Problems and Potential of Agriculture for Improving Livelihood in Malakand Division, Pakistan
Problems and Potential of Agriculture for Improving Livelihood in Malakand Division, Pakistan
Ghani Akbar
ABSTRACT
Malakand division has rich natural resources, having large potential for agriculture and tourism development, while its strategic location indicates a tendency of increasing importance of this region in the near future. Agriculture, one of the main sources of income of 52% of population of Malakand division, is less profitable due to traditional farming methods. Therefore, this paper is aimed to investigate the key agricultural issues and to identify strategies for utilizing the full potential of agriculture for improving livelihood in this region. This study indicated that climate change induced hazards of land degradation and water scarcity due to frequent floods and droughts, decline in traditional springfed Kuhl (gravity channel) irrigation system, low productivity of crops and horticulture, less productive livestock, large postharvest losses and lack of value addition facilities are the main hurdles in utilizing the full potential of agriculture for achieving improved food security and better livelihood in this region. Lack of government spending and less available research facilities are considered the main hindrance in agricultural development in this region. Therefore, this review study was focussed on identification of strategies for the conservation of natural resources, improvement of crops, horticulture, livestock, postharvest management and farm operation sectors in Malakand division. The study illustrated the potential for agricultural improvement, explored key issues and identified strategies and recommendations for agriculture sustainability and improved food security that may lead to better livelihood in Malakand division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
