Challenges faced by indigenous and afro-descendant women in the RACCN during COVID-19 and Hurricanes ETA and IOTA

Abstract

The lack of quality recorded and updated information constitutes a challenge for the analysis of the impact following a climate and health crisis on the lives of indigenous and Afro-descendant women of the Northern Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, from an economic and social perspective. The impact and capacity for recovery and resilience of the population in the affected territories has not been the subject of in-depth studies. Main objective of the research: To analyze the socioeconomic effects of the health crisis, accentuated by the impact of hurricanes IOTA and ETA, on the social dynamics of indigenous and Afro-descendant women. It involved the characterization of the economic dynamics before and after the crisis events, main systematic vulnerabilities, representations and perceptions of indigenous and Afro-descendant women in times of health and climate crisis. The territories studied were: Puerto Cabezas, Prinzapolka, Karatá, Haulover and Wawa bar. The research is descriptive and cross-sectional with a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach. The results confirm that these women, as a result of the events, have an adverse economic outlook that has impacted their income, employment, and access to basic services, despite community mechanisms to cope with the economic and social crisis.