Gender Dynamics in Climate Change, Mitigating Mechanisms and Outcome: Evidence from Women Farmers in Muyuka, Cameroon

Abstract

Climate change is not a new phenomenon in Cameroon but its ramifications and dynamics are still challenging. Women food crop farmers continue to experience high postharvest losses, food insecurity, increased poverty and low family nutrition. They increasingly remain vulnerable to climate change compared to men because of their gender which limit their access to social and economic resources. Consequently, agriculture which is a traditional mainstay for women and reliable recourse to livelihood is jeopardized. Meanwhile government’s effort has been loudly minimal. To mitigate impacts of climate change, women inspite of limited education and income have taken the front line, adopting local techniques through group action. Specifically, women anticipate or update their expectation of the climate in response to unusual weather patterns by altering agricultural calendars, applying manure and farming in marshy areas. These adaptation strategies have not restored agricultural reputation. Family nutritional intake and women’s income remain low. This paper examines the challenges of climate change on food production and local adaptation mechanisms by women food producers in Cameroon. 100 women farmers in three quarters of Muyuka were randomly selected for this study which adopted a descriptive design. Questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions were used to elicit valid responses which were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Women’s voices and gender sensitive policies are imperative in climate-Smart socio-economic development and to achieve agricultural needs in Cameroon’s vision 2035.   Keywords: gender, climate change, mitigating mechanisms, women farmers and Cameroon