Gender-differentiated capture of agro-based climate adaptation interventions: implications for agricultural systems and practices in Cameroon’s Western highlands

Abstract

In climate change adaptation, studies exist on extension interventions in sub-Saharan Africa, albeit the dearth of scientific evidence on the differential “capture1” of agro-based adaptation packages. This paper contributes to provide evidence by (1) analyzing the typology of agro-based climate adaptation packages, and (2) exploring gender variations in the capture of agro-based climate adaptation packages. We use key informant interviews (N = 89) and focus group discussions (N = 14) to obtain data, analyzed using content analysis. Variations were observed in the capture of agro-based adaptation packages introduced by state and non-state actors. While men (adult male) mostly employed dominant information, women (adult female) drew from group formation. Agro-based adaptation capture led to major shifts in agricultural systems in the western highlands from monocropping to mixed cropping, mixed farming and agroforestry systems. The results show changes in agricultural systems from monocropping to mixed cropping. It was observed that women (adult female) and youths (both male and female) capture adaptation strategies encouraged by state agencies than the men (adult male) who adopt various adaptation strategies by both state agencies and non-governmental organizations. While these findings shed light on the dynamics of gender differentiated capture, it further calls for an in-depth exploration of other factors which shape agricultural system change.