ASSESSMENT OF THE VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN POPULATION TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assesses the vulnerability of women to climate variability in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. The research employed a mixed-methods design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A structured questionnaire was administered to 400 women selected through a multi-stage sampling technique across five purposively chosen wards (Bolori I, Gwange I, Customs, Mairi, and London Ciki). Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with officials from relevant government agencies and NGOs, and field observations were carried out. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that women in Maiduguri are highly aware of climate variability, with 75% perceiving a significant increase in temperature and 55% observing a decrease in rainfall. These changes have profound impacts on their livelihoods and well-being, leading to reduced crop yields (reported by 35% of farming households), increased food insecurity (55% of households experienced food shortages), and heightened health risks (50% reported heat-related illnesses). The burden of water collection falls predominantly on women and girls (90%), increasing their physical strain and time poverty. Women employ various coping strategies, primarily short-term and unsustainable measures like using savings (30%) and borrowing (25%), while long-term adaptation is constrained by limited resources and institutional support. The study concludes that the vulnerability of women in Maiduguri is a product of the intersection between biophysical climate impacts and pre-existing socio-economic and gender inequalities. It recommends gender-mainstreaming in climate policy, investment in water infrastructure, promotion of climate-resilient livelihoods for women, enhanced access to climate information, and the active inclusion of women in community decision-making processes to build their adaptive capacity and resilience.