Effects of Litchi Production on Rural Household Income in District Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Purpose: This study was examine the effects of litchi production and key socio-economic factors on the household income of rural farmers in District Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methodology: For this purpose a total of 50 households involved in litchi farming were randomly selected from three union councils, namely Shodag, Harichand, and Zaim in the study area. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews schedule method. Descriptive statistics (frequency, minimum, maximum, mean, standard deviation) were used to analyze the socio-economic characteristics, of the litchi growers while a multiple linear regression model was used to identify the determinants of household income. Findings: Descriptive statistics results revealed that the average education of the respondents was 11 years with (SD = 4.88), average family size of 5 members with (SD = 2.50), while average farm size of 4.24 acres with (SD = 2.10), and farming experience of 19 years (SD = 5.35). The average litchi yield was 100.5 mounds (SD = 27.70), with considerable variation across the sampled households. The multiple linear regression model findings also indicated that various explanatory variables had positive and a significant effect on household income. The co-efficient and p-value for education is (β = 2998.60, p = 0.021), household size (β = 5830.91, p = 0.030), farming experience (β = 2838.41, p = 0.012), farm size (β = 9945.43, p = 0.000), and litchi production (β = 476.97, p = 0.000) were all significant factors of income among litchi growers. The model revealed a high explanatory power, with an R² value of 89.7%, representing that approximately 90% of the variation in the household income was explained by the explanatory variables. However, the results revealed that the model overall was positive and statistically highly significant (F = 76.28, p = 0.000). The study findings overall concludes that education, family labor, farming experience, farm size, and litchi productivity are the most influential determinants of household income among litchi growers in study area. These results highlight the importance of investing in human capital development, efficient farm management, and productivity improvement strategies to increase the economic well-being of rural households. Recommendations: This study recommends that improving farmers’ education, training, and skills especially for youth and women to improve farm management and household income. It also suggests reinforcement litchi value chains through better inputs, irrigation, orchard management, machinery, extension services, and post-harvest facilities to boost productivity and income.