A qualitative comparative analysis of women’s agency and adaptive capacity in climate change hotspots in Asia and Africa

Nitya Rao (), Arabinda Mishra, Anjal Prakash, Chandni Singh, Ayesha Qaisrani, Prathigna Poonacha, Katharine Vincent and Claire Bedelian
Additional contact information
Nitya Rao: University of East Anglia
Arabinda Mishra: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
Anjal Prakash: TERI School of Advanced Studies
Chandni Singh: Indian Institute of Human Settlements
Ayesha Qaisrani: Sustainable Development Policy Institute
Prathigna Poonacha: Indian Institute of Human Settlements
Katharine Vincent: Kulima Integrated Development Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Claire Bedelian: Pathways to Resilience in Semi-arid Economies, Overseas Development Institute

Nature Climate Change, 2019, vol. 9, issue 12, 964-971

Abstract: Abstract There is growing concern about sustainable and equitable adaptation in climate change hotspots, commonly understood as locations that concentrate high climatic variability, societal vulnerability and negative impacts on livelihood systems. Emphasizing gender within these debates highlights how demographic, socioeconomic and agro-ecological contexts mediate the experiences and outcomes of climate change. Drawing on data from 25 qualitative case studies across three hotspots in Africa and Asia, analysed using qualitative comparative analysis, we show how and in what ways women’s agency, or the ability to make meaningful choices and strategic decisions, contributes to adaptation responses. We find that environmental stress is a key depressor of women’s agency even when household structures and social norms are supportive or legal entitlements are available. These findings have implications for the effective implementation of multilateral agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-019-0638-y

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