Poverty

Renewable Energy as Income Generation for Women

Citation:

Balakrishnan, Lalita. 2000. “Renewable Energy as Income Generation for Women.” Renewable Energy 19 (1): 319–24.

Author: Lalita Balakrishnan

Annotation:

Summary:
“The promotion of large scale use of renewable energy and the propagation of the concept of sustainable development have been recognised as necessary pre-requisites for improving the quality of life of developing countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and India has been a pioneer in this worthwhile effort. Energy problems in this region have almost always been linked with socio-economic realities that men and women living in rural areas have to encounter everyday in their lives. To improve the status of women, it has been acknowledged that they need to be helped in acquiring economic independence. Before they can undertake remunerative activities, which will help to improve their economic independence, and also enhance their prestige in the family and their social groups, the drudgery of household chores that they face always has to be reduced considerably, if not eliminated. Towards attaining this objective, the introduction of various renewable energy devices is seen as an important input, apart from its being a solution to problems like deforestation, health-hazards, smoke-related diseases and drudgery resulting from domestic work” (Balakrishnan 2000, 319).

Topics: Economies, Poverty, Environment, Gender, Women, Health, Households, Infrastructure, Energy Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: India

Year: 2000

Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa: The Case of Mozambique

Citation:

Arndt, Channing, Rui Benfica, and James Thurlow. 2011. “Gender Implications of Biofuels Expansion in Africa: The Case of Mozambique.” World Development 39 (9): 1649–62.

Authors: Channing Arndt, Rui Benfica, James Thurlow

Keywords: biofuels, Gender, growth, poverty, land abundance, Africa

Annotation:

Summary:
We use a gendered dynamic CGE model to assess the implications of biofuels expansion in a low-income, land-abundant setting. Mozambique is chosen as a representative case. We compare scenarios with different gender employment intensities in producing jatropha feedstock for biodiesel. Under all scenarios, biofuels investments accelerate GDP growth and reduce poverty. However, a stronger trade-off between biofuels and food availability emerges when female labor is used intensively, as women are drawn away from food production. A skills-shortage among female workers also limits poverty reduction. Policy simulations indicate that only modest improvements in women’s education and food crop yields are needed to address food security concerns and ensure broader-based benefits from biofuels investments. (Summary from Elsevier)

Topics: Agriculture, Economies, Poverty, Education, Gender, Women, Infrastructure, Energy, Livelihoods, Security, Food Security Regions: Africa, Southern Africa Countries: Mozambique

Year: 2011

Black Feminism and Radical Planning: New Directions for Disaster Planning Research

Citation:

Jacobs, Fayola. 2019. "Black Feminism and Radical Planning: New Directions for Disaster Planning Research." Planning Theory 18 (1): 24-39.

Author: Fayola Jacobs

Abstract:

After Hurricane Katrina’s devastation of the United States’ Gulf Coast, conversations about flooding became focused on the interconnections between so-called “natural” disasters, poverty, gender and race. Although research has long shown that women, people of color and low-income communities are more vulnerable to natural hazards, the disproportionate effects of Hurricane Katrina and subsequent federal and state disaster response efforts forced the national spotlight on the institutional and systemic nature of racism, classism and sexism. Using Black feminism and radical planning theory, two lenses that provides a comprehensive framework for understanding racism, classism and sexism, this article examines the concept and literature of social vulnerability. I argue while social vulnerability research has made significant contributions to planners’ understandings of disasters and inequity, it fails to center community knowledge, identify intersectional oppressions and name them as such and encourage community activism, all of which are keys to making meaningful change.

Keywords: Black feminism, disasters, environmental justice, feminism, social vulnerability, urban planning

Topics: Class, Economies, Poverty, Environment, Environmental Disasters, Gender, Infrastructure, Urban Planning, Intersectionality, Race Regions: Americas, North America Countries: United States of America

Year: 2019

Analysis of Gender Responsiveness of Climate Change Response Strategies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region

Citation:

Nyahunda, Louis, Jabulani Calvin Makhubele, Vincent Mabvurira, and Frans Koketso Matlakala. 2019. "Analysis of Gender Responsiveness of Climate Change Response Strategies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region." E-Bangi Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities 16 (9).

