ANALYZING THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WATER RESOURCES IN AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR: FARMERS' PERCEPTION, AWARENESS, AND ADAPTATION PRACTICES

Abstract

A significant source of freshwater on Earth is the Himalayan area. It is anticipated that climate change would lead to a rise in the frequency and severity of the present severe weather events as well as new vulnerabilities with varying socioeconomic and geographical implications on populations. For developing nations like Pakistan, the effects would be more catastrophic. The primary sources of freshwater in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) are glacier melt, snowfall, and monsoon rains, all of which are very vulnerable to climate change. Both the monsoon rains' pattern, regions, and intensity as well as the snowfall season are evolving. This project has the potential to influence both academic discourse and practical policymaking, ensuring that the water resources in AJK is better equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate change. It is designed not only to address immediate knowledge gaps but also to lay the foundation for future research on climate resilience in similar rural and mountainous contexts.