Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

Effects of livelihood diversification on gendered climate vulnerability in Northern Ghana

  • Published:
Environment, Development and Sustainability Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Climate change projections show worsening climatic conditions and impacts. At the same time, current and future forecasts of climate impacts are not gender neutral. Within a gendered perspective, this study examines the climate vulnerability of households in northern Ghana and estimated the effects of livelihood diversification on climate vulnerability levels. A total of 619 respondents from 432 farm households were selected through a multistage sampling procedure. The data were analysed using Livelihood Vulnerability Index with equal weighting and unequal weighting through principal component analysis. From the result, female household heads were most vulnerable to climate change, followed by female spouses and male heads. There was a statistically significant difference between gender vulnerability levels. Livelihood diversification has the potential of reducing climate vulnerability by 2.6–5.7%, 2.2–5.9% and 2.1–4.7% among male heads, female spouses and female heads, respectively. However, livelihood diversification increases climate vulnerability gaps between males and females. In conclusion, this study confirmed that women in northern Ghana are most vulnerable to climate change. Although livelihood diversification may reduce climate vulnerability, it would not address gendered climate vulnerability differences. Hence, livelihood diversification cannot be a sufficient condition for addressing gendered climate vulnerabilities but only a necessary condition. The study recommends that beyond enhancing livelihood diversification amidst climate change, deliberate climate efforts must be directed towards women, and fundamental gender discriminations such as stereotyping and social discrimination must be addressed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Source: Computed from vulnerability scores. Note: WoD, without diversification; WD, with diversification

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. This is calculated as: female’s vulnerability level-male’s vulnerability level, all divided by female’s vulnerability level multiplied by 100. Example: 0.2981–0.2952/0.2981 * 100 = 1.95%.

References

  • Abdul-razak, M., & Kruse, S. (2017). The adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers to climate change in the Northern Region of Ghana. Climate Risk Management,17, 104–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2017.06.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adu, D. T., Kuwornu, J. K. M., & Anim-somuah, H. (2017). Application of livelihood vulnerability index in assessing smallholder maize farming households’ vulnerability to climate change in Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2017.06.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahsan, N., & Warner, J. (2014). The socioeconomic vulnerability index: A pragmatic approach for assessing climate change led risks—A case study in the south-western coastal Bangladesh. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction,8, 32–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2013.12.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alhassan, S. I., Kuwornu, J. K. M., & Osei-Asare, Y. B. (2018). Gender dimension of vulnerability to climate change and variability: Empirical evidence of smallholder farming. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-10-2016-0156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arora-jonsson, S. (2011). Virtue and vulnerability: Discourses on women, gender and climate change. Global Environmental Change,21(2), 744–751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2011.01.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brouwer, R., Akter, S., Brander, L., & Haque, E. (2007). Socioeconomic vulnerability and adaptation to environmental risk: A case study of climate change and flooding in Bangladesh. Risk Analysis,27(2), 313–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1539-6924.2007.00884.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheb, H. (2015). Rural household’s vulnerability Assessment to climate variability. Cambodia,3(2), 19–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Djoudi, H., Locatelli, B., Vaast, C., Asher, K., Brockhaus, M., & Sijapati, B. B. (2016). Beyond dichotomies: Gender and intersecting inequalities in climate change studies. Ambio,45(s3), 248–262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-016-0825-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doss, C., Deere, C. D., Oduro, A. D., Swaminathan, H., Suchitra, J. Y., Lahoti, R., et al. (2011). The Gender asset and wealth gaps: Evidence from Ecuador, Ghana, and Karnataka, India. Bangalore: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

    Google Scholar 

  • Etwire, P. M., Al-Hassan, R. M., & Osei-Owusu, Y. (2013). Application of Livelihood Vulnerability Index in assessing vulnerability to climate change and variability in Northern Ghana. Journal of Environment and Earth Science,3(2), 157–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gerlitz, J., Macchi, M., Brooks, N., Pandey, R., & Jha, S. K. (2016). The Multidimensional Livelihood Vulnerability Index—An instrument to measure livelihood vulnerability to change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Climate and Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2016.1145099.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GSS. (2012). 2010 population and housing census: Summary report of final results. Accra.

  • GSS. (2014). Ghana living standards survey round 6 (GLSS6): Poverty profile in Ghana (2005–2013). Accra.

  • GSS. (2015). Ghana poverty mapping report. Ghana: Accra.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hahn, M. B., Riederer, A. M., & Foster, S. O. (2009). The Livelihood Vulnerability Index: A pragmatic approach to assessing risks from climate variability and change—A case study in Mozambique. Global Environmental Change,19, 74–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2008.11.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huyer, S. (2016). Gender and international climate policy: An analysis of progress in gender equality at COP21. CCAFS Info Note. Copenhagen: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.

    Google Scholar 

  • IPCC. (2014). Climate change: Impacts, adaptation and vulnerability. Part A: Global and Sectoral Aspects. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. In C. B. Field, V. R. Barros, D. J. Dokken, K. J. Mach, M. D. Mastrandrea, T.E. Bilir, M. Chatterjee, K. L. Ebi, Y. O. Estrada, R. C. Genova, B. Girma, E. S. Kissel, A. N. Levy, S. MacCracken & L. L. White (Eds.), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA.

