Climate Change and Gender Roles in Rural Communities A study in Muzaffargarh

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly disrupting rural livelihoods and reinforcing existing gender inequalities, particularly in vulnerable regions. This study investigates the gender-specific impacts of climate change on rural communities in Muzaffargarh District, Pakistan-an area frequently exposed to extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heatwaves. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 110 respondents (55 men and 55 women) through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Findings reveal significant gender disparities in land ownership, decision-making power, CSA awareness, and institutional access. Only 18% of women owned agricultural land, compared to 82% of men, limiting their capacity to access credit and adopt CSA practices. Women also reported lower confidence in adapting to climate change and relied more on informal coping strategies, such as unpaid labor and community support, while men tended to migrate or mechanize operations. Despite these challenges, 76% of respondents expressed willingness to adopt CSA practices if adequate financial or technical support were provided. However, preferred support mechanisms varied: women prioritized training and input provision, while men favored mechanization and market access. The study also found that institutional support was insufficient, especially for women, due to limited outreach by extension services and a lack of gender-sensitive programming. This research underscores the need for climate adaptation policies that are both gender-inclusive and context-specific. It recommends targeted interventions such as female-focused extension services, accessible financial tools, and genderdisaggregated planning to enhance equitable climate resilience in rural Pakistan.