A systematic literature review on the adaptation of women in fisheries-based families on climate change impacts

Women in fisheries-based families face formidable challenges from the impacts of climate change, similar to other vulnerable groups. Responding to these challenges necessitates adaptation. This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) focusing on the adaptation of women in fisheries-based families to climate change impacts. The review was inspired by several considerations, including the imperative to understand the necessity to reduce bias and enhance transparency comprehensively. Furthermore, it recognises the significance of conducting a more systematic examination of the available literature about women and climate change. Guided by the ROSES review protocol, the review employed a systematic searching strategy and a rigorous quality appraisal process to ensure the quality of selected articles. Thematic analysis, conducted by the primary author with the assistance of two co-authors, was employed to analyse the extracted data. The study identified six main themes and 15 sub-themes. The analysis revealed that women, as primary caretakers of families, support their husbands in fisheries activities while engaging in fisheries and non-fisheries industries to increase household income. Financial literacy is crucial to safeguard women against fraud and other scams despite broader access to credit programmes. The review concluded that women’s daily interactions with natural resources render them attuned to environmental changes. Based on the thematic analysis, women also played a pivotal role in ensuring adequate water supply for their families. In some areas, they must walk for some distance to obtain water for their daily usage and consumption. Furthermore, women foster more robust social ties with the surrounding community, stimulating cooperation in various activities. Despite their influential roles in adaptation, women are marginalised in the decision-making process regarding climate change adaptation. In certain areas, constraints such as the caste system, religious norms, and cultural restrictions impeded women’s access to food, water, land, education, and related government programmes. This review is critical for policymakers and future scholars as it provides the formulation of the best adaptation strategies tailored to women’s specific needs, interests, and abilities in fisheries-based families. Based on multiple studies, this study enhances empirical evidence in this field, providing more options for future research and offering diverse contexts and perspectives on how women in fisheries-based families adapt to the impacts of climate change.