  • Kakota, T., Nyariki, D., Mkwambisi, D., & Kogi-makau, W. (2011). Gender vulnerability to climate variability and household food insecurity. Climate and Development,3(4), 298–309. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2011.627419.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maiti, S., Jha, S. K., Garai, S., Nag, A., Bera, A. K., Paul, V., et al. (2017). An assessment of social vulnerability to climate change among the districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Ecological Indicators,77, 105–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2017.02.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, N. A., Stokes, C. J., Webb, N. P., Marshall, P. A., & Lankester, A. J. (2014). Social vulnerability to climate change in primary producers: A typology approach. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment,186, 86–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2014.01.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MoFA. (2013). Agriculture in Ghana: Facts and figures (2012). Retrieved from https://www.e-agriculture.gov.gh/index.php/2014-07-22-14-39-46/agric-facts-and-figures-2012. Accessed 7 Apr 2017.

  • MoFA. (2017). Agriculture in Ghana: Facts and figues (2016). Retrieved from https://mofa.gov.gh/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Agric in Ghana F&F 2016_Final.pdf. Accessed 29 Nov 2018.

  • Morchain, D., Prati, G., Kelsey, F., & Ravon, L. (2015). What if gender became an essential, standard element of vulnerability assessments? Gender and Development,23(3), 481–496. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552074.2015.1096620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nazari, S., Pezeshki, G., Sedighi, H., & Azadi, H. (2015). Vulnerability of wheat farmers: Toward a conceptual framework. Ecological Indicators,52, 517–532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2015.01.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nellemann, C., Verma, R., & Hislop, L. (2011). Women at the frontline of climate change: Gender risks and hopes. A rapid response assessment. Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme, GRID-Arendal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngigi, M. W., Mueller, U., & Birner, R. (2016). Gender differences in climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies : An intra-household analysis from rural Kenya. ZEF-Discussion Papers on Development Policy No . 210, Center for Development Research, Bonn, No. 210, p. 34.

  • Nguyen, T. T. X., Bonetti, J., Rogers, K., & Woodroffe, C. D. (2016). Indicator-based assessment of climate-change impacts on coasts: A review of concepts, methodological approaches and vulnerability indices. Ocean and Coastal Management,123, 18–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2015.11.022.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nkegbe, P. K., & Kuunibe, N. (2014). Climate variability and household welfare in northern Ghana. Helsinki: United Nations University-World Institute for Development Research.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Ongoro, E. B., & Ogara, W. (2012). Impact of climate change and gender roles in community adaptation: A case study of pastoralists in Samburu East District, Kenya. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation,4(2), 78–89. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJBC11.174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Opiyo, F. E. O., Wasonga, O. V., & Nyangito, M. M. (2014). Measuring household vulnerability to climate-induced stresses in pastoral rangelands of Kenya: Implications for resilience programming. Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice,4(10), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-014-0010-9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osarfo, D., Senadza, B., & Nketiah-amponsah, E. (2016). The impact of nonfarm activities on rural farm household income and food security in the Upper East and Upper West Regions of Ghana. Theoretical Economic Letters,6, 388–400. https://doi.org/10.4236/tel.2016.63043.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panda, A. (2016). Vulnerability to climate variability and drought among small and marginal farmers: A case study in Odisha, India. Climate and Development. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2016.1184606.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandey, R., & Jha, S. (2012). Climate vulnerability index—Measure of climate change vulnerability to communities: A case of rural. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies Global Change Adapt Strateg Global Change,17, 487–506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-011-9338-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panthi, J., Aryal, S., Dahal, P., Bhandari, P., Krakauer, N. Y., & Pandey, V. P. (2015). Livelihood vulnerability approach to assessing climate change impacts on mixed agro-livestock smallholders around the Gandaki River Basin in Nepal. Regional Environmental Change. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-015-0833-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shah, K. U., Bansha, H., Johnson, C., & Baptiste, A. (2013). Understanding livelihood vulnerability to climate change: Applying the livelihood vulnerability index in Trinidad and Tobago. Geoforum,47, 125–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2013.04.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shukla, R., Kamna, S., & Joshi, P. K. (2016). An indicator-based approach to assess village-level social and biophysical vulnerability of agriculture communities in Uttarakhand, India. Journal of Mountain Science,13(2), 2260–2271. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-016-4058-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stafford, S., & Abramowitz, J. (2017). An analysis of methods for identifying social vulnerability to climate change and sea level rise: A case study of Hampton Roads, Virginia. Natural Hazards, 85(2), 1089–1117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-016-2622-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stanturf, J. A., Warren Jr., M. L., Polasky, S. C., Goodrick, S. L., Armah, F., & Nyako, Y. A. (2011). Ghana climatechange vulnerability and adaptation assessment. Retrieved from http://www.encapafrica.org/documents/biofor/ClimateChangeAssessment_Ghana_FINAL.pdf. Accessed 1 Apr 2017.

  • Tibesigwa, B., Visser, M., Hunter, L., Collinson, M., & Twine, W. (2015). Environment for development gender differences in climate change risk, food security, and adaptation. A study of rural households’ reliance on agriculture and natural resources to sustain livelihoods. Environment for Development. Discussion Paper Series, (August), pp. 1–33.

  • UNDP. (2011). Gender and climate change capacity development series-Africa. Training module 2. Retrieved from https://www.uncclearn.org/sites/default/files/inventory/undp118.pdf. Accessed 15 Apr 2017.

Download references

Acknowledgements

We sincerely acknowledge Prof. Renata Serra of University of Florida, USA, for her contributions to this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD), West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Climate Change Economics, Dakar, Senegal

    William Adzawla

  2. Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    Heike Baumüller

Authors
  1. William Adzawla
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Heike Baumüller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to William Adzawla.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Appendix

Appendix

See Table 5.

Table 5 Measurement of the indicators used in calculating LVI and their normalised means
Full size table

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Adzawla, W., Baumüller, H. Effects of livelihood diversification on gendered climate vulnerability in Northern Ghana. Environ Dev Sustain 23, 923–946 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00614-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-020-00614-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy