Abstract:
Climate variability effects are felt by the different genders due to their level of vulnerability
and capacity to cope and adapt. These effects influence gender roles and responsibilities
regarding contributions to food security (availability, access, utilization, and stability) at
household level. The study aimed to assess the effects of climate variability on gender roles
in relation to food security. The specific objectives were to: (1) assess the effects of climate
variability on food security in Kotido district, (2) examine how gender roles, affect food
security (availability, access, and utilization) amidst effects of climate variability, and (3)
identify the strategies undertaken by households in coping with and adapting to climate
variability in relation to food insecurity. This study was conducted in Kotido district, and the
data collected was both primary and secondary. The study involved gathering primary data
through a household semi-structured questionnaire using Kobo Toolbox (an open-source
online tool), key informant interviews and focus group discussion guides. Additionally,
secondary data was sourced from peer reviewed articles, reports and journals, and geospatial
information was sourced from Uganda Bureau of Statistics for developing the study area map
using QGIS. All the data was analysed using Microsoft Excel, SPSS, and NVIVO. The study
findings reveal that across Kotido district, the main climate variability conditions perceived
by respondents include reduced, intense and erratic rainfall, rise in temperatures and
prolonged and frequent droughts, including rising incidences of flash floods. These changes
therefore, meant that gender roles keep changing due to the food security conditions at
household level. The findings indicate that traditionally observed roles of women (such as
fetching water, collection of wild fruits, ploughing and. planting, land opening and
preparation, and weeding among others) are gradually being undertaken by men too. In
conclusion, climate variability is real, and although it has negative effects, it also triggers
society to unknowingly under difficult circumstances to confront traditionally observed
norms, believes and values. The study underscores the need for; a comprehensive empirical
research on effects of climate variability on gender roles with specific focus to the pastoral
areas of Uganda; government of Uganda and development organizations to deliberately
initiate gender transformative actions; and development of policies and frameworks to guide implementation of appropriate and localized strategies for coping with and adapting to
climate variability and its effects.
