DIFFICULTIES FACED BY FOLLOWERS WHILE PLANTING TREES AT THE CALL OF SPIRITUAL LEADERS

Abstract

Climate change and environmental degradation necessitate innovative approaches to community mobilization for tree plantation. In Punjab, Pakistan, spiritual leaders possess unique moral authority and social capital that can influence followers' environmental behaviors. However, the practical difficulties faced by followers when responding to spiritual leaders' tree plantation calls remain underexplored. This study investigates the multifaceted difficulties encountered by spiritual leaders' followers in Punjab, Pakistan, when attempting to plant trees in response to their leaders' environmental guidance, with particular emphasis on socio-demographic constraints and resource-related barriers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 385 followers of selected spiritual leaders in Punjab, Pakistan, using proportionate sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews comprising demographic characteristics and a five-point Likert scale measuring perceived difficulties across technical, financial, resource, and general problem domains. Descriptive statistics and error bar plots were employed for analysis. The sample comprised predominantly young to middle-aged individuals (mean age 35.9±9.65 years), with 71.7% having primary to matriculation-level education, 46.7% earning below PKR 50,000 monthly, and 51.8% owning less than 5 acres of land. The most severe difficulties identified were lack of finance (mean >4.0), lack of technical advice (mean >4.0) and water scarcity. Technical and financial problems exhibited the highest severity scores but also the greatest variability, while resource problems showed consistent moderate severity across respondents. Despite strong spiritual motivation, followers face multiple intersecting barriers rooted in limited education, modest financial resources, constrained land availability, and inadequate technical support. Faith-based environmental mobilization efforts must extend beyond motivational appeals to provide practical support including technical training adapted to literacy levels, subsidized seedling programs, water management strategies, and micro-financing mechanisms. Aligning spiritual guidance with tangible resource support is essential for translating religious authority into effective environmental outcomes.