Effects of Climate Change on the Small Landholder’s Livelihoods: A Study of Tehsil Rajanpur, Punjab

Pakistan is an agricultural country and majority of the population are agrarian in its nature. It is evident that due to climate changes the sector is strongly affected. Mainly the small landholders are more affected by these climate changes. The focus of the study is small landholders. To study the area holistically the objectives of the study were to find out means by which climate change affects small landholders’ livelihoods, to study socio-economic problems faced by small landholders and to know cultural beliefs of small landholders regarding climate change, to see adaptation techniques opted by small landholders to survive the harms of climate change. To accomplish the objectives, qualitative research approach was used in which thematic research design was followed. Data was gathered through focus group discussion. Purposive sampling technique was used to select respondents. In it interviews were conducted from 70 respondents. The study resulted that extensive floods, changes in the rain pattern and increased temperature are the means by which crops are being more vulnerable to the disease. It was also found that small landholders strongly believed that the climatic changes were divinely controlled and regulated so these changes are the result of their sins and cruel deeds and they could not control it and they did not use the new technology