An analysis of the effects of climate change and adaptation strategies by men and women in Zimbabwe” A case study of Dambakurima ward in Muzarabani District.

Abstract

The study seeks to explore the gendered differentiated effects of climate change on men and women in the Dambakurima ward of Muzarabani District in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. The study further examines the gendered adaptation measures adopted by men and women in order to cope and survive in the context of climate change. The study is largely grounded in qualitative research methodology and it utilizes a triangulation of data collection instruments that included interviews, questionnaires, observations and desktop research. Thirty respondents participated in this study and were selected using purposive sampling. The study is premised on the eco-feminists theory which is based on the thinking that gender and environment are fundamentally-linked. The study concludes that, though climate change has compounded the vulnerability of both men and women, the catastrophic effects are felt disproportionately by women due to their biological weaknesses, sensitivity to disasters and burden responsibilities they undertake within the households in the face of climate change. It emerged from the study that adaptation strategies for both men and women in Dambakurima are homogeneous in nature. The study recommends on some of the ways that can be adopted to improve the adaptation strategies for men and women to climate change.