F. S. Nalwanga
Department of Environmental Management, Makerere University, Uganda
M. Sowman
Department of Geography, University of Cape Town, South Africa
P. I. Mukwaya
Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
P Musali
Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
A. Nimusiima
Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
I. Mugume
Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
H. Opedes
Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
G. N. Nabonoga
Department of Forestry, Bio diversity and Tourism, Makerere University, Uganda
Climate change affects both men and women which, in turn, shapes their varied and contrasting perceptions of climate variability and change. This paper examined the gendered perceptions of climate variability and change among local communities in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.The objectives are threefold: - identify climatic shocks faced by the local communities; examine the perceptions of men and women of climate variability and change; and to compare their perceptions with empirical meteorological data. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, with data collected from 215 respondents using survey, interviews and focused group discussions. From the findings, indicators of climate variability and change included reduced flooding events, occurrence of human diseases, increasing crop pests and diseases, dry spells and intensity of rains. There was increasing significant temperatures while rainfall was declining. Both male and female significantly associated with increasing temperatures and reduced flooding events. While climatic shocks affected both males and females, the impact was more pronounced depending on distinct livelihood activities and roles and responsibilities undertaken. The study concluded that people’s perceptions of climate change should be taken on by the government and integrated in the national climate programs that support people’s livelihoods and survival mechanisms.
[1] Bhatasara, S.; Nyamwanza, A. Sustainability: A missing dimension in climate change adaptation discourse in africa? J. Integr. Environ. Sci. 2018, 15, 83-97.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1943815X.2018.1450766.
[2] Chikulo, B.C. Gender, climate change and energy in South Africa : a review. Gend. Behav. 2014,12,5957-5970.
[3] Banerjee, R.R. Farmers’ perception of climate change, impact and adaptation strategies: a case study of four villages in the semi-arid regions of India. Nat. Hazards 2015, 75, 2829-2845.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/S11069-014-1466-Z.
[4] NEMA The National State of the Environment Report 2018-2019: Managing the Environment for Climate Resilient Livelihoods and Sustainable Economic Development; Kampala, Uganda, 2019.
[5] Cook, K.H.; Vizy, E.K. Projected Changes in East African Rainy Seasons. J. Clim. 2013,26,5931-5948.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-12-00455.1.
[6] Kilimani, N.; Heerden, J. van; Bohlmann, H.; Roos,L. Counting the cost of drought induced productivity losses in an agro-based economy: The case of Uganda. 2016, No. 201649.
[7] Egeru, A.; Wasonga, O.; Majaliwa Mwanjalolo, G.J.;MacOpiyo, L.; Mburu, J. Dynamics of land use and land cover change in semi-arid Karamoja sub-region,Uganda. Fourth RUFORUM Bienn. Reg. Conf. 21-25 July 2014, Maputo, Mozambique 2014, 125-132.
[8] Nimusiima, A.; Basalirwa; Majaliwa, J.G.M.; Otim Nape; Okello Onen, J.; Rubaire Akiiki, C.;Konde Lule, J.; Ogwal Byenek, S. Nature and dynamics of climate variability in the uganda cattle corridor. African J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2013, 7, 770-782.DOI: https://doi.org/10.5897/AJEST2013.1435.
[9] Okonya, J.S.; Okonya, J.S.; Syndikus, K.; Kroschel,J. Farmers’ Perception of and Coping Strategies to Climate Change: Evidence From Six Agro-Ecological Zones of Uganda Potato pests and diseases View project Beratungsorientierte Forschung im Auftrag von GTZ-BEAF / Centro Internacional de la Papa (Schriftenreihe des Seminars für Ländliche Entwicklung)) View project Farmers’ Perception of and Coping Strategies to Climate Change: Evidence From Six Agro-Ecological Zones of Uganda. J.Agric. Sci.2013, 5.DOI: http://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v5n8p252.
[10] Dawson, T.P.; Jackson, S.T.; House, J.I.; Prentice,I.C.; Mace, G.M. Beyond Predictions:Biodiversity Conservation in a Changing Climate Downloaded from; 2011;Vol. 332.
[11] Shi, W.; Fu, H.; Wang, P.; Chen, C.; Xiong, J. #Climatechange vs. #Globalwarming:Characterizing two competing climate discourses on twitter with semantic network and temporal analyses. Int. J. Environ.Res. Public Health 2020, 17.DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17031062.
