ACCESS TO CLIMATE INFORMATION SERVICES AND ADOPTION OF WEATHER-BASED AGRICULTURAL DECISIONS AMONG FARMERS IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Agriculture is facing major challenges due to climate change in Pakistan, thus, the availability of timely and accessible climate information becomes crucial to make informed agriculture decisions. The present study aimed at examining the availability of Climate Information Services (CIS) for the farmers, the adoption of weather-based agricultural practices and the factors influencing the adoption in selected districts of Punjab (Pakistan). A cross sectional quantitative survey design was suggested and 400 farmers were selected from four towns of Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal. The data was gathered using a structured questionnaire which included sections pertaining to the socioeconomic characteristics, various sources of climate information, the quality of information perceived, agricultural decision making and challenges in the use of information. The study variables were examined using descriptive statistics, chi-square, independent-samples t-test, binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression. The illustrative findings showed that 68.5% of the respondents had access to climate information and 54.0% of the respondents had implemented at least one agricultural practice based on weather information. The most commonly cited information sources were mobile based advisory services (46.0%) and television (42.0%). The most frequent practices were irrigation scheduling (38.0%) and also the adjustment of sowing dates (32.0%). The use of climate information, smartphone use, extension contact, educational level, and perceived reliability of the forecast were all positive predictors of the adoption. Among reported barriers were limited digital literacy (47.0%), unreliable forecasts (43.0%) and insufficiently localized information (39.0%). In summary, the results underscore the need for enhancing the accuracy of localized weather forecasts, digital accessibility, and agricultural extension services to boost climate-informed decision-making and agricultural resilience in Punjab.