MOBILE-BASED AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES AND THEIR IMPACT ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS' CLIMATE ADAPTATION PRACTICES

Muhammad Oun  Haider; Ammar Khalil

Authors

Muhammad Oun Haider (PIEAS), Pakistan. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5372-5245
Ammar Khalil University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan. Author

Keywords:

Agriculture, Climate Change, Decision Support Systems, Food Security, Mobile Applications, Rural Health, Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Background: Smallholder farmers in climate-vulnerable regions increasingly rely on digital advisory tools to improve agricultural decision-making. Mobile-based agricultural advisory services have emerged as an accessible platform for delivering timely information that may support the adoption of climate-resilient farming practices and enhance household food security.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of mobile-based agricultural advisory services on the adoption of climate-resilient practices and household food security among smallholder farmers in South Punjab.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 400 smallholder farmers selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, use of mobile advisory services, adoption of climate-resilient practices, and household food security. Validated checklists and standardized food security scales were applied. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and linear regression, assuming normal distribution of continuous variables.

Results: Among participants, 52.0% reported using mobile advisory services. Users demonstrated higher adoption of drought-tolerant varieties (72.4%), soil conservation (63.8%), smart irrigation (41.3%), and integrated pest management (58.1%) compared with non-users. Mean household food security scores were also higher among users (31.6 ± 4.3) than non-users (26.8 ± 5.1). Logistic regression indicated that users were significantly more likely to adopt climate-resilient practices after adjusting for socio-economic factors. Adoption scores showed a positive association with food security outcomes.

Conclusion: Mobile-based agricultural advisory services contributed to improved adoption of climate-resilient practices and better household food security among smallholder farmers. Integrating digital platforms into agricultural support systems may strengthen climate adaptation efforts in vulnerable farming communities.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Oun Haider , (PIEAS), Pakistan.

Bachelor's In Electrical Engineering (PIEAS), Pakistan.
Ammar Khalil , University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan.

Lecturer, Department of Data Science, University of Kotli, AJ&K, Pakistan.

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