As the world prepares for COP28, it is evident that global efforts to address the climate crisis are falling short, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities in developing nations. Amidst the predominantly mitigation-focused discussions, the harsh realities faced by millions of small-scale women farmers in Africa due to climate change cannot be overlooked.
The equitable distribution of support for small-scale farmers in adapting to climate change is hindered by insufficient funding and constraints within national and global financial systems. It is imperative for COP28 to exhibit substantial support for adaptation and demonstrate a stronger commitment to empowering women to not only withstand but also thrive in the face of this evolving climate.
Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and extreme climatic events present significant challenges to small-scale farmers, who heavily rely on agriculture for their sustenance. Currently responsible for half of the world’s food calories, these farmers bear the weight of providing for their families and communities while navigating the uncertainties brought about by climate change. Notably, women play a vital role in this agricultural workforce, contributing between 60% and 80% of food production in most developing nations.
However, women farmers encounter a unique set of obstacles that impede their capacity to prosper in this pivotal sector. Challenges such as inadequate land rights, limited access to agricultural loans, and disparities in agricultural knowledge and decision-making authority greatly affect them. Shockingly, despite producing the majority of the food in Africa, women own just 10% of farming land, rendering them vulnerable to eviction. These disparities have resulted in a significant gender productivity gap in many countries, with variations as high as 23% in Tanzania and a staggering 66% in Niger. These issues emphasize the urgent need for prompt and decisive measures to address these challenges effectively.
At COP28, it is imperative to focus on empowering women farmers to adapt to the changing climate. Doing so not only ensures increased agricultural productivity but also brings broader benefits, including reduced hunger, malnutrition, and poverty within communities. By securing funding for adaptation, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and adopting innovative practices, we can collectively pave a sustainable path forward for women farmers and the communities they serve.
Several solutions are already available and, with sufficient investment, can be implemented on a large scale. By removing barriers to financing, women farmers can invest in climate-smart technologies and practices, including climate-resilient crop varieties, sustainable soil fertility management techniques, and digital technologies. For instance, in Kenya, women farmers have successfully cultivated drought-resilient seeds, thriving during low rainfall years, thereby boosting crop yields and enhancing food security. Access to the latest innovations and knowledge is essential in supporting climate adaptation efforts.
However, the benefits of climate-smart technologies and resilient agricultural practices can only be fully realized with the right education and training. Comprehensive programs must provide seminars and workshops to equip women with the knowledge of climate-resilient farming techniques. For example, with the right know-how, farmers can focus on cultivating naturally resilient crops like millet, sorghum, sweet potato, cassava, and pigeon peas, contributing to a more diversified and nutritious diet while safeguarding their harvests for generations to come. Moreover, by fostering networks and support systems for women farmers, we can help them share knowledge and experiences, fostering resilience within their communities and enabling their participation in decision-making processes. A recent study in Kenya found that women who participated in self-help groups were more likely to know about climate-smart agricultural practices.
Making ambitious climate adaptation commitments at COP28 is crucial. Although significant steps have been taken, such as the allocation of nearly a billion dollars in 2021 to the CGIAR international agricultural research partnership, more action is needed to address the multifaceted challenges and barriers facing women farmers worldwide. Adaptation financing remains inadequate compared to its mitigation counterpart, with less than 2% of climate finance directed towards small-scale farmers, and only a small fraction of that earmarked for adaptation.
Therefore, there is a pressing need to increase financing for adaptation through support to the CGIAR and its partners, who are developing a wide range of innovations that support resilient, sustainable food production by farmers in a climate-stressed world. The campaign by CGIAR to raise $4 billion by 2027 would enable the organization to reach 500 million small-scale farmers with innovations that would strengthen food systems, benefiting billions of people. COP28 provides a unique opportunity to tackle the challenges faced by women farmers in the context of climate change, as governments formulate plans to achieve the Paris Agreement’s global adaptation goals. It can serve as a platform for global leaders to pledge policies and actions that empower women in agriculture and promote climate resilience.
Leaders at COP28 are urged to build upon their existing commitments to empowering women farmers through adaptation. When women are equipped with the tools and opportunities to adapt, they become champions of change, steering their communities towards a more food-secure and environmentally sustainable future.
