Livelihood resilience and digitalization: Food security strategies for marginalized rural communities affected by floods in Pakistan

Pakistan is extremely vulnerable to floods which severely affect millions of people and create food instability and obstruct livelihoods with marginalized rural communities are most at risk due to poor resources and adaptive capability. Strengthening household-level strategies is critical for enhancing community resilience. This study aims to identify the adoption of flood resilience strategies, the role of digitalization and assess their impact on food instability and livelihood resilience in marginalized rural communities using multivariate probit model and propensity score matching techniques. This uses data from 384 households, collected through multistage sampling methods. Findings indicate that most households lack digitalization services and effective early warning mechanisms; however, they adopt mitigation measures that enhance livelihoods and food stability. For instance, migration is associated with larger landholdings, while mixed farming and diversified occupations increase livestock ownership, resource mobilization, and dietary diversity, although cereal-based diets remain predominant. Gender imbalances and sociodemographic factors significantly influence flood coping strategies and community livelihood resilience. This study suggests that policy measures should expand digital infrastructure and early warning systems, address gender inequalities, and promote diversified livelihoods. Locally tailored adaptation strategies, coupled with dietary diversification, are essential for sustainable flood resilience and long-term food security.