The gendered health impacts of climate change on smallholder women farmers in Mhondoro Ngezi, Zimbabwe

Background: Climate change poses significant threats to the livelihoods, health, and overall well-being of smallholder women farmers globally. In Mhondoro Ngezi, where agricultural production is predominantly rain-fed, high temperatures, recurrent droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns have intensified women’s vulnerability to climate-induced health risks. Objective: This study examined the gendered health impacts of climate change on women farmers and explored how these challenges intersect with broader socio-economic inequalities. Methodology: The research employed the Q methodology to identify and analyse women farmers’ subjective viewpoints and lived experiences regarding climate-related health challenges. Results: Findings reveal that prolonged exposure to extreme heat contributes to dehydration, heat stress, and pregnancy-related complications. Declining water availability increases susceptibility to waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea. Food shortages caused by recurrent crop failures have also led to malnutrition, reduced dietary diversity, and weakened immunity among women and their households. These health burdens are compounded by limited access to adequate healthcare services, including shortages of essential medicines, limited diagnostic capacity, and insufficiently trained rural health workers. Women also face difficulties accessing timely medical care during extreme weather events. Structural gender inequalities, such as limited financial resources and restricted decision-making power, further constrain their ability to adapt. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need to address the gendered health impacts of climate change, particularly for women farmers in vulnerable, climate-affected communities. Recommendations: Strengthening rural health systems, investing in gender-responsive climate adaptation strategies, and improving access to climate-health information are essential. The insights generated through Q methodology highlight the importance of incorporating women’s voices into climate and health policy planning to enhance their resilience and well-being.