Abstract:
This paper describes the impact of household activities by gender in areas vulnerable to climatic variability. A multi-
stage sampling technique was applied, using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data
was collected using a structured questionnaire while secondary data was obtained from the Meteorological
Department Nairobi, Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria. Data obtained were analysed using frequency distribution, trend
analysis, percentage and means. A total of 338 respondents were sampled in Baringo County and 158 respondents in
Jigawa State. Trend in rainfall pattern has been unstable and fluctuates by 0.44mm and 19.96mm in Baringo County,
Kenya and Jigawa State, Nigeria respectively. Majority of the respondents 94.1 % (Baringo county) and 60.68%
(Jigawa State) affirmed that the climate is no longer stable following observed variations in the elements of climate
over time. Perception of respondents were in line with the climatic data records. A differential assessment on socially
constructed roles of male and female respondents in farming households of Baringo County, Kenya revealed that
males are key decision makers in choice of crop/seed to plant (50.6%), livestock keeping/feeding (57.4%), land
preparation (52.4%) and coping strategies to adopt for climate variability (57.1%). Similarly, males in Jigawa State,
Nigeria took charge, leading decisions on crop/seed to plant (60.7%), livestock keeping/feeding (51.6%), and coping
strategies to adopt for climate variability (58.8%) while their females are key decision makers in land preparation
activities (57.5%). This implies that female decisions (on agricultural activities and climate variability) in the study
areas are secondary