The effects of climate variability on gender roles and food security in Kotido district, Uganda.

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.