Food Security in Hyderabad: Water Governance, Climate-Smart Farming, and Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

This paper investigates the critical paradigms of food security in the Hyderabad division, focusing on the intertwined issues of water governance, climate-smart farming practices, and sustainable agriculture. To undertake this research, a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative tools to capture detailed insights into the region's agricultural and water management challenges was adopted. Data were gathered using a blend of surveys, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Surveys, predominantly composed of close-ended questions, provided structured data, while interviews employed open-ended questions to obtain in-depth responses. The study’s sample population was drawn from four districts within the Hyderabad division—Badin, Thatta, Dadu, and Matiari—ensuring diversity in terms of gender and age demographics. The research found out that climate change is impacting the overall agriculture system. The study identifies food insecurity as a critical issue in Hyderabad Division, closely tied to inadequate agricultural productivity. Water scarcity emerges as the primary driver of crop failures, financial distress, and demotivation among small farmers. The findings affirm that food security cannot be achieved without securing reliable water access for cultivation. Consequently, policy reforms must prioritize efficient water governance and food waste reduction and adoption to smart farming technology to enhance agricultural resilience.