A Research Review of Natural Resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Abstract
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which is a province in the northwestern part of Pakistan, is blessed with a vast array of natural resources, which has been very instrumental in the socio-economic development of this province. The given research review is the analysis of the great natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa such as the water resources, forests, minerals, agriculture and energy potential. Mountainous topography and river systems especially the Indus and its tributaries present the province with a lot of possibilities of irrigation, hydropower generation and providing fresh water. KP also has forest resources, which is beneficial in biodiversity conservation as well as climate control and livelihoods of local communities although deforestation and illegal logging are a big problem. The other important resource of the province is the mineral resources (marble, limestone, chromite, coal, and gemstones). Although they are widespread, poor infrastructure, primitive methods of extracting them, and issues of poor governance restrain their maximum use. The provincial economy depends on agriculture, which is encouraged by fertile valleys and favorable climatic factors, but it is limited by such factors as water shortage, soil erosion, and inefficiency of modern farming techniques. Also, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has significant potential of renewable energy particularly hydropower, solar energy and wind energy which is underutilized owing to policy, technical as well as financial constraints. This review evaluates critically the available literature, government documents and policy frameworks in an effort to bring out the potential and the challenges related to the management of natural resources in KP. It highlights sustainable resource management, good governance, involvement of the community and environmentally friendly policies. The paper concludes that strategic planning, investment in the modern technology, and adherence to the sustainable development goals are necessary to make natural resources productive in ensuring the long-term economic development, environmental sustainability, and social welfare at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Keywords: Natural Resources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sustainable Development, Resource Management, Renewable Energy
