Women’s Vulnerability to Climate Change: Gender-skewed Implications on Agrobased Livelihoods in Rural Zvishavane, Zimbabwe
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Date
2020-06
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Abstract
Climate change presents a considerable threat to human security, with
notable gender disproportions. Women’s vulnerability to climate change
has implications on agro-based livelihoods, especially the rural populace.
The primary purpose of this study was to assess women’s vulnerability
to climate change and the gender-skewed implications on agro-based
livelihoods in rural Zvishavane, Zimbabwe. A qualitative approach that
used purposive sampling techniques was adopted. Data was collected
through 20 in-depth interviews with 11 de jure and 9 de facto small-scale female-headed farmer households. Two focus group discussions with
mixed de facto and de jure small-scale female-headed farmer households were also conducted. Five key informant interviews were held
with departmental heads of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender
and Community Development; the Agriculture Technical Extension
Service Department; the Livestock Production Department; the Runde
Rural District Council and the Meteorological Services Department.
Gendered effects were noted in terms of increased roles and responsibilities for women. Observations showed that there was an increase in
distances travelled by women to fetch water owing to a depleted water
table. Climate-induced migration of men due to depleted livelihoods
in rural areas has also increased roles and responsibilities for women.
The traditional male responsibilities assumed by women included cattle
herding and ox-driven ploughing. This study concluded that adaptation
strategies towards vulnerability to climate change have to be gendersensitive and area-specific. This study also recommended that response
programmes and policies meant to curb existing gendered vulnerabilities should be informed by evidence because climate-change effects are
unique for different geographical areas. Moreover, adaptation activities
should be mainstreamed in community processes so as to reduce the
burden on women and increase sustainability opportunities.
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Chidakwa, P. et al. (2020) Women’s Vulnerability to Climate Change: Gender-skewed Implications on Agrobased Livelihoods in Rural Zvishavane, Zimbabwe. Indian Journal of Gender Studies 27(2):259-281