Authors: Louis Nyahunda, Jabulani Calvin Makhubele, Vincent Mabvurira, Frans Koketso Matlakala

Abstract:

This paper sought to explore the gender responsiveness of climate change response strategies in the Southern African Development Community region. There is undisputable acknowledgement that all SADC countries are vulnerable to climate change impacts despite their low contribution to carbon gas emissions that cause climate change. Women are more encumbered by climate change effects than men due to poverty, low literacy levels, lack of adaptive capacity, ascribed gender roles and cultural discrimination patterns that promote patriarchal dominance. Arguably, the gendered differential vulnerability between women and men to climate change impacts is absent in most climate policy frameworks in SADC. The objective of the study was to establish the responsiveness of climate change policies to gender dimensions in the SADC region. The study followed a literature review as research methodology. Secondary data sources were purposively reviewed through the selection of relevant sources by the researchers which led to the identification of other sources guided by common themes and keywords. Data was analysed through the discourse analysis. The study established that most climate change response strategies in SADC demonstrated apt consideration of the roles of women in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It was concluded that women are recognised as vulnerable populations and their contribution in devising sustainable climate change solutions is overlooked at policy levels. The study recommended that climate change interventions can only be effective when they mainstream gender and acknowledge the contribution of women as agents of social change and most SADC countries are still lagging behind.

Keywords: gender responsiveness, climate change, climate change response strategies, SADC, ecofeminism theory

Topics: Economies, Poverty, Education, Environment, Climate Change, Feminisms, Ecofeminism, Gender, Gender Roles, Gender Mainstreaming, Gendered Power Relations, Patriarchy Regions: Africa, Southern Africa

Year: 2019

Gender, Social Capital and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability: A Case of Pastoralists in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions in Kenya

Citation:

Omolo, Nancy, and Paramu L. Mafongoya. 2019. "Gender, Social Capital and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Variability: A Case of Pastoralists in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions in Kenya." International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management 11 (5): 744-58.

Authors: Nancy Omolo, Paramu L. Mafongoya

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between gender and social capital in adapting to climate variability in the arid and semi-arid regions in Turkana in Kenya. 
 
Design/methodology/approach: This paper undertook literature review of secondary data sources, conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze data for the quantitative part of the paper. 
 
Findings: Vulnerability is influenced by age, gender, education and disability. Elderly women are considered to be the most vulnerable to climate variability and change because they are the poorest in the community, followed by elderly men, the disabled, female-headed households, married women, men and, finally, the youth. Less than 30 per cent of women and men in both Katilu and Loima are able to read and write. The cross-tabulation results show that there is a statistical significant relationship between gender, age and education level and climate change vulnerability. This implies that gender, age and education level have a significant effect on climate change vulnerability. 
 
Research limitations/implications: The research coverage was limited to only two regions in Turkana because of time and economic constraints. 
 
Practical implications: The lack of attention to gender in the climate change literature has time and again resulted in an oversimplification of women’s and men's experience of climate risks. Improved development assistance, investments and enhanced targeting of the truly vulnerable within pastoral societies demand an acceptance of underdevelopment in arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya because of historical imbalances in investment; the recognition that vulnerability of pastoralists is neither uniform nor universal and the need to consider differences like age, gender and education. Policy-makers should understand that pastoralists in the past have used indigenous knowledge to cope with and adapt to climate change. The current-recurrent and intensity droughts require investment in modern technology, equipping pastoralists with relevant information and skills to make them resilient to climate change and implementing existing and relevant policies for northern Kenya. 
 
Social implications: This paper draws from several other efforts to show the critical relationships between gender, social capital and climate change. They are tracking adaptation and measuring development framework; ending drought emergencies common programme framework; and feminist evaluation approach. 
 
Originality/value: This paper is important in identifying the link between gender, social capital and adaptation to climate change.