[12] Kristjanson, P.; Meinzen-dick, R.; Bernier, Q.; Bryan, E.; Ringler, C.; Ampaire, E.; Asten, P.J.A.van Gender and Climate Chnage Adaptation in Uganda:Insights from Rakai. 2015, 3.
[13] Nakashima, D.J.; Galloway McLean, K.; Thulstrup,H.D.; Ramos Castillo, A.; Rubis, J.T.Weathering Uncertainty Traditional knowledge for climate change assessment and adaptation; 2012; ISBN 9789230010683.
[14] Apollo, A.; Mbah, M.F. Challenges and opportunities for climate change education (Cce) in East Africa: A critical review. Climate 2021, 9, 1-16.DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/cli9060093.
[15] Koubi, V. Sustainable development impacts of climate change and natural disaster. 2019, 1-55.
[16] Rao, N.; Lawson, E.T.; Raditloaneng, W.N.; Solomon, D.; Angula, M.N. Gendered vulnerabilities to climate change: insights from the semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Clim. Dev. 2019, 11,14-26.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2017.1372266.
[17] Jerneck, A. Taking gender seriously in climate change adaptation and sustainability science research: Views from feminist debates and sub-saharan small-scale agriculture. Sustain. Sci. 2018,13, 403-416.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-017-0464-y.
[18] Sharp, R.; Yue, Y.; Han, J.; Han, G.; Aita, G.M.; Wu,Q.; ALBERTINI, S.; CARMO, L.F. DO; PRADO FILHO, L.G. DO; Costa, L.A.D.S.; et al. No.Title.Carbohydr. Polym. 2016, 17, 1-13.
[19] Sultana, F. Gendering Climate Change: Geographical Insights. Prof. Geogr. 2014, 66, 372-381.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2013.821730.
[20] Alston, M. Gender mainstreaming and climate change. Womens. Stud. Int. Forum 2014, 47, 287-294.DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2013.01.016.
[21] Zahan Tanny, N.; Wakilur Rahman, M. Climate Change Vulnerabilities of Woman in Bangladesh. Agric. 2017, 14, 113.DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/agric.v14i2.31355.
[22] Ravera, F.; Martín-López, B.; Pascual, U.; Drucker,A. The diversity of gendered adaptation strategies to climate change of Indian farmers: A feminist intersectional approach. Ambio 2016, 45,335-351.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-016-0833-2.
[23] Babugura, A. Gender and Climate Change: South Africa Case Study. 2010.
[24] Nelson, V. Climate Change and Gender: what role for agricultural research among smallholder farmers in Africa? CIAT Work. Doc. No. 222 2010.
[25] E.R, C.; MC, T. Gender and climate change adaptation in agrarian settings: Current thinking, new Directions, and research Frontiers. Geogr. Compass 2014, 3, 182-197.
[26] Derr, T. Climate Change Perceptions and Adaption Among Small-Scale Farmers in Uganda. 2018.
[27] Kristjanson. P, Bernier. Q, Bryan. E, Ringler. C,Meinzen-Dick. R, A.E. UGANDA : INSIGHTS FROM RAKAI w GENDERED PERCEPTIONS OF CLIMATE. 2015, 18-21.
[28] Bourne, M.; Kimaiyo, J.; Tanui, J.; Catacutan, D.;Otiende, V. Can gender appreciation of trees enhance landscape multifunctionality? A case of smallholder farming systems on Mount Elgon. Int. For. Rev.2015, 17, 33-4 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1505/146554815816086480.
[29] UBOS 2014 Statistical Abstract. Uganda Gov.Minist. Financ. Econ. Dev. 2014, 52-60.
[30] Mugume, I.; Mesquita, M.D.S.; Basalirwa, C.;Bamutaze, Y.; Reuder, J.; Nimusiima, A.; Waiswa, D.;Mujuni, G.; Tao, S.; Ngailo, T.J. Patterns of dekadal rainfall variation over a selected region in Lake Victoria Basin, Uganda. Atmosphere (Basel). 2016, 7,1-23.DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos7110150.
[31] Mudelsee, M. Trend analysis of climate time series:A review of methods. Earth-Science Rev. 2019, 190,310-322.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2018.12.005.
