WOMEN'S VULNERABILITY TO CLIMATIC CONSTRAINTS IN THE ISSABA DISTRICT OF BENIN

The level of vulnerability of populations to climatic conditions varies according to the degree of exposure and, above all, the capacity to adapt. This ability to adapt depends on the technical/technological, financial and socio-cultural factors of the environment. The aim of this study is to contribute to a better understanding of the degree of vulnerability of women in the Issaba district to climatic constraints in Benin. The methodological approach adopted is based on documentary research and fieldwork. Interviews were conducted with sixty-four (64) women involved in climate-dependent activities. The vulnerability study consisted of identifying climatic constraints and developing sensitivity and vulnerability matrices based on the information gathered during the fieldwork. During the dry season, they are more confronted with water supply problems. There is a trend towards higher temperatures, which sometimes puts a brake on women's activities, as this increases the drying up of rivers and water tables. Pockets of drought are the most common risks (60%), followed by the early end of the seasons (40%), severe drought (45%), late and violent rains (30%) and flooding (20%), according to the women we met. Because of the recurring climatic constraints, access to water is a difficulty faced by women in the Issaba district. Waiting in queues with children on their backs around water points exposes them to the cold and mosquito bites. This is a threat to children's health in particular. To a lesser extent, the activities of women also continue to exacerbate the environmental risks already felt in the area. This means that the local population needs to be made aware of endogenous strategies (the harmful effects of cutting wood) and the need to reforest the area. Major efforts will also have to be made by local development players to increase the number of water points and bring them closer to the local population.