Abstract
The Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya, where pastoral communities have historically depended on livestock rearing for generations, are experiencing significant impacts from climate change. The climate risks, including floods and droughts, disrupt pastoralist livelihoods, endangering the wellbeing of these communities and rendering traditional roles untenable. Gender roles were distinctly established in these communities as a social, economic, and ecological response to the environment. However, climate stresses are seriously upsetting this way of life. To maintain pastoral communities’ survival and resilience in the face of this disruption, gendered roles must be reevaluated, and effective adaptation strategies deployed. Data from 12 gender-disaggregated focus groups held in three different locations in Kajiado are used in this study, which explores the crucial role women play in ensuring that their households adapt to this changing environment. This research investigates how gendered social differentiation shapes adaptation strategies for resilience. By analysing women’s perspectives within pastoral households, the study aims to uncover specific coping mechanisms women use to navigate climate variability and to determine factors such as resource accessibility, decision-making authority, and information that influence women’s adaptation tactics. Existing studies recognize the importance of gender in adaptation, but a more nuanced understanding of women’s specific coping mechanisms and the factors influencing their choices is needed. This research seeks to provide knowledge for policymakers and development practitioners informing and interventions that empower women and build resilience within Kenyan pastoral communities facing the ongoing challenges of climate change.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Climate Change, Gender Roles, Pastoralism, Adaptation Strategies, Resilience