[32] Molina-Azorin, J.F. Mixed methods research: An opportunity to improve our studies and our research skills. Eur. J. Manag. Bus. Econ. 2016, 25, 37-38.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redeen.2016.05.001.
[33] Opiyo, F.; Wasonga, O.; Nyangito, M.; Schilling, J.;Munang, R. Drought Adaptation and Coping Strategies Among the Turkana Pastoralists of Northern Kenya. Int. J. Disaster Risk Sci. 2015, 6, 295-309.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-015-0063-4.
[34] IPCC The IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report: What’s in it for Africa? Change 2007, 446, 12-17.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1256/004316502320517344.
[35] Fadairo, O.; Williams, P.A.; Nalwanga, F.S. Perceived livelihood impacts and adaptation of vegetable farmers to climate variability and change in selected sites from Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria. Environ. Dev.Sustain. 2020, 22, 6831-6849.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-019-00514-1.
[36] Nsubuga, F.W.; Olwoch, J.M.; Rautenbach, H. Variability properties of daily and monthly observed near-surface temperatures in Uganda: 1960-2008. Int.J. Climatol. 2014, 34, 303-314.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.3686.
[37] Mwaura, F.M.; Okoboi, G. Climate variability and crop production in Uganda. J. Sustain. Dev.2014, 7,159-172.DOI: https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v7n2p159.
[38] Kilimani, N.; Kilimani, N. Water Resource Accounts for Uganda : Use and Policy Relevancy Water Resource Accounts for Uganda : Use and Policy Rele-vancy ∗. 2013.
[39] Mubiru, D.N.; Komutunga, E.; Agona, A.; Apok, A.;Ngara, T. Characterising agrometeorological climate risks and uncertainties: Crop production in Uganda. S.Afr. J. Sci. 2012, 108, 1-11.DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajs.v108i3/4.470.
[40] Kisauzi, T.; Mangheni, M.N.; Sseguya, H.; Bashaasha, B.; Studies, I. Gender dimensions of farmers’perceptions and knowledge on climate change in Teso sub - region, eastern Uganda. African Crop Sci.J. 2012, 20, 275-286.DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v20i2.
[41] Akongo, G.O. Farm-Level Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability in Rice Production , Northern Uganda. 2016, 6, 27-36.
[42] Kaggwa, R.; Hogan, R.; Hall, B. Enhancing the Contribution of Weather, Climate and Climate Change to Growth, Employment and Prosperity; Kampala,Uganda, 2009.
[43] Bomuhangi, A.; Nabanoga, G.; Namaalwa, J.; Jacobson, M.; Gombya-Ssembajjwe, W. Gendered decision making and adaptation to climate change in Mt.Elgon Region, Eastern Uganda. Int. Res. J. Environ.Scinece Stud. 2016, 1, 1-23.
[44] Nsubuga, F.W.; Rautenbach, H. Climate change and variability: a review of what is known and ought to be known for Uganda. Int. J. Clim. Chang. Strateg.Manag. 2018, 10,752-771.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-04-2017-0090.
[45] Raemaekers; Sowman, M. Community-level socio-ecological vulnerability assessments in the Benguela current large marine ecosystem.; 2015.
[46] Tiani, A.M.; Bele, M.Y.; Sonwa, D.J. What are we talking about? The state of perceptions and knowledge on REDD+ and adaptation to climate change in Central Africa.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2 014.953901 2014, 7, 310-321.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2014.953901.
[47] Davis, P.; Ali, S. Exploring Local Perceptions of Climate Change Impact and Adaptation in Rural Bangladesh. SSRN Electron. J. 2014.DOI: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2405696.
[48] Berman, R.J.; Quinn, C.H.; Paavola, J. Identifying drivers of household coping strategies to multiple climatic hazards in Western Uganda: implications for adapting to future climate change. Clim. Dev. 2015, 7,71-84.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2014.902355.
[49] Jost, C.; Kyazze, F.; Naab, J.; Neelormi, S.; Kinyangi, J.; Zougmore, R.; Aggarwal, P.; Bhatta, G.;Chaudhury, M.; Tapio-Bistrom, M.L.; et al. Understanding gender dimensions of agriculture and climate change in smallholder farming communities.Clim. Dev. 2016, 8, 133-144.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2015.1050978.
