Climate change adaptation among female-led micro,small and medium enterprises in semi-arid areas: a case study from Kenya

Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

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Abstract: This research explores how female-led micro,small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in semi-arid lands experience and respond to climate risk. MSMEs account for about 80% of employment in developing countries,are highly vulnerable to climate change and are limited in their capacity to adapt. Female entrepreneurs can be key in promoting resilience at micro (e.g. household) and macro scales but how they experience or adapt to climate risks has been little researched. This paper addresses that gap with a case study of how female-owned MSMEs experience climate risk in the semi-arid county of Narok in Kenya?s Rift Valley. Findings suggest female-led MSMEs in Narok may face both additional exposure to climate risk compared with men,and additional barriers to adapting to that risk.