Gender-responsive spatial analysis of climate change impacts on land access and use in Windhoek’s informal settlements

Context and background Namibia's urbanization has resulted in about 50% of the population living in urban areas, with many settling in informal settlements that lack secure land tenure and face increasing climate vulnerabilities. Despite constitutional commitments to gender equality, women continue to face disproportionate barriers to land access, compounded by climate change impacts. Goal and Objectives: This study aimed to (1) spatially map gender-differentiated patterns of land access, use, and tenure security across urban informal settlements; and (2) assess and spatially analyse gendered impacts of climate change on urban land access, identifying vulnerability hotspots and differential climate experiences. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach grounded in Feminist Political Ecology theory was employed across four informal settlements in Windhoek: Havana, Hakahana, Okuryangava, and Otjomuise. A household survey of 290 respondents captured gender-disaggregated data on land ownership patterns, tenure security, climate impacts, and socioeconomic characteristics. Spatial analysis techniques included GIS hotspot mapping using Getis-Ord Gi* statistics, spatial regression analysis, and Gendered Climate Vulnerability Index (GCVI) development. Results: Women comprised 52.4% of respondents yet faced greater tenure insecurity and climate vulnerability despite notable land ownership rates of 46-54% across settlements. Spatial analysis identified vulnerability hotspots in eastern Okuryangava and Otjomuise. Financial constraints (32.4%) emerged as the primary barrier to women's land access. Women reported higher awareness (82.6%) of climate change and demonstrated greater emotional vulnerability to climate stressors (35%). The study revealed significant intersecting vulnerabilities at the nexus of gender, land access, and climate exposure, with clear spatial patterns of disadvantage. The developed GCVI provides a replicable tool for identifying priority intervention areas.