Title: INTERSECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE GENDERED IMPACTS OF EL NINO-INDUCED DROUGHT ON WOMEN'S LIVELIHOODS IN MAYOVHE, KARIBA RURAL DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE

Authors: Stacey Rutendo Nyamasoka and Elvis Munetsi

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: climate change, El Nino, gender, food security, livelihoods, climate-smart agriculture

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0003

Abstract: This study examined the intersectional impacts of the El Nino-induced drought on women's livelihoods in Mayovhe, Kariba Rural District, Zimbabwe. The study investigated how age, marital status, disability, education, and socioeconomic status influenced women's vulnerability and resilience under drought conditions. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted, employing structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study achieved an overall response rate of 94%, demonstrating strong reliability of the findings. Results revealed that drought significantly increased women's workload, food insecurity, economic vulnerability, educational disruption, and exposure to gender-based violence. The findings further established that women relied on diversified livelihoods, community support networks, climate-smart agriculture, and water conservation practices as coping mechanisms. However, limited access to productive resources, extension services, climate information, and financial support constrained effective adaptation. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive climate adaptation policies, scaling climate-smart agriculture interventions, improving women's access to productive assets, and expanding social protection mechanisms.