Understanding livelihood vulnerability under water scarcity: A qualitative study of agri-resource communities in Pakistan’s rain-fed areas

In Pakistan's rain-fed regions, where agriculture is the main source of revenue and subsistence, water scarcity is a serious danger to rural livelihoods. This study examines livelihood vulnerability in three Punjabi rain-fed districts: Jhelum (low rainfall), Chakwal (middle rainfall), and Attock (high rainfall) under water stress. Using a constructivist paradigm and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as a guide, 30 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with farming households, community members, and agricultural extension officials were used to gather qualitative data. The results show that crop productivity, livestock health, and family food security are all adversely harmed by rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and frequent droughts. However, socioeconomic disparities, a lack of institutional assistance, and deeply ingrained gender norms all contribute to vulnerability, which goes beyond environmental stresses. Despite their crucial roles in farming and family management, women in particular bear disproportionate responsibilities because of time-consuming water collection, decreased mobility, limited decision-making authority, and limited access to extension services. Crop diversification, managing small animals, migration, informal savings networks, and soil-moisture conservation are examples of coping mechanisms, however they only offer short-term respite. The study emphasizes that household-level modifications are still insufficient in the absence of structural reforms. The critical need for gender-sensitive, inclusive policies that improve access to technical and financial resources, fortify community-based resilience, and include women in decision-making processes is emphasized in the conclusion. This study offers context-specific insights and policy recommendations for enhancing rural livelihoods and adaptive capacity in semi-arid, water-scarce contexts by elevating local voices and gendered perspectives.