 

Keywords: gender, adaptation, climate variability, pastoralists, Turkana

Topics: Age, Agriculture, Development, Poverty, Education, Environment, Climate Change, Environmental Disasters, Gender, Indigenous, Indigenous Knowledge Systems Regions: Africa, East Africa Countries: Kenya

Year: 2019

Climate Migration, Gender and Poverty

Citation:

Borrás, Susana. 2019. "Climate Migration, Gender and Poverty." In Research Handbook on Global Climate Constitutionalism, edited by Jordi Jaria-Manzano and Susana Borrás, 216-34. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Author: Susana Borrás

Annotation:

Summary:
This chapter explains that climate migration is a reality in which gender perspective is very important. It reveals both the vulnerabilities and strengths of women – whether in transit or in refugee camps; in their country of origin or at their ultimate destination. Women play a key role in the care, support and reconstruction of their communities. However, the political and legal failure to recognize climate change as a factor of added vulnerability, which is generating poverty and population movements, has increased gender inequality and injustice. This chapter argues the need to approach ‘gender climate migration’ realities from a gender justice and climate justice perspective. (Summary from ElgarOnline)

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Climate Displacement, Refugee/IDP Camps, Economies, Poverty, Environment, Climate Change, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality

Year: 2019

Impact of Climate Change to Women Exacerbated by Gender Inequality: A Case Study of Lao Cai

Citation:

Thuy, Nguyen Thi Thu, and Phan Thanh Thanh. 2019. "Impact of Climate Change to Women Exacerbated by Gender Inequality: A Case Study of Lao Cai." KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences 9 (2): 118-47.

Authors: Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, Phan Thanh Thanh

Abstract:

This paper is based on the results of a study conducted in Lao Cai to explore how climate change affects to women’s agricultural activities as well as how gender inequality strengthens the impacts. The method of this study is qualitative with data collected in three communes of Ban Qua, Quang Kim and Muong Vi in Bat Xat district with qualitative tools namely expert interviews, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion and quantitative tool namely survey. The finding of the research is that firstly, climate change can lead to vulnerable livelihoods. Moreover, the consequences of climate change are by no means gender-neutral. This is related to the second finding that traditional system of Vietnam is patriarchy and Confucianism in which women have to devote their time to family, have lower social status, have limited access to natural, financial and educational resources. The conclusion of the research is that women can be an effective agent of changes in climate change adaptation if they have more capitals such as finance, network and capabilities such as technical knowledge and sciences in agriculture. 

Keywords: gender inequality, women empowerment, climate change adaptation, food security, right to food

Topics: Economies, Poverty, Environment, Climate Change, Gender, Women, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, Rights, Security, Food Security Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Vietnam

Year: 2019

Climate Change and Women in South Asia: A Review and Future Policy Implications

Citation:

Patel, Sangram Kishor, Gopal Agrawal, Bincy Mathew, Sunita Patel, Biswajit Mohanty, and Abhishek Singh. 2019. "Climate Change and Women in South Asia: A Review and Future Policy Implications." World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development 17 (2): 145-66.

Authors: Sangram Kishor Patel, Gopal Agrawal, Bincy Mathew, Sunita Patel, Biswajit Mohanty, Abhishek Singh

Abstract:

Purpose: South Asian region is a focal point owing to its vulnerabilities to climate-sensitive diseases, dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods, projected levels of crop decline in the region, and high rates of poverty and malnutrition. Women are particularly vulnerable to climate change and this affects women disproportionately during different extreme events. The purpose of this paper is to understand the issue of climate change and its impact, and climate resilience among women in South Asia. Further, it also identifies the gaps and suggests future policy implications. 
 
Design/methodology/approach: Climate change is increasingly being recognised as an alarming issue and the present review is important when South Asian countries are facing the brunt of climate change impacts. This paper tries to understand the issue by review of the literature and conceptual framework methodology. To understand women’s vulnerability due to climate change and its aftermath, the authors conducted both offline and online desk reviews for this study. 
 
Findings: The findings of this study show a clear linkage between climate change and women’s vulnerabilities in South Asia. Climate change has significant socio-economic impacts on women, and it affects them disproportionately in various domains of agriculture, livelihood, food security, both physical and mental health, water and sanitation in the South Asia region. 
 
Practical implications: The paper also highlights that the programmes that aim at combating the effects of climate change require a gender-sensitive approach so that climate change does not obstruct the development and reduction of poverty in the region. 
 
Social implications: The findings of this paper will add value in helping families to come out of poverty by undertaking adaptive measures with proactive assistance from the government and grassroots level organisations. 
 
