Assessing International Non-Governmental Organizations’ Development Programs and Climate Change Adaptations in Empowering Women Socio-Economically in Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

This study highlighted the interrelationship between the types of programs provided by International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) to empower women socio-economically and climate change. Climate change is accelerating very fast and affecting the more vulnerable women and girls. It is, therefore, important to ensure proper mechanisms are put in place by development actors by providing the right programs that lead to climate resilience. Globally, many people who are affected by climate change risks are women and girls. Although there are many Non-Governmental efforts that have focused on different entry points to empower women, there is still more room to align women's economic empowerment and climate change. It is, therefore, important to support women through programs with climate resilience programs for Sustainable Development. The research employed a mixed approach (qualitative and quantitative method) and descriptive research design in data collection. The study targeted women beneficiaries in Self Help Groups (SHGs) of World Vision and Action Aid programs and key informants such as project and government officials in Makueni County. The study dealt with INGOs that had operated within the study area for the last five years and above. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The study revealed that the main programs included education and training, water and sanitation, disaster risk reduction management, support programs for HIV/AIDs, women and girls rights, leadership and governance, Cash for Assets and Food for Assets. The study concluded that the provision of such programs with climate adaptation initiatives led to a positive impact on the socio-economic empowerment of women and each type of program had a specific contribution. The study concludes that proper programs have to be adapted accordingly in line with climate change for better climate justice for the empowerment of women.