A gendered analysis of vulnerability to climate change among smallholder farmers: the case of Same district
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
Climate change has gendered differentiated impact and vulnerability. The main objective
of this study was to examine the impact of climate change on small holder farmers and
their gendered differentiated vulnerability in Same District. Specific objectives of the
research were; i) to determine a gendered perception of climate change and variability; ii)
to analyse climate change and variability impacts on livelihoods; to determine
differentiated gender roles associated with smallholder livelihoods and iv) to assess
vulnerability among men and women to climate change. The study was conducted in
Makanya and Hedaru wards in Same District. A cross sectional research design was
adopted. A representative sample of 120 respondents was randomly drawn. Both
qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection were used. Likert scale was also
used to address perception on climate change. The methods used under qualitative data
collection were Focus Group Discussion, Key informants Interview and field observation
while quantitative data were collected through questionnaire survey. The Statistical
Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 12.0 was used for data analysis. Results show
that through socially constructed roles and responsibility, women seem to bear the most
burdens from climate change impact. About 90% of households farm work was perceived
to be women roles. It was also noted that the perception was different basing on gender.
Great proportion of women (95%) associated climate change to spiritual power.
This shows their limited knowledge as climate change is not associated with spiritual
beliefs. It was also found that in trying to cope to climate change women become more
vulnerable as household men members migrate to urban areas. It was also found that
livelihoods have also changed as a result of climate impact. Farmers have been more
involved with off farm activities as crop farming has become unsustainable.
Description
Dissertation
Keywords
Climate change, Smallholder farmers, Vulnerability, Same District