Research Paper -1

1) Title: Whispers of the Woods: Tracing the Roots of Forest Decline in Pakistan’s Growth Narrative

Authors: Fiza Shaheen, Humaira Rashid, Baserat Sultana, Sana Nazir, Muhammad Arshad

Abstract: Forests are essential for maintaining ecological equilibrium, alleviating climate change, and sustaining livelihoods; nonetheless, they face significant threats in several emerging economies. This research analyzes the dynamics of forest degradation within Pakistan's developmental trajectory using yearly data from 1990 to 2023.  The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) results indicate a long-term cointegration among forest area, per capita income, carbon emissions, agricultural land growth, rural population, and renewable energy use.  According to the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, increasing income levels correlate with enhancements in forest cover, indicating that economic expansion may provide resources for environmental management.  The extension of agricultural land and the increase in the rural population are also positive factors, highlighting the potential for community-driven involvement in forest conservation and sustainable land-use practices.  In contrast, carbon emissions and dependence on conventional biomass-based renewable energy substantially reduce forest cover, illustrating the environmental repercussions of industrial operations and energy consumption. The results indicate that the sustainability of Pakistan's forests is mostly influenced by structural environmental, demographic, and land-use variables rather than transient economic dynamics.  The study advocates for cohesive policy measures that enhance sustainable agriculture, empower rural populations, reduce emissions, and expedite the transition to contemporary renewable energy, therefore safeguarding ecological resilience and aligning development with enduring environmental sustainability.

Keywords: Forest decline; Sustainable land use; Renewable energy transition; Economic growth; ARDL technique; Pakistan.  

Journal: Frontiers in Forest, Farm, Food & Wildlife Sciences (F4WS Journal)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16946319         

Research Paper -2

1) Title: Agriculture Crescendo: Tracing the Rhythm of Resource Use, Innovation and Productivity in Pakistan’s Farm Sector

Authors: Anoosha Jabeen, Humaira Rashid, Arooj Asif

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of agricultural productivity in Pakistan over the period 1990–2023, focusing on the role of resource utilization and innovation-related variables. The analysis employs key indicators, including freshwater use in agriculture, fertilizer consumption, and agricultural land as a share of total land area, rural population, and access to electricity. The findings reveal that efficient utilization of freshwater resources and fertilizer consumption significantly contribute to enhancing agricultural productivity, highlighting the importance of sustainable input use for long-term growth. Agricultural land availability also shows a positive relationship, suggesting that preserving and effectively managing cultivable land is crucial for food security. Moreover, the rural population demonstrates its role as an active labor force that sustains the farm sector, while access to electricity emerges as a critical enabler of modern irrigation, mechanization, and post-harvest management. Together, these results underscore the interconnected nature of resource use, demographic factors, and infrastructure in shaping agricultural outcomes. The study offers valuable implications for policymakers to design integrated strategies that promote sustainable resource management, rural development, and infrastructural improvement to secure the future of Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

Keywords: Agricultural productivity; Freshwater Use; Fertilizer consumption; Agricultural land; Rural population; Access to electricity; Pakistan.

Journal: Frontiers in Forest, Farm, Food & Wildlife Sciences (F4WS Journal)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17120427