Article: The Impact of Climate Change on Female Farmers and Their Role in the Agricultural Sector
The latest study from Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems has brought to light the uneven toll climate change takes on women engaged in the global agri-food systems. The report focuses on the susceptibility of women in agricultural sectors and points out the regions which face the worst climate risks. Note that agri-food systems consist of networks comprising individuals, activities, and resources involved in food production, processing, distribution, and consumption.
Key Findings of the Study
The study ranks 87 countries according to the threat posed by climate change to the women working in agri-food systems. It rates India as 12th in this regard, highlighting that other Asian nations, such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal also face considerable risks.
High-Risk Areas Identified
The research identifies agri-food systems, inclusive of production, post-harvest handling, and distribution, to be particularly critical. People living in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) are at an increased risk, especially those in central, east, and southern Africa and west and south Asia.
Climate Agriculture Gender Inequality Hotspots: A New Approach
Insights on climate, gender, and agri-food systems were combined to identify ‘climate-agriculture-gender inequality hotspots.’ These hotspot maps could help gender-responsive climate action, especially in upcoming conferences like COP 28 and in climate investments.
Policymaking and Climate Action Inspired by the Study
The study provides a critical starting point for policymaking, highlighting how women in agriculture are disproportionately impacted by climate-related hazards. Using these hotspot maps, decision-makers and investors can target finance and investments to areas where women are most affected by climate change risks.
How Climate Change Affects Women Engaged in Agri-Food Systems
1. Reduced Food Security and Income: The disruption of agricultural production due to climate change impacts the food security and income of women farmers, who often rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.
2. Increased Workload: Climate change intensifies the demand for water, labor, and natural resources, adding to the workload of women farmers.
3. Reduced Health and Well-being: The health and well-being of women farmers are greatly affected by climate change as they are more prone to heat stress, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and mental stress.
4. Limited Participation and Empowerment: Climate change also hampers the participation and empowerment of women farmers, who are often excluded from decision-making processes and institutions related to agriculture and climate change.
Government Initiatives to Support Women in Agri-Food Systems
There are several initiatives underway in India to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of women farmers in this sector. They include Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Recommendations for the Future
To ensure the future sustainability of women’s contributions to agriculture, it’s crucial to enhance their access to resources and opportunities, promote their leadership and involvement in decision-making structures, strengthen their knowledge and skills in climate-smart agriculture, and support their empowerment and agency.