Gender vulnerability assessment to inform gender-sensitive adaptation action: a case study in semi-arid areas of Mali

Segnon, Alcade C.; Magassa, Mariame; Rêmilokoun Obossou, Esdras Abréwa; Partey, Samuel T.; Houessionon, Prosper; Zougmoré, Robert B.

Gender vulnerability assessment to inform gender-sensitive adaptation action: a case study in semi-arid areas of Mali

Autores

Segnon, Alcade C.

Magassa, Mariame

Rêmilokoun Obossou, Esdras Abréwa

Partey, Samuel T.

Houessionon, Prosper

Zougmoré, Robert B.

Editor

Frontiers Media

Descripción

Understanding the gender dimensions of vulnerability to climate change is crucial for designing effective gender-transformative climate actions. This is particularly crucial in the semi-arid regions of West Africa, a climate change “hotspot” where high dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods and limited adaptive capacity make agriculture and livelihoods highly vulnerable. In this study we combined semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with a systematic literature review to analyze gendered household vulnerability to climate change in Cinzana, a semi-arid area of Mali, and identify entry points for gender-transformative adaptation actions. The Livelihood Vulnerability assessment indicated that female-headed households were more vulnerable than male-headed households. Differential socio-demographic profiles, livelihood strategies, social networks, water and food and agricultural production systems were key drivers of the gendered vulnerability patterns. A systematic review of drivers of gendered vulnerability in Mali illustrated how socio-cultural norms and roles assigned to women, and limited women access to and control over productive resources and adaptation technologies make women more vulnerable to climatic and non-climatic risks. We highlight the need of gender transformative approaches to address the structural gender inequality and reduce vulnerability of female-headed households. We outline three pathways for reducing female-headed households’ vulnerability to climate change, including the promotion of gender-smart extension and climate advisory services and empowering women.

Palabras clave

gender, assessment, adaptation, arid zones, climate change, livelihoods, climate change adaptation, social inclusion, vulnerability, drylands, semi-arid zones