Gender and Climate Change: Use of the Livelihood Framework to Investigate Women's Adaptive Capacity in Mwanga District, Tanzania

This Research explores the factors influencing gendered livelihood strategies, climate change adaptation and the role of women play in a context of a climate change in Mangio Village, Mwanga District, Tanzania.By using a livelihood theoretical framework and qualitative research methods including focus group discussions, household interviews, individual interviews and key informant interviews, important data on livelihood and adaptation strategies were collected at the community level, household level and individual level (women and key informants).Qualitative data analyses were done using NVIVO software.Results indicate that various interlinked factors influences climate change adaptive capacity and livelihood strategies at the community, household and individual levels.Moreover, despite having limited access to livelihood assets and being overburdened with labor and responsibilities compared to men, the analysis indicates that Mangio women are very instrumental in enhancing the rural livelihood strategies and the adaptive capacity that Mangio Village has to climate change.Social networks and contribution emerged as major catalyst in enhancing collective and women's adaptive capacity while some mediating processes inhibited the outcome of women's roles for resilient livelihood and adaptation strategies.and mentorship provided me insights and passion for what I have been longing to do with my life.To Dr. Tom Smucker, thanks you for providing me with the opportunity to be part of an incredible breed of LKCCAP scholars.Your advice is highly appreciated.To Dr. Risa Whitson, thank you for your wisdom and insights along the way.To the people of Mangio, thank you for welcoming me to you homes, your lives and for your cooperation in providing important information.George Barasa, thank you for updates on the context of Mangio's social and political ecology.To my