Bridging the Gap: Gender & Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Climate change is reshaping the agricultural landscape, disrupting food systems, and threatening millions of livelihoods. Extreme events from climate change like droughts and floods strain production, endangering food security and economic stability. Agriculture remains a cornerstone for many economies, particularly in developing regions where it supports a significant share of the population.

Smallholder farmers, especially women, are at the forefront of agricultural transformation, making up to 43% of the agricultural labor force in developing countries (FAO). They contribute significantly to food production, processing, and household nutrition, often combining traditional knowledge with innovative practices. While women face barriers to resources like land, technology, and financing, these challenges also highlight their untapped potential in strengthening food systems and building resilience. By creating policies and programs that amplify their contributions and equip them with the tools they need, we unlock pathways to sustainable agricultural growth and climate resilience.

Unquestionably, climate change is having an influence on agriculture, but how we react to it could have a significant impact. To ensure that women are not only supported but also positioned as key players in the shift to climate-resilient agriculture, gender-sensitive policies are among the most effective strategies.

In Kenya, women make up most of the smallholder farmers, yet their access to essential resources is often limited. The government has recognized this gap and is working to address it through gender-responsive policies. The Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP), for example, targets women farmers by providing them with access to climate-resilient technologies, such as drought-resistant seeds and irrigation systems. In Turkana, a region severely affected by drought, women have been trained in water harvesting techniques, which not only help ensure water availability during dry spells but also empower women to manage these resources effectively. This has improved their ability to adapt to climate shocks and enabled them to take on leadership roles in their communities.

In Rwanda, women’s empowerment in agriculture is at the heart of the country’s climate resilience efforts. According to a report by the African Development Bank (AFDB), Rwanda’s land tenure reforms have significantly empowered women, granting them greater control over land ownership. This change allows women in rural areas to make informed long-term decisions about the land they farm. With these rights, women have been able to implement climate-smart practices, such as agroforestry, improving soil fertility, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing food security. These advancements are supported by policies that integrate gender considerations into climate adaptation strategies (AfDB).

While gender-sensitive policies are essential for fostering resilience, there are still several gaps that must be addressed to ensure these efforts are truly effective. These gaps include;

Lack of Gender-Disaggregated Data

The absence of detailed gender-specific data impedes the development of effective policies. Without such insights, the unique challenges and contributions of women in agriculture often go unrecognized. In Kenya, for example, the lack of gender-disaggregated data has resulted in policies that overlook women’s specific needs, limiting their ability to fully participate in and benefit from agricultural initiatives (FAO). Starting with the collection and analysis of such data, policymakers can design targeted interventions that empower women and enhance their role in building resilient and inclusive agricultural systems (Data2X).

Limited Access to Resources

Women often have restricted access to land, credit, and technology, hindering their ability to adapt to climate change. In Ethiopia, women farmers face challenges in securing loans for climate-smart technologies due to lack of collateral, limiting their capacity to implement adaptive practices. Providing women with access to financial resources and agricultural inputs can enhance their productivity and resilience. For instance, in Malawi, microloans have enabled women to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, leading to improved yields (IFAD).

Exclusion from Decision-Making

Women’s exclusion from policy and decision-making processes results in strategies that overlook their specific needs. In Kenya, the absence of women’s voices in climate adaptation programs has led to solutions that do not fully address their challenges, exacerbating vulnerabilities. Inclusive participation of women in decision-making leads to more effective and equitable policies. In Uganda, involving women in local decision-making has resulted in the successful adoption of sustainable farming techniques, improving food security (UN Women).

Success Stories

Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP)

The Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP) has been instrumental in incorporating smallholder farmers, particularly women, into sustainable land management (SLM) practices aimed at improving soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing resilience to climate change. The project has integrated over 60,000 smallholder farmers, including 55% women, into sustainable land management practices. These efforts have not only improved soil fertility and reduced emissions but also increased crop yields by 15-20%, while participants earn income through carbon credits. (Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project, 2019).

 Green Belt Movement in Kenya

Founded by Wangari Maathai, the Green Belt Movement focuses on environmental conservation and women’s empowerment by planting trees to combat deforestation. Since its inception, the movement has planted over 51 million trees, involving thousands of women in environmental restoration activities. Through GBM’s initiatives, women have been able to sell tree seedlings, which has provided them with income to support their families, such as financing their children’s education and investing in sustainable household resources like solar lamps. This not only enhances their economic stability but also promotes environmental stewardship within their communities (Green Belt Movement).

For policy changes to be effective, they must be comprehensive and address the various dimensions of the agriculture-climate nexus, ensuring that gender equality is consistently integrated. Enhanced data collection, better access to resources, and inclusive decision-making can help reduce vulnerability and inequality in agriculture. Leading gender equality and women’s rights organizations emphasize that incorporating gender considerations into climate change policies is essential for advancing both climate resilience and sustainable development goals.

By Margaret Waithera, Graduate Agribusiness Financial Consultant.

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