Abstract:
Purpose – This study documented adaptation strategies employed by rural women in Vhembe district as they
reel with climate change impacts. Women are heavily plagued by climate change impacts than any other
genders worldwide. This is attributed to their high dependence on the natural resources for survival, low
adaptive capacity, illiteracy, social ascribed roles that limit their participation in climate change initiatives like
men and high poverty levels. Despite the daunting fact of women’s vulnerability to climate change and its
vagary impacts, women are agents of social change who have not remained passive victims to climate change
and its impacts.
Design/methodology/approach – This study adopted a qualitative methodology guided by multi-case
study design. A sample of 25 participants was selected through simple random and purposive sampling
techniques. Data were collected using Focus Group Discussions and individual interviews and analysed
thematically. Rural women and traditional leaders served as key informants and participated in the study.
Findings – The study established that the effects of climate change on rural women are real; however, there is
a cocktail of strategies employed by women in Vhembe district in response to these effects. The strategies
include livelihood and crop diversification, use of indigenous knowledge systems and harnessing of social
capital among other household-based adaptation strategies.
Originality/value – The study recommends that the best way of assisting rural women in adapting to climate
change is through the amelioration of poverty, enhancing capacity building for women and elimination of all
systems that serve as barriers to effective adaptation.
