Empowering Women: Battling Climate Change for Global Food Security | ProAgri

Women’s Role in African Agriculture

Most of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas, relying on agriculture for their survival. In Africa, women are often the backbone of smallholder farms. They grow crops, raise animals, fetch water, and take care of their families. They also face significant challenges, especially from climate change. Droughts and floods can wipe out their harvests, putting food security at serious risk. When fewer crops grow, families go hungry, and malnutrition becomes a real threat.

A worrying statistic shows that food insecurity affects millions. According to the FAO, over 30% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa faces hunger. As the environment deteriorates, water sources dry up, further complicating their lives. Helping women improve productivity can aid in achieving food security.

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)

Climate-Smart Agriculture is a vital approach for adapting to and mitigating climate change. It includes strategies that combine sustainable farming practices with technology and local knowledge.

1. Farm Management: Combining traditional and modern methods to ensure food security while protecting the environment.
2. Ecosystem Conservation: Protecting soil, water, and biodiversity helps maintain agricultural productivity.
3. Support Services: Farmers need access to services that help manage climate risks.

Experts argue that a green economy—where fewer resources produce more—can empower women to thrive. They should learn “green skills,” such as climate-smart agriculture techniques and the use of renewable energy, like solar power for irrigation. This training can be transformative.

Understanding Climate Change

Interestingly, a survey revealed that 40% of people in Africa don’t fully understand climate change, even as they witness erratic weather. Many rural women, despite not knowing the term, utilize traditional methods handed down through generations, such as rainwater harvesting and planting resilient crops. This local wisdom is invaluable.

Green Reskilling for Women

Empowering women through training in various skills can help communities adapt to climate change. These skills include:

• Natural Resource Management: Understanding how to protect forests and soil.
• Low-Carbon Industry Practices: Learning how to implement renewable energy sources.
• Climate Resilience: Strategies for growing drought-resistant crops.

Training programs must focus on gender equity, especially for marginalized women. Investments in education should use local languages and community-based approaches to ensure understanding and accessibility.

Digital Skills for the Green Economy

In the digital age, women also need to learn digital skills. This includes:

• Marketing: Using online platforms to sell eco-friendly products.
• Digital Monitoring: Understanding tools for tracking environmental changes.
• Agricultural Technology: Using apps for weather updates and precision farming.

Countries must adopt policies that integrate green education and ensure women are not left behind. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions is key.

Creating a Resilient Future

When women gain green skills, entire communities can become more resilient to climate change. Adapting to climate-smart agriculture can lead to inclusive economic growth.

A study notes, “Green reskilling is not just about training – it is about transformation.” The transformation can improve not only agricultural practices but also the economic prospects of communities across Africa.

Source References

Adeola, O., et al. (2025). African women are key to fighting climate change – these are the green skills they will need. The Conversation. Read more

FAO. (n.d.). Climate-Smart Agriculture. Learn more

Selormey, E.E., et al. (2019). Change ahead: Experience and awareness of climate change in Africa. Afrobarometer Policy Paper No. 60. View here

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climate-smart agriculture,food security