Climate Change Impacts on Agroecosystems, Food Security and Community Well-being in Punjab, Pakistan: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The food system of Pakistan, especially in Punjab, is changing due to the climate change phenomenon, and it is impacting the country’s crop output. The present review is based on a critical study of findings from 25-plus research papers and policy reports from Google Scholar, Web of Science, Research Gate, and JASTOR, covering the period of 2010 to 2025. Studies were selected based on their relevance to climate change impacts, food security, agro-ecosystem vulnerability, and adaptation strategies, with a specific focus on Punjab Province. Studies show that climate stressors, including droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall, can lower rice production by more than 15% during flood seasons and wheat yields by up to 12% during dry years. Following climate shocks, household food costs rise by 20–30%, making rural poverty worse. Due to institutional and financial limitations, smallholders who make up more than 80% of farmers continue to be disproportionately susceptible. Research further evaluates sustainable ecosystem pathways, including climate –smart agriculture, ecosystem-based adaptations, and regenerative soil-water management, which shows quantifiable advantages such as 15–20% greater net returns among adopters. However, its adoption is limited due to institutional, financial, and informational barriers. These findings highlight that addressing food insecurity in Punjab requires integrating technological innovation, inclusive governance, and coordinated policy reforms across the agriculture, climate, and health sectors.