Gendered impact of climate change on inland fisheries: what have we learnt

Climate change poses significant threats to small-scale fisheries, yet its gendered impacts remain insufficiently understood, particularly in inland systems. This study examined gender-differentiated impacts of climate change among fishing communities along Lake Malawi in Nkhotakota District. A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was employed, involving over 90 respondents, focus group discussions and key informants selected from three landing sites. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis, inferential and descriptive statistics.The findings revealed that climate change impacts were strongly gendered. Male fishers experienced direct exposure to climate-related risks, including strong winds and hazardous lake conditions, which reduced fishing effort and catch levels. In contrast, women, predominantly engaged in fish processing and trading, were indirectly affected through reduced fish availability, increased competition, and declining incomes. Gender disparities were also evident in access to climate information, with men having greater access due to ownership of communication devices and their role in fishing activities.