Assessing the role of gender in coping with climate change in Wards 20 and 21 (Mabvuku and Tafara) of Harare District, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of gender in coping with climate change in Ward 20 ( Mabvuku ) and 21 ( Tafara ) of Harare District of the country of Zimbabwe. The general aim of the research was to explore the gender differences in the experience of climate change, roles of men and women in addressing climate - related challenges, and adaptation strategies employed by households to cope with climate change .The study used mixed methods design which is a combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods of study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem. Questionnaire, interviews, Focus Group Discussions and observation were used to gather data. Eighty questionnaires were sent out and seventy were returned (87 % return). 5%.Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to analyse quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results showed that some households were facing challenges in Mabvuku and Tafara due to climate change, which included water scarcity, flooding, high temperature, food insecurity, and inadequate waste management. Of these, 80% of respondents saw a lack of water as the greatest climate-related challenge. The study further found that gender plays an important role in coping with climate change as women were seen as being more involved in the daily adaptation activities that include carrying water, preparing food, urban gardening, and child care. In contrast, men were mainly involved in income generation and financial support. It was also found that women are more vulnerable due to their roles as housewives and less access to resources. The research also found that households have coping mechanisms like storing water, growing vegetables in the cities, cutting down on meals, purchasing water, and relying on cooperation among people but, most of these strategies were discovered to be short - term and not lasting in the long run. Furthermore, participants reported low levels of institutional support from the local government and non - governmental organisations and many households were left to rely on personal and community efforts. The researchers conclude that climate change is a gender issue, as men and women are impacted and react differently to climate-related challenges. The study calls for better water supply systems, greater gender - sensitive climate policies, enhanced women's economic empowerment, and increased institutional support for creating a climate-resilient urban community, with specific reference to Mabvuku and Tafara.