Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses climate change adaptation strategies implemented by smallholder women farmers at household level, why they chose those strategies and how their livelihoods have been affected

Paper long abstract:

It is essential for farmers in the Global South to adapt to climate change using strategies that increase resilience and enhance livelihoods. Despite the role that women play in agriculture, they face constraints that limit their liberty to decide how to cope with climate threats and to employ appropriate methods. In most agrarian societies, women's adaptation choices are related to gendered resource access and control, gender roles, power dynamics, culture, institutions, and other macro and micro-level social, political, and economic factors. This paper discusses adaptation strategies implemented by women farmers at the household level, why they chose those strategies and how their livelihoods have been affected. This research was guided by Feminist Political Ecology and Social Relations Approach. Participatory research methods – semi-structured interviews, focus groups discussions, Venn diagrams, gender-disaggregated seasonal calendars, transect walks, and gender resource mapping – were utilised to collect information from women farmers in Uganda. Results show that female farmers typically take the initiative in implementing adaptation measures, using techniques that they are familiar with, can afford and are acceptable in their households. In addition, membership in groups, relationships with family and friends, clans, state and private institutions contribute to women’s choice of adaptation measures. This strongly links to the livelihoods of women. This study advances knowledge of how smallholder women farmers cope with climate risks. This is important for policy, debates and practice that aim to enhance farmers’ resilience to climate change and improve livelihoods.

Key words: Climate change, Adaptation decisions, Livelihoods, Smallholder women farmers