Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Maize Production across Agroecological Zones of Balochistan

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of climate change on maize crop in Balochistan, Pakistan, focusing on key agroecological zones. Climate change has significantly changed the temperature and precipitation patterns, affecting agriculture in the region. Using panel data from the last 34 years (1986-2019) and the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) model, the study assesses maize production across districts Zhob, Jaffarabad, Panjgur, and Lasbela. The results indicate that a 1% increase in cultivated area leads to a 0.807% rise in maize output. A 1% rise in temperature initially boosts production by 150.304%, but further increases cause a 2.563% decline. Rainfall has a positive effect, with a 1% increase raising output by 1.881%, while humidity exerts minimal influence (0.122%). The study recommends adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and implementing region-specific strategies to enhance agricultural resilience in Balochistan.