Climate Change Impacts on Pakistan’s Mountain Agriculture: A Study on Burusho Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies Towards Livelihood Sustainability

The Hindu Kush–Karakoram–Himalayan (HKH) region has undergone drastic climate shifts over the past few decades, making mountain communities highly vulnerable to climate change-induced hazards. While many scientific studies have assessed the surging glaciers in the area, little is known about the impact of climate change and induced disasters on mountain agriculture systems. This paper, therefore, examines the effects of climate change on mountain agriculture in Pakistan’s northern areas and investigates the traditional knowledge of Burusho farmers regarding climate change adaptation and livelihood sustainability. Using a quantitative research approach, a field survey was conducted in four villages in the Hunza district of Gilgit-Baltistan, with data collected from 258 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results indicate that Burusho farmers primarily cultivate four crops, including fodder, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and nuts, for domestic and commercial use. However, many farmers have lost fertile land, crops, and fruit orchards due to the devastating effects of climate change and recent glacial floods, resulting in low crop yields and agricultural income. In order to sustain their livelihoods, farmers typically respond to hazards through self-help strategies and indigenous methods. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that current adaptation practices are insufficient in light of rising climate risks. Therefore, mountain communities require immediate support by providing as much assistance and intervention as possible to boost their adaptability to climate change and improve their socioeconomic conditions.