Navigating shifting currents: Gendered vulnerabilities and climate change in the Lake Chad Basin

Abstract

This focus piece examines the gendered impacts of climate change, using the Lake Chad Basin as a focal point. The Basin intersects four sovereign states (Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad) impacting close to 10 million people. Historically a beacon of biodiversity, the Basin has undergone significant transformations due to climatic shifts, directly affecting the local communities who are dependent on its resources. The narrative highlights women’s unique vulnerabilities and central roles within these communities, emphasising the necessity of a gender-centric approach to climate resilience and policy-making. Drawing on the insights and lived experiences of local women, a comprehensive roadmap of interventions is proposed. These include investing in water-saving technologies, providing alternative livelihood training, ensuring access to health services, and creating platforms for economic participation and advocacy. The importance of cross-border collaboration and robust monitoring systems is also underscored. By intertwining localised experiences with broader policy recommendations, this work aims to establish a replicable template for addressing gendered vulnerabilities in climate-affected regions globally. In doing so, it champions a paradigm shift towards more inclusive, just, and effective climate action, ensuring that the unique needs and roles of women are at the forefront of our collective efforts towards a sustainable future.