Climate change-induced drought and its livelihood impacts on women and children: a case of Mudzi rural district ward 1, Mashonaland East

Author

Nyabadza, Fadzai H.

Title

Climate change-induced drought and its livelihood impacts on women and children: a case of Mudzi rural district ward 1, Mashonaland East

Abstract

In Mudzi Rural District Ward 1 of Mashonaland East Province Zimbabwe this study investigates how women and children are exposed to and adjust to drought brought on by climate change. Understanding socioeconomic effects vulnerability levels, the efficacy of existing adaptation techniques and the creation of an inclusive community-based framework to improve coping ability are its main objectives. Based on social theory and vulnerability theory the study explains how environmental and structural factors contribute to the disproportionate risks that women and children face. A case study design was used in conjunction with a mixed research methodology. Women kid’s local authority’s public servants and representatives of non-governmental organizations were among the target demographic. A total 67 of participants were chosen using stratified purposive sampling in accordance with the Krejcie and Morgan table. Focus groups key informant interviews and structured questionnaires were used to gather data. Utilizing thematic analysis, the data was interpreted. Drought brought on by climate change has resulted in widespread food insecurity malnutrition interrupted education elevated health risks and heightened gender-based vulnerabilities according to findings. Due to their lack of access to resources weak land tenure rights and exclusion from decision-making processes women and children were found to be the most impacted. Although a number of adaptation techniques have been used including water harvesting climate-smart agriculture and community savings plans their overall efficacy is still constrained by institutional and socioeconomic factors. Strengthening extension services expanding access to seeds resistant to drought instituting gender quotas encouraging financial literacy and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems are among the recommendations made by the study. A framework for adaptation that is inclusive and participatory is suggested in order to increase women’s and children’s resilience. The results have applications for future scholarly studies on social justice and climate resilience as well as government policy and NGO programming.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Climate Change

Induced Drought

Women And Children

Livelihood

Supervisor

Mr Gomo