Wading past assumptions: Gender dimensions of climate change adaptation in coastal communities of the Philippines

Abstract

School of Marine and Environmental Affairs Climate change is expected to have a broad range of impacts on social and ecological systems. Common discourse asserts that women in developing countries are more vulnerable to climate change than men, and perpetuates assumptions about the role of women in climate change adaptation (CCA). This study examines the gender dimensions of CCA in fishing villages of the Philippines, a country with exceptionally high marine biodiversity supporting dense coastal populations that are highly vulnerable to climate change. The study seeks to 1) Describe gender mainstreaming in Philippine CCA documents 2) Identify and challenge assumptions about women and climate change, 3) Examine men's and women's beliefs, values, perceptions of risks, resource dependency, and awareness associated with climate change and 4) Evaluate the implications of gendered relationships with fisheries and the environment on CCA. Quantitative social surveys were administered randomly to marine resource users in 30 coastal villages within three Philippine provinces (Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Batangas). Dependent variables associated with CCA were analyzed relative to gender. In this case, women were less connected to nature, more risk tolerant, and equally inclined to conservation attitudes as men. Women were also equally aware of climate change and more aware of CCA plans, but less likely to participate in outreach activities. The results offer insights that dispel certain generalizations about women and climate change, and present opportunities for improved gender mainstreaming in climate change adaptation.

Analysis of Gender Roles in Philippine Fishing Communities

“…Analysing the norms and values that determine gender roles in fishing communities reinforced previous research, which found that social constructs, myths and misconceptions contribute to unequal power relationships between men and women (Akter et al, 2017;Graziano et al, 2018;Prieto-Carolino et al, 2016). Key social norms and misconceptions, presented in Section 2, that hold women back from engaging fully in the fisheries sector include the following:…”

“…In coastal fishing communities, there are clear roles for men, women, old, young, rich and poor (Graziano, Pollnac, & Christie, 2018; Harper, Grubb, Stiles, & Sumaila, 2017). Gender relationships are determined by social structures and shaped by social relations (Choo & Williams, 2014).…”

“…However, there is a 20 per cent gap in economic participation (including participation, remuneration and advancement) and a 58 per cent gap in political representation. In coastal communities, women are generally underrepresented in fisheries management and leadership (Graziano et al, 2018; Harper et al, 2017; Kleiber, Harris, & Vincent, 2014). Hence, although the Philippines is doing comparatively well, there are still significant gender gaps.…”

Critical problems associated with climate change: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Philippine fisheries research

“…In fact, Miao ( 2018 ) posits that strategy developments such as this enable progress in the understanding of mitigating risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change. Reviewed literature has discussed climate change adaption policies in the context of the gender dimension (Graziano et al 2018 ), at the community level (Andriesse et al 2020 ; Macusi et al 2020 ), and post-disaster recovery (Drury O'Neill et al 2019 ). These papers emphasized the need for strategic approaches laden on specific vulnerabilities in order to address the critical issues associated with climate change.…”

Sustainability of Coastal Agriculture under Climate Change

“…As a response to these threats, farmers perceived that using the sorjan and floating methods of vegetable cultivation, embankment cropping, Knowledge concerning climate change is a crucial factor in making farmers aware of climate change, which in turn will help to increase their adaptive capacity and make informed decisions about the changing climate. Awareness of climate change acts as a vehicle for coping with climate change as local farmers can choose appropriate technologies and thus increase their adaptive capacity [142,143]. Education positively impacts on the growing awareness of climate change among farmers and enhances the probability of adaptation to climate change [144].…”