Livelihood Dynamics of Farming Communities and Renewable Energy Spectrum in Semi-Arid Regions of Pakistan

Abstract

The semi-arid regions contribute significantly to the economy of Pakistan in terms of employment, land holding, mineral assets, crop, forage and livestock production, including dairy products and industrial production. During recent decades adaptation of renewable energy (solar energy) has proven as a fundamental tool for defeating energy challenges in Pakistan. The key objective of this study is to understand the livelihood dynamics of farming communities with regard to adequacy of solar energy for the agriculture sector. The primary data was collected from district Bhakkar through purposive sampling method and total 120 participants were approached. Various descriptive and inferential analyses were applied through SPSS and findings of the study revealed that intensive socio-economic, procedural and infrastructural transformation occurred in agriculture farming due to solar energy. More than half participants were having intentions to install solar energy for their agricultural needs. More than 79.2% of farmers were strongly in agreement regarding the lack of subsidies in the adoption of solar energy for agriculture activities. The study highlighted that there are positive social, economic, health and livelihood impacts on farming communities due to utilization of renewable energy for their basic needs.