Gendered Climate Experiences in Kenyan Pastoralist Communities.

When distinctions in the interaction with nature between the genders is observed a new interpretation of the relationship between nature and society is mandated. Men and women experience the effects of disasters differently, in general however, it is women who are more susceptible to greater risk and bear more significant consequences during a disaster and during the ensuring recovering period. It has been shown that the mortality rates after a disaster are higher in women while survival rates are lower. Kenya is significantly dependent on natural resources for livelihood and economic growth. Most of these activities are in the Arid and Semi- arid Lands which make up 80% of its land mass where the main source of livelihood for the dwellers is livestock production through pastoralism, small scale agriculture and tourism. Rainfall has become unpredictable and unevenly distributed adversely affecting the ecosystem causing disasters and calamities. In Kenya, and Africa in general, drought is the leading cause of natural hazards in terms of number of people affected.
Cognisant of the complex role that social structure and processes play in climate change, social analysis has gained increasing importance in emerging research. However, in the context of environmental strife and shifting livelihoods that pastoralists are confronting, recent studies have recognised that low levels of attention have been given to the intra-household and inter-household relationships and how they link to livelihood compromises and the attendant social transformations. Bearing that in mind, an analysis at the household level illuminates the domestic transformations, renegotiations, and domains that differently placed men and women are engaging in their current environment. Correspondingly, an elucidation of how these differently placed men and women are manipulating gender and larger society roles and relationships to cope with the increasingly unpredictable and unstable livelihoods will be provided.
This study primarily relied on qualitative focus group discussions to delve into the gendered dimensions of climate adaptation, with a particular emphasis on women's coping mechanisms. Conducted across three selected study sites, these twelve genders-disaggregated focus groups provided a safe space for participants to openly discuss their experiences, perceptions, and concerns related to climate change and adaptation strategies. By separating participants by gender, the research aimed to facilitate more candid and in-depth conversations. The structured discussions encouraged participants to share detailed narratives and insights, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the gender-specific challenges and opportunities within each community. The data also includes a quantitative demographic survey of the 113 respondents that provides insights into the whole experience of the respondents.