Gender dimensions of farmers’ perceptions and knowledge on climate change in Teso sub - region, eastern Uganda

Abstract

Perceptions and knowledge play a key role in shaping individual and collective response to climate change. Understanding gender dimensions of climate change perceptions and knowledge contributes to effective climate change adaptation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate male and female farmers’ perceptions, knowledge as well as its (knowledge) determinants with respect to climate change in the Teso sub-region, eastern Uganda. Data from male- and female-headed households were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, linear and multinomial logistic regression. Results showed that all farmers, men and women, were aware of climate change. Male and female farmers’ perceptions of climate change did not differ significantly on all the parameters except on frequency of droughts with women more likely to perceive increased drought frequency compared with men. Further, sex of the household head was found to be the sole significant determinant of knowledge of the cause of climate change. Female-headed households were more likely either not to know the cause or to have erroneous information. Significant gender gaps in education levels and access to sources of information, namely, radio, extension and groups are cited as possible factors that could explain women’s lower knowledge levels compared to men. Climate adaptation interventions should, therefore, put into consideration gender based variations in perceptions and knowledge for equitable and sustainable climate change adaptation.