[50] Diem, J.E.; Hartter, J.; Salerno, J.; McIntyre, E.;Stuart Grandy, A. Comparison of measured multidecadal rainfall variability with farmers’ perceptions of and responses to seasonal changes in western Uganda. Reg. Environ. Chang. 2016 174 2016, 17,1127-1140.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/S10113-016-0943-1.
[51] Merino, G.; Barange, M.; Blanchard, J.L.; Harle, J.;Holmes, R.; Allen, I.; Allison, E.H.; Badjeck,M.C.;Dulvy, N.K.; Holt, J.; et al. Can marine fisheries and aquaculture meet fish demand from a growing human population in a changing climate?DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2012.03.003.
[52] Narloch, U. The Varying Income Effects of Weather Variation: Initial Insights from Rural Vietnam *;2016.
[53] Timmers, B. Impacts of climate change and variability on fish value chains in Uganda. 2012.
[54] Kasedde, H.; Lwanyaga, J.; Kirabira, J.B.; Bäbler,M. Optimization of Solar Energy for Salt Extraction from Lake Katwe, Uganda Available online: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A882509&dswid=3392 (accessed on Aug 26,2021).
[55] Ngigi, M.W.; Mueller, U.; Birner, R. Gender Differences in Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Participation in Group-based Approaches: An Intra-household Analysis From Rural Kenya. Ecol.Econ. 2017, 138, 99-108.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2017.03.019.
[56] Wrigley-Asante, C.; Owusu, K.; Egyir, I.S.; Owiyo,T.M. Gender dimensions of climate change adaptation practices: the experiences of smallholder crop farmers in the transition zone of Ghana.African Geogr. Rev. 2019, 38, 126-139.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19376812.2017.1340168.
[57] Twyman, J.; Green, M.; Bernier, Q.; Kristjanson,P.; Russo, S.; Tall, A. Adaptation Actions in Africa :Evidence that Working Paper Adaptation Actions in Africa. 2014.
[58] Mnimbo, T.S.; Mbwambo, J.; Kahimba, F.C.; Tumbo,S.D. A gendered analysis of perception and vulnerability to climate change among smallholder farmers:the case of Same District, Tanzania. Clim. Dev. 2016,8, 95-104.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2015.1005038.
[59] Diiro, G.M.; Ker, A.P.; San, A.G. The role of gender in fertiliser adoption in Uganda. African J.Agric. Resour. Econ. 2015, 10, 117-130.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22004/AG.ECON.208922.
[60] Tanellari, E.; Kostandini, G.; Bonabana-Wabbi, J.;Murray, A. Gender impacts on adoption of new technologies: the case of improved groundnut varieties in Uganda. African J. Agric. Resour. Econ. 2014, 9,300-308.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22004/AG.ECON.197017.
[61] Kirabira, J.B.; Kasedde, H.; Ssemukuuttu, D.Towards the improvement of salt extraction at Lake Katwe, Uganda Available online: https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A667925&dswid=3392 (accessed on Aug 26,2021).
[62] Tamang, S.; Paudel, K.P.; Shrestha, K.K. Feminization of Agriculture and its Implications for Food Security in Rural Nepal. J. For. Livelihood 2014, 12.
[63] Balikoowa, K.; Nabanoga, G.; Tumusiime, D.M.;Mbogga, M.S. Gender differentiated vulnerability to climate change in Eastern Uganda. Clim. Dev. 2019,11, 839-849.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2019.1580555.
[64] Sultana, F. Gendering Climate Change: Geographical Insights. Prof. Geogr. 2014, 66, 372-381.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2013.821730.
[65] Zargar, A.; Sadiq, R.; Naser, B.; Khan, F.I.; Svoboda,M.; Hayes, M.; Wood, D.; Kamali, B.;Kouchi, D.H.;Yang, H.; et al. Analysis of Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) data for drought assessment. Water (Switzerland) 2012, 26, 1-72.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/5.
[66] UNMA March to May 2020 Seasonal Rainfall Outlook over Uganda; 2020.
Copyright © 2021 F.S. Nalwanga,M. Sowman,P.I. Mukwaya,P. Musali, A. Nimusiima, I. Mugume,H. Opedes,G.N. Nabonoga
This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
