Gender perceptions and adaptation strategies to climatic hazards-floodsin rural areas of District Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Climate change and its ramifications are evident in the form of global warming andfluctuations. Pakistan is mainly on arid geographical profile and resource scarcity, is among the highly vulnerable countries to climate change. This research is a mixture of agricultural income andbiophysical indicators to provide an assessment of gender vulnerability to climate change in north east of Pakistan. A mixed methods technique was carried out and desk study was conducted in order to get a full insight into the agricultural practices and the perceptions of gender.Asemi-structuredquestionnaire was developed and an exploration of impacts was made rough in-depth interviewsand focus group discussions. The study was discerned information about Adaptation practices of thecommunity and obstacles faced by women were also scrutinized. A simple random sampling technique was deployed and sample of 101 respondents. Data was tabulated and graphs were made using Microsoft Excel. Statistical Analysis was carried out using R-software, and variance was determined by using PCA (Principal Component Analysis). A highest variance of about (35.7%) was observed in gender role in decision making i.e., land allocations, proposing inequality in property rights. A high majority of respondents (n=81) perceived changing climatic conditions. Responses of major climatic hazards encountered were also reported and high variance of (49.3%) was observed for loss of livestock and money. Maximum level of illiteracy among the family members of respondents was observed (n=241) suggesting less awareness among the inhabitants. Presence of health care facility was reported but a small number (n=39) females received antenatal health care. The study also suggests somerecommendation to empowering women and achieving environmental education should be important goals in managing climate change and creating a sustainable future.