The Capacity of Local Institutions to Respond to Gender Related Issues in Climate Change Scenery in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Region

Gender is an important socio-economic variable in determining vulnerability and ability to adapt to a changing climate and local institutions are known to help in connecting local populations and social groups to external support. The research determined the capacity of local institutions in the Niger-Delta to respond to gender issues in climate change by ascertaining their level of gender awareness and responsiveness, their awareness and knowledge level of climate change, and the implications of the findings for climate change adaptation. Primary data used were collected using a set of close and open ended questionnaires from 750 randomly selected respondents, representing 30% of the study population. Analysis was done using frequencies, percentages and ranking. Their knowledge and awareness was determined by calculating their knowledge and awareness index. Result showed that local institutions’ level of awareness and knowledge of climate change issues and their understanding of key drivers of climate change/variability was commendable as majority of respondents were aware of climate change and variability in their locality. On the gender dimension of climate change, respondents generally felt that adverse climatic events would have more negative impacts on women than men. Majority however, do not have a gender mandate/policy, gender focal points, trained staff on gender issues, are gender blind, and as such, will not be able to handle gender issues in climate change hazards. There is therefore a need to build the capacity of local institutions in climate change and gender through appropriate policies and partnerships. This will ensure that resource support in any climate change adaptation programme through local institutions get to those affected.