WUNRN
INVESTIGATING CLIMATE INFORMATION
SERVICES THROUGH A GENDERED LENS
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Publication:
This
working paper explores the gender dimensions of access to climate change
related information. The effective utilisation of information channels is a
crucial aspect of adaptation development, yet the people most at risk are often
those on the periphery of information dissemination. This is particularly true
for women farmers, who are overwhelmingly excluded from many information
channels.
The paper begins by explaining the social and gendered impacts of climate
change outlining why climate change information matters for adaptation. Access
to such information is a crucial factor in enhancing the adaptive capacity of
women. The paper also examines different modes of information sharing, covering
social network theory, the diffusion of innovations and adaptive capacity.
The pros and cons of traditional oral methods of communication are discussed,
including the legitimacy of a variety of strategic individuals (storytellers,
town criers, etc), as well as the use of Information Communication
Technologies, or ICTs (defined in the study as being dependent on electricity).
The study analyses where communication falls short in the inclusion of women.
Oral communication has inherent limits to the reach and speed of information
dissemination, whilst from a gender perspective a preference for women-to-women
sharing creates an issue when there are relatively few women in positions of
authority disseminating information. Meanwhile socioeconomic barriers restrict
access to ICTs for much of the rural poor.
The authors propose a synthesis of the best aspects of both traditional and
modern communication methods, using advisory services and extension agents to
bridge the gap. The paper includes the following conclusions and recommendations.
- The accessibility of climate information is a critical
factor in agricultural communities’ adaptive capacity.
- A gendered understanding of socioeconomic factors that
inhibit access to information is crucial.
- As well as considering what kind of information women
seek, it is also necessary to understand how women access information and
the barriers they face in utilising ICTs.
- It is the responsibility of researchers, practitioners
and extension officers to provide gender sensitive communication methods;
the study suggests the best way to achieve this is through participatory
dialogues between the community and stakeholders.