ANALYSIS OF LIVELIHOOD-BASED COPING STRATEGIES AMONG FLOOD-AFFECTED AGRARIAN HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Floods are a recurrent natural disaster in South Punjab, Pakistan, causing severe damage to agriculture-dependent households and threatening livelihood security. This study analyzed livelihood-based coping strategies among 200 flood-affected agrarian households using a quantitative research design. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression, and correlation techniques. The findings revealed that the most common coping strategies were borrowing (72.5%), asset liquidation (67.5%), and income diversification (60.0%), with borrowing ranked highest (Mean=4.1±0.9). Regression analysis indicated that income diversification (β=0.243, P<0.001), reliance on social networks (β=0.222, P<0.001), and institutional assistance (β=0.185, P<0.001) were the most effective strategies for reducing economic losses and enhancing household well-being. Correlation results showed strong positive relationships between household resilience and social networks (r=0.649, P<0.001), institutional support (r=0.587, P<0.001), and community resources (r=0.601, P<0.001). The study concludes that strengthening formal institutional mechanisms, improving access to credit and relief programs, and promoting community-based resilience initiatives are essential for sustainable recovery. Policymakers should focus on integrated strategies that combine institutional, social, and community support to reduce vulnerability and build long-term resilience among flood-affected households.