Turkana’s Boiling Bowl: Extreme Heat and Social Norms Fuel Gender Inequality

Abstract

Climate change impedes human and economic development globally. The frequency, intensity, and duration of climate extremes, including droughts, floods, heatwaves and cyclones, pose significant threats to health, nutrition, water access, livelihoods and ecosystems. Due to escalating extreme weather events, more populations are becoming vulnerable, with women and girls increasingly exposed to adverse impacts while struggling to meet socio-cultural expectations. This mixed-methods study, conducted in two sub-counties of Turkana County, examines how entrenched social norms exacerbate the impacts of extreme heat on women in Kenya. Analysis of data from the World Bank Climate Knowledge Portal shows that the average mean surface temperature has been on an upward trend, while humidex is way above standard thresholds, with 2019 recording a warming above 54oC. Primary temperature data collected using 20 i-buttons over a three-month period between July and October 2024 indicate a warming trend. Considering the three months, the i-button data reported September and October as the hottest months with temperatures recorded at over 30oC. This syncs with historical data (1991-2020).  Other key findings highlight gender disparities where women and girls are more vulnerable due to the indigenous community’s social norms that expose women to climate risks. Women are the community's safeguards and caregivers to humans and livestock. A high proportion of men and women affirmed that extreme heat exposure had forced them to migrate several times. More women indicated prioritisation of coping, adaptation and access to support mechanisms. This study recommends gender-responsive, localised adaptation measures to address climate inequity and inclusion of women in climate decision-making and programming to enhance climate justice in the county and beyond