ABSTRACT
Rural semi-arid regions in Pakistan are experiencing heightened impacts of climate change owing to their reliance on natural resource-based livelihoods. Given their differential roles and responsibilities in agriculture, as well as gendered norms of resource access, women are potentially more vulnerable to climate change impacts. Climate vulnerabilities are defined not just by gender, but also by the status of individuals within the household and community with respect to age, wealth and social relationships. Intersectionality is thus at the core of conducting a gender analysis for any climate change impact evaluation. This chapter synthesizes findings from two projects conducted under the Pathways to Resilience in Semi-arid Economies (PRISE)1 programme in Pakistan focusing on the themes of migration and cotton value chains. Findings from two semi-arid districts are used to unpack the vulnerabilities of women involved in the rural economy, adaptation options available to them and the barriers they experience to adapting.
