Tanvir Ahmad

As the global community confronts the intertwined challenges of climate change and food insecurity, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a transformative approach. Introduced by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2010, CSA aims to enhance food security, increase resilience to climate impacts, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, to fully harness the potential of CSA, we must address a critical barrier: entrenched gender biases in farming practices.

Women play a pivotal role in agricultural systems worldwide, contributing to food production, family nutrition, and rural economies. Yet, they often face systemic challenges that hinder their effectiveness and resilience. They often bear the brunt of climate change's impacts. Despite institutional commitments to gender equality, many CSA interventions fail to move beyond technical solutions, neglecting the underlying gender norms and social dynamics that dictate success. To truly realize the potential of CSA, we must intentionally design and implement interventions that address these disparities.

Research shows that women have less access to land, credit, education, and agricultural inputs compared to their male counterparts. For example, women farmers are often excluded from training programs that teach modern, climate-resilient farming techniques. This gap in knowledge and resources translates into lower productivity and increased vulnerability to climate shocks. A study in sub-Saharan Africa found that women hold only 15% of the land, limiting their ability to invest in climate-smart practices that require long-term commitment. This imbalance not only stifles women’s potential but also undermines the overall effectiveness of CSA initiatives.

Moreover, the patriarchal structures in many societies mean that women’s voices are frequently sidelined in agricultural policy discussions. When women are not part of the conversation, their unique needs and perspectives are overlooked, leading to policies that fail to address the realities they face. This exclusion not only hampers their empowerment but also stunts the effectiveness of CSA initiatives.

To uproot these entrenched biases, we must adopt a gender-responsive approach to climate-smart agriculture. This begins with recognizing and valuing women’s contributions to agriculture. Policymakers and organizations must ensure that women have equitable access to resources, including land rights, credit, and training programs.

Additionally, integrating women into decision-making processes is crucial. Women’s participation in agricultural planning and policy development can lead to more inclusive and effective strategies. Programs that facilitate women's leadership in agricultural cooperatives and community groups can empower them to advocate for their interests and influence local agricultural practices.

To achieve the goals of climate-smart agriculture, gender equity must be at the forefront of design and implementation. Effective CSA must begin with a thorough gender analysis that examines local social norms, power dynamics, and access to resources. For example, in regions where cultural norms restrict women's mobility, accessing training sessions on sustainable farming can be challenging. By understanding these factors, stakeholders can tailor interventions to address specific barriers that women face, ensuring that their needs and voices are central to the planning process.

Women’s leadership in agriculture is essential for fostering inclusive decision-making. Actively promoting women to leadership positions within agricultural cooperatives and community organizations can reshape power dynamics and encourage equitable participation in CSA initiatives. In India, women-led self-help groups have successfully driven initiatives that improve access to credit and training for female farmers. These groups not only empower women but also enhance community resilience, demonstrating the transformative impact of female leadership in agricultural settings.

Equal access to land, credit, and training is crucial for women’s success in implementing climate-smart practices. Programs must be designed to specifically target women, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in agriculture. This includes advocating for women’s land rights, as seen in projects across various African countries where legal reforms have enabled women to secure land ownership. Access to financial resources tailored for female farmers, such as microloans, can also facilitate investment in CSA techniques like agroforestry or water conservation methods.

Technology can be a powerful equalizer in agriculture. By ensuring that women have access to information and communication technologies, we can enhance their ability to implement climate-smart practices. Mobile apps that provide weather updates, market prices, and farming techniques can empower women to make informed decisions. For instance, in Kenya, the use of mobile technology has enabled women farmers to access vital information, leading to improved crop yields and better market access. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential of technology to bridge the gender gap in agriculture.

Successful CSA initiatives require the active participation of women at all levels. Engaging women in the design and implementation of agricultural practices ensures that their perspectives are reflected in local solutions. For example, participatory approaches in developing CSA strategies in Bangladesh have led to the incorporation of women’s needs, resulting in more effective and sustainable practices. This participatory approach helps create a sense of ownership and accountability, fostering community support for CSA efforts.

Uprooting gender biases in climate-smart farming practices is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes. By recognizing women as equal stakeholders and integrating their needs into CSA initiatives, we can unlock their potential to enhance food security and resilience. Furthermore, studies show that gender-responsive agricultural policies can lead to higher agricultural productivity and improved family nutrition, amplifying the benefits of CSA.

As we strive for a more sustainable future, let us commit to fostering gender equity in climate-smart agriculture. This journey requires collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector to dismantle barriers and create an inclusive agricultural landscape. By establishing policies that support gender equity and funding initiatives that empower women farmers, we can drive meaningful change. The time to act is now—by ensuring that women are empowered and equipped, we can cultivate a resilient and sustainable food system for all. The future of agriculture depends on it. In doing so, we can not only combat the effects of climate change but also build a more equitable and just world for future generations.

The writer is a, Urban Planner, Climate Change & Public Health Researcher