In the heart of Nigeria, where agriculture serves as the backbone of the economy, a recent study shines a spotlight on the intricate relationship between gender, climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and economic outcomes. Conducted by Chikamso Christian Apeh from the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in Umuagwo, Imo State, this research, published in the Journal of Agricultural Extension, underscores a pressing issue: the economic benefits of adopting CSA practices are not distributed equally between male and female farmers.
As climate change continues to loom over Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the adoption of CSA practices is seen as a beacon of hope. The study analyzed data collected from the Nigeria Generalized Household Survey Panel between 2011 and 2016, employing a two-stage endogenous switching regression model to delve into the economic impacts of these practices. The findings are striking. While farmers who embraced four specific CSA practices—identified as I0M1V1F1O1—reaped significant rewards, male farmers enjoyed a staggering net income gain of 32,617.74 thousand Naira per hectare. In stark contrast, their female counterparts faced a loss of 42.153 thousand Naira per hectare.
“This disparity highlights the urgent need for interventions that not only promote CSA adoption but also address the underlying gender inequalities in resource access and decision-making power,” Apeh remarked, emphasizing the importance of inclusive agricultural policies. The reality is that while CSA practices can enhance productivity and resilience against climate impacts, without equitable access, the benefits may remain out of reach for a significant portion of the farming population.
The implications of this research extend beyond the fields. As Nigeria grapples with food security challenges exacerbated by climate change, the energy sector, too, stands to be affected. By fostering gender-inclusive agricultural practices, the country could unlock new avenues for economic growth, stimulating demand for energy solutions that support sustainable farming methods. The intersection of gender equity and climate-smart agriculture could be a game changer, driving forward not just agricultural productivity but also energy consumption patterns that favor more sustainable practices.
The study’s findings are a clarion call for policymakers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. By prioritizing gender equity in agricultural initiatives, there’s potential not just to uplift female farmers but also to enhance the overall economic resilience of the agricultural sector. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of climate change, understanding and addressing these gendered economic impacts will be crucial for shaping future agricultural policies and practices.
This research, with its insights into the gendered economic impacts of CSA adoption, offers a roadmap for a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the path toward resilience in Nigeria’s agriculture—and indeed its energy sector—must be paved with inclusivity and equity.