Highlighting Women’s Voices in a Climate Change and Livelihood Narrative: A Case Study in a Rural Fiji Community

Abstract

Climate change has wide implications for human health and affects social and environmental determinants of health (for example, shelter, drinking water, food security). The Republic of Fiji, a developing island nation in the South Pacific, is particularly burdened by climate change. This is due to sea-level rise, increasing temperatures, and an increase of extreme climate events compounded by livelihood strategies that rely on healthy ecosystems. Population groups such as women, residents in rural areas, and disadvantaged communities are disproportionately affected by health impacts linked to climate change. Small-scale, community-centered studies are needed to understand local perspectives and livelihood systems to facilitate equitable and culturally appropriate adaptation measures. This study promotes the voices of women in Yalobi Village, a rural Fiji community, by explaining their livelihood strategies, the way their health is impacted by climate change, and their adaptive capacity. Using a mixed methods approach, this study involved a quantitative survey (n=48) and qualitative interviews (n=10). Study participants exhibited a reliance on their natural environment demonstrated by their dependence on surrounding ecosystems for food, income generation, medicine, and cultural obligations. Their greatest concerns are the impacts of climate change on food security, income generation, water access, and culture. The primary climate change threats of concern are sea-level rise, stronger tropical cyclones and changing weather patterns. Traditional gender roles and responsibilities prompted differing impacts for women and men in Yalobi Village. Community-based study methods should be applied to climate change adaptation planning to ensure local voices are heard and efforts are community-led.