Vanishing Farmland, Rising Risk: Agricultural Land Conversion, Housing Societies, and Food Security in Punjab, Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66529/agripat.2026.2.3.97Keywords:
Farmland; Housing Societies; Food Security; Punjab; PakistanAbstract
Rapid urbanization in Pakistan is accelerating the conversion of fertile agricultural land into housing schemes and commercial developments, posing significant risks to food security and rural livelihoods. This policy brief draws on a household survey of 120 respondents from four peri-urban villages in Faisalabad District and an updated review of international evidence on agricultural land conversion. Findings reveal that most land sales were driven by financial distress rather than planned investment, with the majority of sellers later expressing regret over their decisions. Awareness of land-use regulations and the long-term implications of farmland conversion was found to be extremely limited. Respondents also reported declining food adequacy, dietary quality, and sustainability of local water and agricultural systems following land conversion. These findings reinforce growing concerns about the implications of unchecked urban expansion for food security. The brief recommends the introduction of a legally binding agricultural zoning framework, mandatory food-security impact assessments, and strengthened land governance measures to protect productive farmland and promote sustainable development.
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