As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, I cannot help but reflect on the profound effects of climate change and other external shocks that have become strikingly apparent, particularly in the lives of millions of women in Africa.
Communities in sub-Saharan Africa that rely on rain-fed agriculture, livestock and natural resources face severe challenges due to unpredictable weather patterns, cyclic droughts, flooding and desertification.
Women are often more vulnerable to these shocks. These impacts disproportionately disrupt women’s safety nets and significantly compromise their ability to earn a stable income, secure adequate food and maintain their cultural practices.
As a result, their way of life is altered, often leading to increased health risks and a diminished quality of life. As we celebrate the day under the theme ‘Accelerate Action’, let us reflect on the resilience of women in the face of adversity, highlighting their daily struggles and unwavering determination to adapt and survive.
Women contribute significantly to sustainability, biodiversity and food security. Did you know African women contribute approximately 80 per cent of household food production?
The Food and Agriculture Organization, in a report released in 2023, found that women are essential to small-scale agriculture, farm labour, and day-to-day family subsistence, contributing to half of the world’s food production.
Ironically, women face greater challenges than men in accessing loans for expansion, securing land rights for decision-making, and utilising technology to improve labour efficiency and food productivity.
In addition to agriculture, they are the backbone of rural communities and are at the forefront of conservation efforts.
They play a crucial role in maintaining forest economies, protecting wildlife, supporting sustainable communities, preserving biodiversity and managing ecosystem services. Their unique perspectives, responsibilities and deep understanding of environmental issues are vital to their societies.
Moreover, marginalised indigenous communities that rely on the natural ecosystem for survival, especially those residing near wildlife habitats, face a heightened risk of resource conflicts, further compounded by climate impacts.
A significant example of these challenges can be seen in Kenya’s Kajiado, Narok, Laikipia and Taita Taveta counties.
Women’s adaptation to climate change is hindered by numerous challenges, including inadequate formal education, poverty, limited access to resources and significant exclusion from policymaking and decision-making institutions, along with various forms of marginalisation. They also face the risk of climate-induced health complications.
Despite facing numerous challenges, women have shown resilience and innovation in climate mitigation by adopting practical initiatives crucial for balancing environmental protection with economic and social development.
They are playing a critical role in conservation efforts throughout the continent. From wildlife protection to sustainable development, they lead initiatives that preserve ecosystems and empower local communities.
Women are making a significant impact through initiatives like agroforestry, clean cooking projects, innovative farm-based microenterprises, climate change advocacy, eco-friendly businesses, and water conservation efforts.
They are also at the forefront of anti-poaching efforts, highlighting their commitment to protecting biodiversity. By harnessing their skills and resources, they have demonstrated that when women are empowered, they can play a pivotal role in the fight against climate change, driving sustainable practices that benefit their communities and the environment.
We need to harness their incredible strength and resilience by empowering them to play vital roles in society’s adaptation to climate change, disaster management and the growth of our green energy sector.
When they are provided with access to financial resources, ownership of assets, and opportunities for meaningful decision-making, it leads to transformative and far-reaching positive impacts across many sectors.
To achieve this, governments, the private sector and NGOs must actively collaborate with women’s groups to establish comprehensive policies that promote climate and disaster resilience.
Supporting climate-smart agriculture is crucial, as it not only enhances food security but also strengthens the livelihoods of women farmers.
Additionally, providing targeted funding, training programmes, and mentorship opportunities for women-led environmental organisations will empower these initiatives and amplify their impact.
It is just as important to encourage women’s leadership in environmental governance, ensuring their voices are included in key discussions and decision-making.
Furthermore, we should actively encourage community-driven conservation projects that engage women at all levels.
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project in Taita Taveta county is a great example of how climate action and women’s empowerment go hand in hand.
Thousands of women were previously engaged in unsustainable means of survival, such as charcoal burning and bush meat poaching.
Over the years, they have embraced climate-smart agriculture techniques to boost food productivity and eco-friendly businesses like basket weaving, garments, fuel-efficient cookstoves, reforestation, and conservation.
Olivia Adhiambo - Climate Policy director of Africa Wildlife Works.
