Malian women are disproportionately exposed to the worsening impacts of climate change while remaining far less informed about the phenomenon than men, according to new research published by Afrobarometer.

The study reveals that nearly half of women in Mali have never heard of climate change, compared to just over a quarter of men. Despite this significant gap in awareness, women bear an equal share of the environmental toll caused by extreme weather patterns across the country.

Both men and women report experiencing increasingly severe climate events over the past decade. Around half of the population notes that droughts and floods have become noticeably worse, while nearly four in t10 citizens point to rising rates of crop failure.

To survive these shifting conditions, many Malians have been forced to adjust their daily routines. Both men and women report cutting back on water usage and shifting outdoor working hours to avoid extreme heat. However, women are less likely to change the types of crops they grow or alter livestock practices, largely due to limited access to resources. Instead, women are more likely than men to abandon their homes and relocate entirely when environmental conditions deteriorate.

Among Malians who are aware of climate change, consensus is high across gender lines. Over three-quarters of respondents agree that shifting weather patterns are actively making life in Mali worse. Furthermore, roughly eight in 10 citizens are demanding swift government intervention alongside climate adaptation funding from wealthier nations.

The findings highlight a pressing need for gender-inclusive climate policies in Mali, ensuring that those most affected by environmental degradation have both the information and resources necessary to adapt.

–ChannelAfrica/ Afrobarometer —