The vulnerability of Antandroy women to droughts in Ambovombe Androy (Madagascar)

Droughts are slow-onset disasters with devastating impacts that can last for months and even years. The poorest communities are usually the hardest hit by droughts. In the Androy region of Madagascar, droughts are a constant major handicap for agriculture and farming which are the two main local economic activities. Human vulnerability to droughts differs according to age, sex, and physical conditions. The precariousness of the situation of Antandroy women caused by droughts motivated the choice of this study, which sought to understand the factors behind women's vulnerability to this risk. To study these factors, documents on gender, vulnerability, droughts and the Androy region were collected and analysed. We then conducted interviews and a survey to understand the Antandroy's living conditions. Several factors lead to women's high degree of vulnerability, such as the particular climate of Androy, household's size, duties, difficulties faced by the agricultural production, early marriage, migration and low educational levels. To contribute to the reduction of their vulnerability to droughts, Antandroy women should reinforce their adaptability by developing income-generating activities in diversified sectors, using varied seeds and protecting the environment, with the definitive eradication of slash-and burn cultivation and bushfires.

Automated summary

Droughts are slow-onset disasters that can have devastating and long-lasting impacts. The poorest communities, particularly women, are the most vulnerable. This study in the Androy region of Madagascar aimed to understand the factors contributing to women's vulnerability to drought. The findings highlighted various factors, including climate, household size, duties, agricultural difficulties, early marriage, migration, and low education levels, that contribute to their high vulnerability. The study recommends that Antandroy women strengthen their adaptability by diversifying income-generating activities, using varied seeds, and protecting the environment.