Climate Change Perceptions on Coastal Resource Management: A Gender Perspective.

Although widely recognised as necessary, few studies link gender to coastal or marine resource management. This study assessed the vulnerability of local communities to the impacts of climate change and variability in Kilwa, Pangani, and Bagamoyo districts. The study employed a gender lens to investigate perceptions of coastal resource management amid climate change in Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was employed in this study. Purposive sampling facilitated the selection of 300 respondents across the three districts. A household survey, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were used. The results revealed significant gender differences in perceptions of climate. Women were more likely to report late rainfall onset, early cessation, drought, sea level rise, and coastal erosion, reflecting their reliance on farming, seaweed cultivation, and household water collection. Men, on the other hand, emphasized floods, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations given their engagement in fishing and other marine-based activities. Gender roles also influenced participation in coastal resource management. Men were mainly involved in physically demanding activities such as mangrove restoration, coral reef rehabilitation, and land preparation. At the same time, women played key roles in water quality management, tree planting, and community-based environmental initiatives. Both genders identified empowerment in agriculture and fisheries as essential for sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience. The study concludes that gender-inclusive coastal management policies that enhance local capacity, promote equitable participation, and facilitate access to climate information are vital for improving adaptive capacity and ecological sustainability. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating gender perspectives into climate adaptation planning to foster socially just and environmentally resilient coastal communities in Tanzania.