Abstract

Dearth of gender disaggregated analysis in understanding impacts of climate change leads to blanket solutions for the vulnerable households. In Malawi, most of the policy responses lack gender disaggregated data and analysis to specify interventions for male and female headed households. Through the gender lens, this research sought to understand livelihood vulnerability and use of livelihood resources in the nexus of institutions to build resilience in Phalombe district in Malawi. The study adopted the cultural ecology theory to explain human interaction with the environment. The study adapted the Pressure and Release (PAR) model for understanding vulnerability, Historical Comparative Institutional Analysis (HCIA) for understanding land-related institutional trajectories as well as the capital-based framework for assessing disaster resilience. Primary data was collected using the phased sequential mixed methods approach while secondary data was collected from government offices. Qualitative data was collected using Participant Observation, Key Informant Interviews; One-on-one interviews and Focus Group Discussion, while quantitative data was collected using household survey. Results showed that the root causes of vulnerability are cultural traditions that regulate access to land; influence of gender on the choice of livelihood activities; edaphic factors; and moisture availability in the wetland. The dynamic pressure factors are food preference and available financial services. Unsafe living conditions were geographical location and dependence weather sensitive livelihoods. Main climate hazards were erratic rainfall, floods, pests and stormy rainfall. The study showed that male-headed households had more human, financial and natural assets that enable them recover much quicker from floods. The study further showed that social assets are key to recovery from erratic rainfall and floods for both male and female-headed households. Natural assets contribute to recovery from erratic rainfall for male-headed households while human assets are vital for female-headed households. Human assets enable recovery from floods for both male and female-headed households while physical assets are vital for male-headed households. Formal and informal land institutions have changed paving way to formally and informally sale of land rights. This has enabled building resilience for resource rich households but not the poor. The climate change adaptation strategies included adoption of early maturing Maize and Rice varieties and climate smart agriculture practices. Adoption of the technologies and practices was influenced by a range of socio-economic and institutional factors. This thesis has demonstrated that albeit being exposed to similar climate change hazards, unique socio-cultural dimensions particular to the study area exacerbates vulnerability of female headed households compared to their male counterparts. Skewed distribution of livelihood assets towards male headed households make them more resilient. The current state of land related institutions enable the resource rich households to build resilience regardless of gender, since female headed households have lower access to financial assets, they are less likely going to benefit. Choice of climate change adaptation reflects varying priorities of between male and female heads. The female headed households center on food security while males focus on multiple goals including income generation. The study agrees with the underlying theoretical and conceptual background of the study however the proposed transformation of the society to adapt to environmental change obscures intra-society differences such as gender. Since gender determine extent of vulnerability and resilience, the cultural ecology theory needs to highlight how gender differences influence response to similar impacts of climate change. The study thus recommended socio-cultural analysis of the vulnerability settings of male and female headed households to implement context specific interventions to build climate change resilience.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2025

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