Originality/value: The present study also advocates for more gender- and climate-sensitive measures from governments, and implementation of intervention- and evidence-based research in the South Asian countries.

 

Keywords: women, resilience, climate change, South Asia, extreme events

Topics: Agriculture, Economies, Poverty, Environment, Climate Change, Health, Mental Health, Infrastructure, Water & Sanitation, Livelihoods, Security, Food Security Regions: Asia, South Asia

Year: 2019

Impacts of Climate Change Induced Migration on Gender: A Qualitative Study from the Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh

Citation:

Sams, Ishita Shahid. 2019. "Impacts of Climate Change Induced Migration on Gender: A Qualitative Study from the Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh." International Journal of Social Science Studies 7 (4): 57-68.

Author: Ishita Shahid Sams

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to explore the gender variation of the impact of climate change induced migration. This paper highlights the gender dimensions of climate change induced migration where gender is a vital element for determining vulnerability to climate change which influences the subsequent migration. Actually, the impacts of climate change induced natural disasters are not gender neutral because the experiences, needs and priorities of the climate migrants are varied by gender roles and position. In this research, we explore the socioeconomic impacts of the climate migrants on gender from the evidence of the southwest coastal women and men of Bangladesh. The qualitative data were collected from the cyclone-affected migrants who were migrated internally from the disaster-prone southwest coastal region and lived in the city slums of Khulna in Bangladesh. This study is described the gender differentiation between women and men in case of climate change induced migration according to social, economical, ecological, organizational, occupational, educational, and physical aspects which tend to be highly gendered. The study results show that among climate migrants, women are more vulnerable than men due to theri socioeconomic condition and gender discrimination in the patriarchal society of Bangladesh who are likely to be poorer, less educated, have a lower social status and have limited access to and control over natural resources.

Keywords: climate change, natural disaster, migration, Gender, vulnerability, coastal region, Bangladesh

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Climate Displacement, Economies, Poverty, Education, Environment, Climate Change, Environmental Disasters, Gender, Gendered Power Relations, Patriarchy Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: Bangladesh

Year: 2019

Introspecting Climate Change from the Lens of Feminism

Citation:

Kalinga, Kirti. 2019. "Introspecting Climate Change from the Lens of Feminism." Journal of Energy Research and Environmental Technology 6 (3): 264-8.

Author: Kirti Kalinga

Abstract:

Climate change is a widespread problem whose ramifications are felt across sectors, economies and geo-spatial location. But the degree to which one will be affected depends on the power relations, social positioning and the cultural milieu. Though, there are limited studies exploring the nexus between climate change and gender but it is not difficult to discern that the ravaging effects of climate change will have disproportionate impact on women increasing their burden, hardship and vulnerability which will ultimately exacerbate gender inequalities. Therefore, climate justice is nothing without gender justice and feminist epistemologies and standpoint theories help to unravel the layers of climate injustice. Many studies have been conducted at the micro level that explores climate change related vulnerability. But they have been limited to either community level vulnerability or household level. This implies that there is a dearth of gender segregated data that will elucidate the gender specific impacts of climate change. The present paper looks at the vulnerabilities of women in climate change hotspot Satavaya village in Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district in Odisha. Satavaya is under constant threat of coastal erosion due to sea level rise. The research findings reflect that climate change has aggravated livelihood insecurity, thus, inducing a male dominated mass labour migration. As they leave behind their family, the entire responsibility of running the household remains with the women, who have to carry the “double burden” of care and earning responsibilities. Health risks, especially reproductive problems are very high for women in Satavaya. They are also confronted with water and food insecurities. Climate change induced extreme events further trap them in cycle of poverty and amplifies their vulnerabilities. There is a need to develop women centric coping and adaptation strategies. 

Keywords: climate change, gender inequality, vulnerability, Satavaya, feminism, migration

Topics: Displacement & Migration, Climate Displacement, Economies, Poverty, Environment, Climate Change, Feminisms, Gendered Power Relations, Gender Equality/Inequality, Health, Reproductive Health, Households, Livelihoods, Security, Food Security Regions: Asia, South Asia Countries: India

Year: 2019

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