REDUCING THE VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A BRIEF REVIEW OF IMPACTS AND STRATEGIES

*¹Chikaire, J., ²Oguegbuchulam, M.N, and ³Osuagwu, C.O

*Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri

Department of Agricultural Management & Extension, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo Ohaji

E-mail-bankausta@yahoo.com  

ABSTRACT

Climate Change is a global phenomenon, with impacts that are already being experienced on a human level. It is recognized that it is those who are already the most vulnerable and marginalized who experience the greatest impacts, and are in the greatest need of adaptation strategies in the face of shifts in weather patterns and resulting environmental phenomena. Women make up a large number of the poor in communities that are highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood and are disproportionately vulnerable to and affected by climate change. Women’s limited access to resources and decision-making processes increases their vulnerability to climate change. Women in rural areas in developing countries have the major responsibility for household water supply and energy, for cooking and heating, as well as for food security, and are negatively affected by drought, uncertain rainfall and deforestation. Because of their roles, unequal access to resources and limited mobility, women in many contexts are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, such as floods, fires and mudslides. Women are not only victims of climate change, but also effective agents of change in relation to both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Women’s responsibilities in households and communities as stewards of natural resources has positioned them well for livelihood strategies adapted to changing environmental realities. It is therefore important to identify gender – sensitive strategies for responding to the environmental and humanitarian crises caused by climate change.

Keywords: Vulnerability, climate change, poverty, women, agriculture.