In the heart of Nigeria, a silent battle is being waged against the encroaching impacts of climate change, one that is deeply intertwined with the economic resilience of women in the agricultural sector. A recent study published in the *International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability* (translated as *Journal of Sustainable Agriculture*) sheds light on this complex interplay, offering insights that could reshape our approach to gender equality and climate adaptation in agriculture.
Led by Netsayi Noris Mudege, a researcher at WorldFish in Lusaka, Zambia, the study delves into the lives of women in Ogun and Oyo states, examining their economic resilience in the face of climate change challenges. The research focuses on three critical agri-food systems: cassava, catfish, and chicken, providing a nuanced understanding of how gender norms influence women’s ability to adapt and thrive.
The study reveals that gender norms create a landscape of opportunities and constraints for women’s economic resilience. “Gender norms create gendered opportunities and constraints for economic resilience to the impacts of climate change,” Mudege explains. “These opportunities and constraints emerge at the intersection of social institutions, agency, and power relations.”
One of the most striking findings is the disparity in access to resources. More men than women have access to and ownership of resources crucial for economic resilience, such as land and finance. This disparity is not just about access but also about the ability to plan for the future. “Men can often make long-term, strategic plans compared to women’s short-term survival tactics,” Mudege notes.
The study underscores the need for approaches that challenge discriminatory gender norms and integrate gender-sensitive agricultural policies. These policies should encourage women’s equal and meaningful participation at all levels, from household decisions to community leadership and macro-environmental policy-making.
The implications of this research are profound for the agricultural sector and beyond. By addressing gender norms and promoting women’s economic resilience, we can enhance food security, adaptive capacities, and sustainable development. This is not just about equity; it’s about unlocking the full potential of women as agents of change in the face of climate change.
As we look to the future, this research calls for a paradigm shift in how we approach gender and climate adaptation in agriculture. It challenges us to think beyond traditional boundaries and to create policies and practices that empower women and build resilience. The study, published in the *International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability*, serves as a clarion call for action, urging us to transform gender norms and build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
In the words of Mudege, “Approaches to promoting women’s economic resilience in climate change scenarios should challenge discriminatory gender norms and integrate gender-sensitive agricultural policies that encourage women’s equal and meaningful participation in all spheres.” This is not just a call to action; it’s a roadmap for a more equitable and resilient future.