How is gender investigated in African climate change research: a systematic review of the literature
Based on:
Journal Article (2021)
A systematic review of all 260 studies published in the Web of Science on gender and climate change in Africa
Brief by:
A systematic review to asses the major findings/themes found in literature around gender & climate change in Africa, and identify biases and gaps for further research.
Key findings
There is a focus/bias in this research on 10 particular countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa.
Some very populous countries are missing: Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, etc. This is probably in part due to English not being a main language in these countries, among other reasons.
Some countries like Somalia, CAR, Eritrea, DR Congo, Guinea-Bissau are dramatically missing from the research, but are ranked among the most vulnerable to climate change in the ND Gain Index, and have the least capacity to respond to a changing climate.
Proposed action
We need to focus on asking new questions that go beyond the individual/household level and focus on institutions and structures- to include political and economic actors
Research questions should be based on the values and mental models of the people in the context being studied; formulated in Africa rather than the global north
A wider range of methods should be used with more nuanced views of gender- not just a comparison of men vs women's perceptions, knowledge and vulnerabilities but in terms of relational power dynamics
Research should go beyond analysis of local practices & adaptations and investigate (global) institutions that are contributing the environmental changes & climate difficulties
More gender and climate research is needed on key areas
Comments
You must log in to ask a question
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Ben Levett for preparation assistance
We would like to extend a special thank you to Ben Levett, for their invaluable contribution in assisting the preparation of this research summary.
Are you a researcher looking to make a real-world impact? Join Acume and transform your research into a practical summary.
Already have an account? Log in
Discover more
How is gender investigated in African climate change research: a systematic review of the literature
Cite this brief: Vercillo, Siera. 'How is gender investigated in African climate change research: a systematic review of the literature'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/how-is-gender-investigated-in-african-climate-change-research-a-systematic-review-of-the-literature/
Brief created by: Dr Siera Vercillo | Year brief made: 2022
Original research:
- Vercillo, S., ‘How is gender investigated in African climate change research: a systematic review of the literature’ 51(4) (pp. 1045–1062) https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01631. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34669170/
Research brief:
A systematic review of all 260 studies published in the Web of Science on gender and climate change in Africa
A systematic review to asses the major findings/themes found in literature around gender & climate change in Africa, and identify biases and gaps for further research.
Findings:
There is a focus/bias in this research on 10 particular countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa.
Some very populous countries are missing: Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, etc. This is probably in part due to English not being a main language in these countries, among other reasons.
Some countries like Somalia, CAR, Eritrea, DR Congo, Guinea-Bissau are dramatically missing from the research, but are ranked among the most vulnerable to climate change in the ND Gain Index, and have the least capacity to respond to a changing climate.
Advice:
We need to focus on asking new questions that go beyond the individual/household level and focus on institutions and structures- to include political and economic actors
Research questions should be based on the values and mental models of the people in the context being studied; formulated in Africa rather than the global north
A wider range of methods should be used with more nuanced views of gender- not just a comparison of men vs women’s perceptions, knowledge and vulnerabilities but in terms of relational power dynamics
- Develop an intersectional analysis of different types of men and women
Research should go beyond analysis of local practices & adaptations and investigate (global) institutions that are contributing the environmental changes & climate difficulties
More gender and climate research is needed on key areas
- land conflict, coastal regions, education, energy, migration, urban areas and water; and in underrepresented countries:Somalia, CAR, Eritrea, DR Congo, Guinea-Bissau