Integrating Climate Change Adaptation and Water Resource Management into Educational Curricula: A Case Study of Balochistan

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and most geographically diverse province, is facing increasing pressure from the intensifying effects of climate change. The province's arid climate, low water infrastructure levels, and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and livestock make it particularly vulnerable to environmental stress. Recurring droughts, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events have destabilized traditional farming systems, depleted water reserves, and amplified socio-economic vulnerabilities across rural regions. The purpose of this study is to extensively examine the impact of climate change on the agricultural yield and water resource availability in Balochistan, focusing particularly on drought trends, flood trends, and seasonal water imbalance. Findings indicate that although many adaptation actions—such as the distribution of drought- resistant crops, contemporary irrigation methods (i.e., drip and sprinkler irrigation systems), and the establishment of early warning systems—have been undertaken, their impacts are limited by policy fragmentation, low levels of investment, institutional weakness, and minimal community involvement. Furthermore, the over-extraction of groundwater and water pollution continue to increase health risks and reduce agricultural productivity. This study reechoes the urgency for an integrated water resource management (IWRM) structure, robust institutional capacity building, improved governance arrangements, and dynamic community participation in the design and implementation of climate adaptation strategies. Strengthening inter-agency coordination and investment in climate-resilient infrastructure will be critical to long-term sustainability and resilience in Balochistan.