CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND POVERTY DYNAMICS IN AGRARIAN BALOCHISTAN: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS UNDER SDG FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

Climate change poses severe threats to agrarian communities, particularly in vulnerable regions like Balochistan, Pakistan. This study examines the socio-economic resilience of smallholder farmers in the climate-affected Pishin-Lora Basin, focusing on the interlinkages between poverty dynamics, climate-induced vulnerabilities, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 13 (Climate Action). Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 264 farming households across Pishin and Mastung districts through surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Findings reveal low levels of economic resilience, with limited income diversification, poor access to credit, low savings, and high dependency on rain-fed agriculture. Nearly 50% of households have shifted from farming to non-agricultural livelihoods due to climate shocks. Educational attainment correlates positively with climate awareness and adaptive capacity, whereas low-income levels exacerbate vulnerability. The study concludes that enhancing resilience requires integrated interventions aligned with SDGs, focusing on livelihood diversification, access to finance, climate-smart agriculture, and institutional support to mitigate poverty and build adaptive capacity in Balochistan’s agrarian communities.