A gendered analysis of climate variability and change impacts and adaptations in semi arid area farming systems and natural resources management

Abstract

Climate change and climate variability is increasingly threatening the livelihoods of many Tanzanians especially those living in semi-arid rural areas. The most affected are those; with low incomes, less food, poor access to health services, unstable energy supplies, and living in fragile natural ecosystems. Generally, women and men contribute differently to climate change; likewise, they are affected differently and react differently to its impact. The overall objective of the study was to assess the impact of climate change on rural livelihoods' and how households in semi-arid areas of Tanzania adapt based on gender. The study was conducted in Iramba and Meatu Districts. The study adopted a Sustainable livelihood Approach (SLA) developed by DFID (1992) in the analysis of climate change impacts and households' adaptation. Data was collected using qualitative methods such as focus group discussions and key informant interviews, informal interviews and observations. Findings from the study show that, climate change impacts affect almost everybody in the studied communities; however, differences by gender exist. These findings thus suggest that adaptation to climate change impacts vary across genders due to differences in roles and responsibilities, power relations and access to and control over resources.