Gender Dimensions of Determinants of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change among Smallholder Farmers in Northeast Ethiopia

Male-headed and female-headed farm households experience different impacts of climate change and variability due to their unique socioeconomic situations. These differences have led to the use of distinct adaptation strategies. To provide tailored extension and advisory services, it is crucial to understand the gender dimensions of climate change perceptions and responses in a local context. This study uses a cross-sectional survey research design to examine the perceptions of climate change and variability and the determinants of adaptation strategy choices among male-headed and female-headed farm households in the North Wollo Zone. Data were collected from 396 randomly selected smallholder farmers, and complementary qualitative information was obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using percentage, chi-square test, t-test, and multivariate probit model and triangulated with content analysis. The results indicate that 92% of male-headed households and a lower proportion (78%) of female-headed households have perceived changes in declining rainfall and rising temperatures over the past years. Additionally, more male-headed households (73.78%) used at least one adaptation strategy than female-headed households (58.91%). The analysis further revealed that factors such as age, education level, landholding size, income, farming experience, training, extension contact, access to climate information, access to credit, and membership in local organizations significantly influenced the choice of climate change adaptation strategies for female-headed and male-headed households. The study reveals that the choice of adaptation strategy is influenced by various factors for male-headed and female-headed households due to gender dimensions in landholding and access to credit. Multivariate probit model analysis showed that land size and credit availability significantly affected adaptation decisions for female-headed households. This indicates that female farmers face unique challenges because of their limited control over productive land resources and financial means compared with male farmers. These findings highlight the importance of addressing gendered inequities in land rights and credit access to support equitable and effective climate change adaptation in smallholder farming communities through targeted policies that enhance women’s land tenure security and access to financial services.