Empowering Youth Voices in Climate Change Extension Programs: An In-depth Analysis of Decision-Making Dynamics and Social Media Engagement

Abstract

Effective integration of rural communities in climate change extension programs requires a detailed examination of the key factors that shape their participation. This study examines various variables and assesses their influence on young farmers' decision making within climate change extension programs and social media engagement for climate change awareness dissemination in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH), Pakistan. Data were collected from young people aged 18-34 years through household surveys and from various government department officials through in-depth interviews. A bivariate probit regression model and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. The bivariate probit regression shows that perceived risk and access to climate information positively influence young farmers' decision making in climate change extension programs, while years of education have a negative association. For social media engagement, the bivariate probit regression shows that government program benefits and the number of male members positively influence farmers' participation, while household size has a negative association. The results of our key informant interviews (KIIs) revealed that positive factors influencing young farmers' engagement in climate change extension programs include geographic ties, dependence on livestock, attitudes toward climate change, and positive perceptions of agriculture. Conversely, barriers include low acreage and productivity, reluctance of elders, lack of political support, and adherence to tradition. This study recommends that to improve young farmers' decision-making in climate change extension programs, there is a need to improve access to climate information and strengthen government support to promote social media engagement.