In the heart of Pakistan’s rural landscape, where agriculture and livestock are the lifeblood of communities, a silent crisis is brewing. Climate change is exacerbating systemic vulnerabilities in the agri-livestock sector, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. However, a glimmer of hope emerges from the work of Muhammad Zaurez Afshar, whose research offers a roadmap for building resilient livestock supply chains through climate-smart agriculture (CSA).
Afshar’s study, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Food Science and Technology’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Food Science and Technology’), delves into the adaptive measures needed to fortify Pakistan’s livestock sector against climate risks. By combining institutional records, interviews with key players, and thematic analysis, Afshar paints a vivid picture of the current landscape. “Structural gaps, such as unstructured logistics, lacking governance, insufficient financial inclusion, and gender discrimination, continue to exist,” Afshar notes. Yet, amidst these challenges, innovations like silage production, solarized cool chains, and digital tracing systems are sprouting.
The research underscores the critical role of public sector organizations in driving local gains. However, Afshar warns that systemic resilience is hampered by misaligned policies, institutional impediments, and inadequate investments in climate-resistant infrastructure. “The adaptive capacity of the livestock sector in Pakistan requires a system-wide, coordinated, equity-based recalibration,” Afshar emphasizes. This recalibration must incorporate CSA principles, market access, public-private partnerships (PPP), and inclusive governance.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As Afshar’s research highlights, investments in climate-resistant infrastructure and innovative technologies like solarized cool chains can create new commercial opportunities. These advancements not only enhance the resilience of livestock supply chains but also open avenues for energy sector players to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Moreover, the study’s emphasis on gender mainstreaming and financial de-risking procedures underscores the need for inclusive policies that empower rural communities. By addressing these structural gaps, the livestock sector can become more resilient and better equipped to withstand climate risks.
Afshar’s work serves as a clarion call for integrated national policies, flexible investment in infrastructure, and a concerted effort to mainstream gender inclusion. As climate risks intensify, the adaptive strategies outlined in this research could shape the future of climate-smart agriculture and food security in Pakistan and beyond. The journey towards resilience is fraught with challenges, but with coordinated efforts and innovative solutions, the path forward becomes clearer.