The Impact of Climate Change on Women's Livelihoods and Well-Being in Balochistan

Abstract

Climate change is a universal problem that has the far reaching consequences with the greatest influence on groups most vulnerable to it especially the women in the developing world. The given case study analyzes the impact of climate change on the livelihood and health of women in Balochistan (Pakistan) in various ways. Balochistan, with its dry climate and socioeconomic barriers is one of the regions with many climatic related problems such as droughts, disorderly rainfall and heat waves. In this research, the researchers explained how climate change exacerbates gender inequalities in Balochistan by widespread literature review. The region is still more sensitive to women, as they are the ones who do farming, who take care of the home and make the community stronger yet have an unfair share of the resources and power. Secondary information revealed that the variability of the climatic system affects the process of agriculture, reducing the crop harvest and complicating the role of women as caregivers and food providers to their families. Their issues are aggravated due to the lack of water and natural resources, which cause impact on their physical and psychological health. Education and employment are also denied to them which makes adapting to such changes even more difficult. To address the impacts of the climate change issues on women in Balochistan we require a practical and comprehensive plan which encompasses policies and measures put in consideration the gender factor. Such things as facilitating the education of women, health care and employment, more women in decision-making processes, and sustainable agricultural practices that are capable of supporting variability in the weather are part of this.

Keywords: Climate Change, Vulnerability, Women’s Livelihoods, Women’s Well-Being