akistan has to deal with the dual challenges of climate change and rural poverty. These challenges are linked and demand integrated solutions that blend indigenous knowledge with modern green practices to enable rural communities to adapt to climate impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and rejuvenate their livelihoods. It’s time to innovate.

A range of initiatives from climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy use and nature-based solutions to eco-tourism and vernacular construction techniques to diversified means of livelihoods can enhance resilience against climate shocks and promote sustainable local economic development in vulnerable communities. By equipping local farmers, women and the youth with the tools and training needed for environmental stewardship and economic empowerment, we can promote resilient, low-carbon communities that are both self-sufficient and ecologically sustainable.

According to the World Bank, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is an integrated approach to managing landscapes—cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries—that address the challenges of food security and climate change. Key CSA areas include water conservation, soil health, pest management, crop diversification, crop varieties, organic farming techniques, livestock feed and manure management. Empowering farmers through training, demonstration farms and cooperative models to enhance resilience and market access is integral to the approach. Following this approach, Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund works with a network of partners across the country to pilot and promote innovative approaches in rural communities.

The PPAF experience demonstrates that efficient water management techniques, such as drip irrigation integrated with rainwater harvesting and timely water scheduling, ensure optimal moisture during critical crop growth periods. Sustainable soil management practices, including the use of organic fertilisrs, crop rotation and conservation tillage, complemented by farmer education on soil testing and balanced nutrient application, enhance productivity and........

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