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Article
Publication date: 27 July 2012

Ernest L. Molua

The purpose of this study is to establish household‐level food security risks associated with climate variation, and how households respond to these risks in a patriarchal society…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish household‐level food security risks associated with climate variation, and how households respond to these risks in a patriarchal society such as in Northern Cameroon where subsistence women producers have less control over resources required to support the food production sector which depends entirely on the quality of the rainy season.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data from 116 female‐headed households (FHHs) and 184 male‐headed households (MHHs) is examined for the three Northern provinces of Cameroon. The survey generated information on the response and coping strategies to climatic variation; and the socioeconomic impacts of climate on households. The multinomial logit model is employed to establish the determinants of the choice selection for climate risk coping options by households.

Findings

Both FHHs and MHHs are exposed to stresses related to food production and availability, low incomes and food accessibility and utilization of food supplies, heightened by the real and perceived effects of the variability of current climate. Short‐term coping choices include diversification of livelihood which in turn impacts food accessibility and consumption choices.

Practical implications

A seasonal pattern is revealed in household expenditure with households spending more than 70 percent of their income on food in spring. The lowest food expenditures are in summer. Market and income manipulation choices for food supply stability include a range of non‐farm income generation strategies to cope with expected shortages induced by climatic variability. The current climate variation, household demography, and farming conditions via access to credit, tenure, and extension service delivery are significant determinants of coping choices for households perceiving change in climatic patterns.

Originality/value

Significant seasonal patterns in household food availability, accessibility and utilization are observed with important implications for both household welfare and as precursor to long‐term adaptation to climate change.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Ernest Mensah Abraham

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise lessons from research on adaptation to demonstrate that African countries can explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in…

591

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise lessons from research on adaptation to demonstrate that African countries can explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in climate variability and change.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review work which synthesises lessons from relevant journal articles and other related documents. The literature was retrieved from Google and Google Scholar using search terms such as climate change, climate change and mitigation, climate change and mitigation in Africa, climate change adaptation and mitigation in Africa, climate change vulnerability, climate change impacts, among others. Various combinations of the search terms were also deployed. The journals were subjected to critical review and key lessons synthesised from them and reflections on their future implications in relation to climate risks and vulnerability presented.

Findings

Key lessons were synthesised and reflections on their future implications in relation to climate risks and vulnerability were presented. The evidence seems to suggest that countries in Africa recognise that it is time for them to take action on the impacts of climate change. The key lessons which emerge, going forward, are that climate change adaptation should be mainstreamed into development plans of nations. All efforts should be geared towards sustaining livelihoods of people. Key stakeholders also have a role to play in adaptation. The paper has indicated that although a lot has happened, there are areas that require strengthening and that should be the focus and priority of change and policy makers for the future.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is a synthesis and reflection of existing literature and it is possible that some of the dynamics may have changed since the paper was published.

Practical implications

The dynamics of climate change adaptation is understood. The approaches to adaptation are also explored. Areas worth prioritising in the discourse of adaptation studies have also been indicated.

Originality/value

The syntheses provided are the reflections of the author. The views of the researcher provide insights and understanding into the current adaptation debate.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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