SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES ON SWAT RIVER

Abstract

Rivers are the main source of fresh water for all living beings. They provide income-generating opportunities for people, especially for those who live near riverbanks. The river "Swat" plays a pivotal role in providing water for the residents of Swat. The use of water for their homes, fields and pastoral activities all depends on the Swat River. This river bridges several regions like Malakand, Charsadda and Swat. Using the quantitative methodology this study gathered data from 364 respondents using structured interview schedule. It was found in the study that main variables of socioeconomic importance fishing, tourism and river flora have been tested with various measures of economic life. It was found that none of the components affected the lives of people. However, in univariate analysis it was found that many people use products associated with the river.