ASSESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT ON GENDER ROLES IN ANGWAN-TONI COMMUNITY THROUGH A THEATRE FOR DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

Abstract

This study explores the impact of climate change on gender roles within Angwan-Toni, a rural community in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. It emphasises the potent role of Theatre for Development (TfD) as a participatory tool for raising awareness and prompting behavioral change in the wake of climate adversities. Generally, climate change and gender discourses are organized concepts whose discussions are more or less undertaken in boardrooms, seminars and other such functions and events. This formality leaves community dwellers in sheer ignorance of climate crisis, even as they suffer the effects, and inadvertently try to manage their livelihood in its wake. Climate change is a global threat, as such require adequate awareness at all levels, both at the rural and urban communities. The study utilizes participatory communication and place-based education theories, and adopted a mixed methods approach, by incorporating Focus Group Discussions, Interviews, Questionnaires, and field observation. Findings reveal that women bear the brunt of climate change through increased responsibilities such as water sourcing and fuel gathering. The study underscores TfD's potential in fostering environmental consciousness and addressing gender-specific climate vulnerabilities.