Assessing gender dimensions in adaptation practices of climate change in agriculture sector in Africa: Case of Niger

Abstract

This research aims to contribute to the analysis of the gender dimension in climate change adaptation in Niger. Climate change negatively impacts agriculture, on which the economies of developing countries such as Niger are heavily dependent. This exacerbates the situation of vulnerable groups, in particular the elderly, women and children in rural areas. The Multiple Choice Method randomly selected 707 farmers from 353 households for primary data collection. The proportion test, multinomial logit, principal component analysis, ordinal logit regression and fractional logit model are used for the analysis. The results show that climate change adaptation practices are differentiated by gender. However, women have a lower level of adaptation, with fewer determining factors than men. Socio-economic characteristics determine farmers' level of constraints and adaptation to climate change. Constraining factors include institutional, public, high input costs, land tenure issues, education levels, religious beliefs and customs, labor and financial constraints. Men and women did not attain the empowerment score, with more women less empowered. However, Koranic education, agricultural income and selling at moderate prices, among other benefits, affect the gender empowerment index of women. In order to improve the level of adaptation and empowerment of women in the agricultural sector, special attention should be paid to women in development projects/programs in Niger.