Community Perceptions of Climatic Hazards in District Nushki, Balochistan

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the major environmental and socio-economic challenges in developing countries, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. District Nushki in Balochistan is highly vulnerable to climatic hazards because of water scarcity, frequent droughts, increasing temperatures, and dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods such as agriculture and livestock. The present study examines community perceptions regarding climatic hazards and explores the socio-economic impacts of climate change on local communities in Nushki. The study also investigates adaptation and resilience strategies adopted by households to cope with climatic changes. The quantitative research design was used in this study, and data were collected through household surveys. The findings reveal that local communities have experienced significant changes in rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, drought conditions, declining agricultural productivity, livestock losses, and water shortages during recent years. The study concludes that climate change has intensified community -level vulnerabilities in District Nushki and there is a strong need for community-based adaptation strategies, awareness programs, improved water

management systems, and sustainable policy interventions to strengthen resilience among local populations.