Climate change and malaria in benin: when gender roles determine women's vulnerability in Benin (bonou)

This article highlights the link between climate change and malaria in Benin, focusing on gender differences related to the vulnerability of social categories. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology in the municipality of Bonou, an agroecological zone exposed to the effects of climate change such as floods, rising temperatures, and irregular rainfall. Data collection involved 143 individuals engaged in two emerging economic activities: river sand mining and harvesting of palm nut clusters. The results demonstrate that climate change has led to a reconfiguration of economic activities and an uneven distribution of labour by gender, further exposing women to mosquito bites and the risk of malaria. Epidemiological data analysis of malaria in the municipality of Bonou from 2001 to 2020 revealed a higher prevalence among women than men. This is explained by the fact that in certain activities, the workforce is predominantly female. Women spend a significant time at their workplaces, exposing themselves to mosquito bites, as well as through domestic activities, increasing their vulnerability to malaria. Efforts to control malaria should consider social and cultural norms influencing the distribution of roles and remuneration of actors in these economic activities, as well as their perception of the risk of exposure to mosquito bites.