Assessing Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in Rajanpur District, Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the most challenging environmental issues in the 21st century. Climate change-induced natural disasters, especially floods, are the major factors of livelihood vulnerability, impacting millions of individuals worldwide. Evaluating and mitigating the effects of floods requires an in-depth understanding of the relationship between vulnerability and livelihood capital assets. Using integrated approach; sustainable livelihood framework and system thinking approach, study developed a conceptual model of generalized livelihood system in District Rajanpur, Pakistan. The model visualizes the livelihood vulnerability system as a whole and identifies the key feedback loops likely to influence the livelihood vulnerability. The study suggests that such conceptual models provide effective communication and understanding tools to stakeholders and decision-makers to anticipate the problem and design appropriate policies. It can also serve as an evaluation technique for rural livelihood policy and identify key systematic interventions. The key finding of the study reveals that household income, health and education are the major factors behind the livelihood vulnerability of the rural poor of District Rajanpur. The Pakistani government tried to reduce livelihood vulnerability of the region through different income, health, and education programs but still many changes are required to make these programs more effective especially during flood times.

Presenters

Muhammad Afzal
Student, PhD, University of Southern Queensland, Queensland, Australia

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

2025 Special Focus—Sustainable Development for a Dynamic Planet: Lessons, Priorities, and Solutions

KEYWORDS

Keywords: Livelihood Vulnerability, Rural Communities, Flood, Sustainable Livelihood Framework, System