Gender-Differentiated Roles And Perceptions On Climate Variability Among Pastoralist And Agro-Pastoralist Communities In Marsabit, Kenya
Berghahn Journals
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Abstract: This study investigates the gender-specific roles, perceptions, and adaptation practices of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in Marsabit County in response to climate variability. Using mixed methods including focus groups, household surveys, and meteorological data analysis, the study found distinct impacts by gender, with women reporting increased workload and reduced access to water and assets. Men primarily took on roles related to security, decision-making, and livestock movement. Climate variability was widely perceived as worsening across gender groups, with 90.3% of women and 86.8% of men noticing rainfall reductions over the past two decades. Loss of Indigenous weather forecasting knowledge further hindered adaptation planning. The study recommends gender-responsive planning, improved forecasting systems, and community-based advisories to support equitable climate adaptation.