FARMERS PERCEPTION REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON LIVELIHOODS OF RICE GROWING FAMILIES

Abstract

Environmental factors are viewed as the significant factors influencing rice production significantly. Low production of rice is also the loss to livelihoods of rice dependent farmers. Present study was conducted at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2014-15 to examine the effect of environmental factors on the livelihoods of rice growing families. Multistage random sampling technique was adopted for the selection of 120 respondents and data were collected through interview schedule. Analysis made using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) revealed rainfall a significant factor responsible for production reduction. Majority (74.2%) of respondents reported high effect of inadequate rains on rice yield followed by the increased impact of high temperature by increasing irrigation needs. More than half (64.2% and 54.2%) respondents agreed medium effect of humidity and low effect of wind, while hailstorm appeared least with minimal likelihood of damage. Effect of rainfall and temperature appeared more threatening and pointing need of effective strategies like drought resistance rice varieties and water conservation techniques for rainy days. Early warning system ad weather forecasting information delivery may work for farmers’ betterment.