Pastoral coping and adaptation climate change strategies: Implications for women's well-being. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Sarah E.; Bruyere, Brett L.; Solomon, Jennifer N.; Powlen, Kathryn A.; Yasin, Apin; Lenaiyasa, Elizabeth; Lolemu, Anna
• Is Part Of: Journal of arid environments. Volume 197(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Pastoralism -- Climate change -- Adaptation -- Coping -- Gender -- Well-being; Arid regions ecology -- Periodicals; Arid regions -- Periodicals; Écologie des régions arides -- Périodiques; Régions arides -- Périodiques; 577.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2021.104656
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1963

Abstract

Abstract: Pastoral women in the semi-arid rangelands of East Africa are significantly burdened by the vulnerability to and responsibility for responding to changing climates. Consequently, understanding how adaptation and coping strategies impact pastoral women's well-being is critical for supporting the climate resilience of communities and the landscapes on which they rely. We used a household survey, guided by a multi-dimensional framework of well-being, to investigate how the use of drought-related coping and adaptation strategies by Samburu households influenced livestock loss and women's well-being in northern Kenya. Coping and adaptation strategies predicted numerous social-cognitive components of well-being, although not livestock loss. We conjecture these results are a product of a gendered division of labor within households and the community. We argue that interventions aimed at supporting drought resilience must consider the gendered implications of climate response strategies, multiple indicators for evaluation, and the influence of community and place. Highlights: Pastoral coping and adaptation strategies predicted women's wellbeing post drought. Coping and adaptation strategy use during drought did not predict livestock loss. Gender roles may explain the impact of specific strategies on women's well-being. Multi-dimensional wellbeing frameworks are key to understanding climate resilience.