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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Aamir Raza & Ejaz Ashraf & Saima Sadaf & Nasir Abbas Khan & Ashfaq Ahmad Shah & Bader Alhafi Alotaib & Muhammad Rafay Muzamil, 2025. "The Potential Role of Precision Agriculture in Building Sustainable Livelihoods and Farm Resilience Amid Climate Change: A Stakeholders’ Perspective from Southern Punjab, Pakistan," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:770-:d:1627758
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Muhammad Mehboob Alam & Sayed Irshad Hussain & Akhtar Hussain & Izhar Ul Hassan, 2023. "Rural Poverty profile in Pakistan: Incidence, Severity, and Correlates through Consumption Based Approach," Cogent Economics & Finance, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(2), pages 2276794-227, October.
    2. Bwambale, Erion & Abagale, Felix K. & Anornu, Geophrey K., 2022. "Smart irrigation monitoring and control strategies for improving water use efficiency in precision agriculture: A review," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    3. Awais Jabbar & Qun Wu & Jianchao Peng & Ali Sher & Asma Imran & Kunpeng Wang, 2020. "Mitigating Catastrophic Risks and Food Security Threats: Effects of Land Ownership in Southern Punjab, Pakistan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-18, December.
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