of 287 respondents. A structured questionnaire utilizing a five-point Likert scale was administered, allowing the respondents to assess the perceived potential impacts of the PATs on various livelihood assets. The findings reveal that while stakeholders recognized some potential for PATs to improve physical assets, natural resources, and human capital, the overall perceived impact remained limited across all dimensions. The highest-rated potential impact was noted in crop diversity, with an average score of 2.26 in the physical capital category. In the category of natural capital, precise plant protection practices were rated the highest, with an average score of 2.31 that showed little potential change. A reduction in labor displacement issues and generating skilful employment resources, with average scores of 2.12, were rated the highest in the human capital category. A slight increase in family income, with an average score of 2.28, was observed in the financial capital category, highlighting cautious optimism among respondents. Additionally, reducing family problems and social issues, with an average score of 2.20, was rated the highest, leading to a minimal perceived change in social capital, indicating a need for integrated approaches to foster stronger community ties. The results underscore the necessity for targeted interventions that combine technological adoption with community engagement to enhance the overall resilience of farming systems. This research contributes valuable insights into adopting PATs and their implications for sustainable livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of aligning technological advancements with the unique needs of farming communities in the face of a changing climate.

Keywords: future agricultural technologies; environmental and climate resilience; agricultural resources; stakeholders’ opinions; Pakistan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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