Abstract
Globally, existing social, economic, and agricultural systems foster extreme inequity and irrationality, leading to problems such as poverty, racial discrimination, misogyny, and environmental degradation. Many of these problems are getting worse, increasing the likelihood of social and environmental collapse. However, climate change has severely affected the social, economic agricultural sector of the world including Pakistan. This article examines the autonomous climate change adaptation approaches adopted by farmers in Punjab, Pakistan, and assesses their influence on crop yield. The study utilizes a simultaneous equation model to analyze the effects of various adaptation measures on both adapters and non-adapters. Findings based on data collected from 390 sugarcane growers reveal a high level of awareness among farmers regarding the current climate condition, leading them to undertake appropriate adaptation measures. However, challenges such as the availability of knowledge on climate change and the limited arable land area significantly affect farmers' adaptive decision-making. While some farmers employ strategies such as improved irrigation and increased fertilizer use, many still lack sufficient adaptation measures. The study establishes that non-adapted growers experience a negative impact on sugarcane production. Therefore, the article recommends that policymakers focus on addressing the gaps in adaptation strategies adopted by sugarcane growers to mitigate the effects of climate change. Moreover, policymakers should develop suitable adaptation strategies to assist farmers in coping with climate-related disasters, thereby enhancing farmers' income and promoting the revitalization and modernization of agriculture in rural areas.