Climate variability: how it affects women’s adaptive capacity on food,water and energy needs

Abstract

Food, water and energy are critical necessities which drive the daily livelihoods of a household. These are basic needs that keep every household running to sustain life. Availability of food, water and energy is linked to the environment. Climate variability is affecting sustenance of these vital resources. Women are responsible for sourcing and utilization of food, water and energy in the home due to defined gender roles, yet they have no control over decision making due to power imbalances between males and females. . Effects of climate variability are diminishing required amounts of food, water and energy, thereby inflicting pressure on women as additional gender roles emerge. There is linkage between food, water and energy since households depend on cooked food. Water and energy are vital resources that support food preparation.

This study was conducted in Bolero, Rumphi district, focusing on assessing the stretching adaptive capacity of women to effects of climate variability on food, water and energy needs. Mixed data collection methods were used to collect data from 111 respondents. Data was analyzed using content analysis, to identify themes and discourses on food, water and energy needs. The survey has established that women have continuously ensured provision and governance of these resources in their households. It has also established that households rely on maize for food, which may affect their coping capabilities. Furthermore, increasing water and energy needs with no alternatives to firewood will affect food consumption at household level. The results emphasize the need to change people’s attitudes about food and advocating environmental friendly technologies that would reduce women’s workload to meet food, water and energy needs. Improving women’s access to resources and promoting equality will enhance their adaptive capacity to effects of climate variability.