Gendered Impacts of Climate Change: A Close Study of Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity in Southern African Development Community

Authors

  • Faisal Khalid Department of Forestry, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal 18000, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. GIS and Space Applications in Geosciences Lab (GSAG-L), National Center of GIS and Space Application (NCGSA), Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad 44000, Punjab, Pakistan.
  • Onyeama Favour Onyedikachukwu Department of Chemistry, University of Lagos.
  • Ugwu Patience Chinaza Department English and literary studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • Precious Chimkande Malawi Department Advocacy and communication, Coordination Union for Rehabilitation of Environment.
  • Osoko Oluwatimilehin Oladayo Department Environmental and Natural Resource Economics, University of Rhode Island, USA.
  • Tamanji Logodi Tamanji Department of Applied Community Development, Future Generations University, USA.
  • Noncedo Maphosho Developmental Capable and Ethical State Division, Human Sciences Research Council.
  • Obasa Adebusola National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency, Pollution control Unit.
  • Auwal Muhammad Sani Department of Physics, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa state, Nigeria.
  • Jumoke Omodeni University of Leeds.

Abstract

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) faces increasing climate risks, which include droughts, floods and cyclones, in which women are most vulnerable due to socio-economic inequalities, gendered labor roles, and limited access to resources. This review examines gender-responsive climate governance in SADC, highlighting adaptive capacities, barriers to women’s participation, and the role of NGOs, international Organizations, and Indigenous knowledge in advancing climate resilience. While regional frameworks and national policies now recognize the importance of gender inclusion, there are still existing gaps in implementation, monitoring, funding, and broad social inclusivity. Studies have shown that women act not only as vulnerable populations but also as proactive leaders and innovators in climate adaptation, particularly in agriculture, disaster risk reduction and resource management. The study captures persistent challenges, including underrepresentation in decision-making, donor-dependent initiatives, and weak coordination, while pointing out the full impact of community-led and women-driven initiatives. The study also proposes improving gender-inclusion policies, integrating indigenous knowledge, ensuring sustainable financing, enhancing capacity-building, and creating more systems to track progress and guarantee accountability. By addressing these gaps, SADC can empower women as central agents of climate action, fostering equitable, resilient and sustainable development across the region.

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Published

2026-03-31

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of Forest Sciences

Section

Article