Alleviating Climate Risks: Building Resilience in Agriculture

An interview with Mr. Iftikhar Ul Hassan Gillani, Former Additional Secretary II, Govt of Pakistan

The Acumen Climate Action Pakistan (ACAP) fund enhances the climate resilience of vulnerable farmers by providing financial support for climatesmart agricultural practices and access to innovative technologies. By funding initiatives that promote the use of drought-resistant seeds, efficient irrigation systems, and soil conservation techniques, ACAP helps farmers mitigate the risks associated with climate variability and increase their productivity.

Additionally, the fund supports the introduction of technologies such as weather forecasting tools, mobile applications for agricultural advice, and solarpowered
equipment, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and optimize resource use. Moreover, ACAP invests in capacity-building programs that educate farmers on sustainable farming practices and climate adaptation strategies, ensuring they are better equipped to handle climate impacts. The fund also facilitates market access and value chain development, helping farmers secure better prices for their produce and reduce postharvest losses. By promoting community-based approaches and engaging in policy advocacy, ACAP fosters locally relevant, sustainable solutions
and creates an enabling environment for climate adaptation. Robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks ensure continuous improvement and effective delivery of benefits to farmers.

Yes, capacity building at the community level is essential for the effective implementation of preparedness measures and the sustainability of climate adaptation efforts. When communities are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources, they are better able to understand the risks posed by climate change and develop locally relevant strategies to mitigate these risks. Community-level capacity building empowers individuals to adopt and maintain climate-smart practices, such as efficient water management and sustainable agriculture, which are crucial for long-term resilience. Additionally, it fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, ensuring that adaptation measures are more likely to be embraced and sustained over time.

Furthermore, capacity building facilitates the creation of strong local networks and institutions that can coordinate and support adaptation activities. These networks enhance communication and collaboration among community members, local governments, and other stakeholders, enabling a more effective and cohesive response to climate challenges. By strengthening the social fabric and institutional frameworks at the community level, capacity building ensures that preparedness measures are not only implemented effectively but are also adaptable to evolving climate conditions and changing community needs. This holistic approach is vital for achieving lasting resilience and sustainability in climate adaptation efforts.

Gender mainstreaming initiatives in Pakistan are essential for building climate resilience, ensuring that both men and women are equally involved in and benefit from adaptation efforts. One of the key approaches has been the development of inclusive policy frameworks that integrate gender perspectives into national and regional climate policies. These policies recognize the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of women, creating an enabling environment for both genders to participate equally in resilience-building activities. This inclusive approach is crucial in addressing the differentiated impacts of climate change on men and women and ensuring that adaptation strategies are comprehensive and effective.

Additionally, various programs focus on providing women with the knowledge and skills needed for effective climate adaptation. Training programs cover areas such as sustainable agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness, empowering women with technical skills and climate-related knowledge. This not only helps women become active participants in resilience efforts but also improves their economic independence. Furthermore, initiatives ensure that women have equal access to resources and financial services, such as microfinance, grants, and loans tailored to their needs. By promoting women’s leadership in community decision-making processes and raising awareness about the importance of gender equality in climate resilience, these initiatives foster more inclusive and effective climate strategies. These efforts collectively contribute to a more equitable and sustainable approach to building climate resilience in Pakistan, recognizing the significant contributions of both men and women.

Climate change poses significant and growing challenges for Pakistan, affecting various sectors and amplifying existing vulnerabilities. One of the most pressing issues is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These events have devastating impacts on agriculture, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and livelihoods for a large portion of its population. Flooding leads to loss of crops, livestock, and infrastructure, while droughts and heatwaves reduce crop yields and water availability, exacerbating food and water insecurity. The agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change threatens food production, rural incomes, and overall economic stability.

Additionally, climate change is contributing to the rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, which significantly impacts Pakistan’s water resources. These glaciers are crucial sources of freshwater for the Indus River system, which supports agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower generation. Accelerated glacial melt increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and can lead to long-term reductions in water availability, posing severe challenges for water management and energy production. This situation is further complicated by Pakistan’s growing population and urbanization, which increase the demand for water and exacerbate resource scarcity.

Moreover, climate change has cross-cutting effects on health, livelihoods, and social stability. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. The health sector, already facing numerous challenges, may struggle to cope with the additional burden of climate-induced health issues. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates poverty and inequality, as the most vulnerable communities, including small-scale farmers and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected. This can lead to increased migration and displacement, putting additional pressure on urban areas and potentially leading to social unrest. Addressing these complex and interrelated challenges requires comprehensive and coordinated efforts at national and local levels, integrating climate resilience into development planning and ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.