Assessment of climate change impacts on gender coping technological challenges in rural communities: the case of selected villages in Siha district, Kilimanjaro

Climate change is an urgent global phenomenon effort to resolve. It refers to the increasing erratic weather patterns, rising sea level and extreme events that may be attributed to human activity as well as emission of greenhouse gases. Its impact has been detrimental to people especially farmers; however, its impact has been different among men and women. Gender is especially socially constructed referring to all roles, responsibilities, behaviour and attributes which are ascribed to females or males. The gender dimensions of climate consider how inequality has increased regarding who is more vulnerable to climate change. It also reflects on the change identify of women due to climate change; taking into account the new roles. In addition, it further considers the technological options it considers and which ones have been adapted to cope with climate change. Moreover, it considers what challenges are faced be women and men in adaption, it considers what challenges are faced be women and men in adaption of technologies. The study employed household survey, key informant interview and focus group discussions. Findings indicate that inequality has increased with regard to firewood collection; 28% of women more hours and only 18% use equal hours. However, due to deforestation 40% are forced to buy the firewood. The study also explored how womens identities have changed with the new role of educating and feeding family (100%) which initially, was considered to be a mans role. In addition, plenty of technology options which include planting trees and drought resistant crops but the most effective like biogas and efficient stoves have not been adapted. This is due to financial constraints and small areas. Thus, people need to be empowered economically and psychologically to adapt to climate change.