An exploratory study of the date palm marketing chain and its role in farmers’ livelihoods: implications for agricultural extension in the peri-urban areas of southern Punjab

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Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important fruit trees in semi-arid and dry regions worldwide and is an integral part of the cultural life of local communities in these areas. The tree provides a wide range of products and services (food, fuel, shelter, handicrafts) to its users. Pakistan is one of the largest date producing countries, and the socio-economic conditions of the main date palm areas in Pakistan (South Punjab and Baluchistan) are generally poor with high incidence of food insecurity. Common features are livelihoods insecurity, meager infrastructure, limited access to livelihood assets, and fragile eco-systems. Dates are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and sugar and thus of immense importance in improving livelihoods and reducing food insecurity of small farmers in rural and peri-urban areas. The present paper uses qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, and explores the market chains of date palm products in the South Punjab and its role in farmers’ livelihoods. More specifically, date palm usage patterns and the role of different stakeholders and institutions involved in date palm market chains are studied and training needs of date palm growers explored. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of agricultural extension services regarding date palm cultivation and commercial utilization of date palm in Pakistan are defined to strengthen alternative employment opportunities and decent living condition of people whose livelihoods partly depend on date palm.