Assessment of challenges faced by the coastal women due to the impact of climatic change in selected coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The present study investigated the challenges faced by women in coastal villages in selected districts of Tamil Nadu due to impact of climatic changes. One hundred coastal women beneficiaries from coastal districts of Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Nagapattinam were selected for the study. Descriptive statistics and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis were used to examine the data. Results of the study revealed that gender, age and community of the respondents had influence over the access to different sets of resources and livelihood assets. Drudgery of women increased after migration of men to urban areas in search of job. It is understood that livelihood patterns of women have changed considerably. Strengths expressed were knowledge, leadership qualities, self confidence and group cohesiveness, while the weaknesses identified were lack of knowledge, lack of technical knowledge, male migration, social taboos and beliefs as well as poor health status. The opportunities were government institutional support as well as research organisation support The threats identified were unusual rainfall, floods, cyclone and change in water quality. It is understood that women need access to training, credit and skillsdevelopment programmes to ensure their full participation in climate change initiatives. Participation of women in negotiations, policy actions and initiatives towards environmental change will help governments and coastal communities to maintain and build adaptive measures towards the effects of climate driven environmental changes in the coastal villages.