Gender analysis of vulnerability of smallholder farming households to climate variability and change in North-central Nigeria

Abstract The frequency and intensity of climatic variables as indicators climate change have been increasingly recognised global crisis with significant impact on biodiversity, household food security gender roles. This study therefore analysed vulnerability smallholder farming households to variability in North-central Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used select 768 respondents from the area. Indicator-based approach adopted for this a structured questionnaire elicit data 3, 6, 8 three components vulnerability: exposure, sensitivity adaptive capacity. Data obtained were subjected linear normalisation, non-weight index, both descriptive inferential statistics. Results show that male- female-headed vulnerable changing ones more (0.410) compared their male counterparts an index 0.321. high due extent exposure (0.839) (0.658) low capacities (0.189). Also, there positive difference between (t = 5.142) female 5.079) headed households’ level ( p ≤ 0.05). recommends access technology helps farmers receive timely information variables, farmers’ agricultural insurance scheme would help improve capacity reduce vulnerability. gender-sensitive framework could bridge gaps are needed form policy development agenda by government order encourage participate mitigation.