Introducing a Gender-Responsive Climate Change Tool: A Breakthrough by Nigerian Researchers

Dr. Chinwoke Ifeanyi-Obi, a researcher at the University of Port Harcourt, has launched a new tool called the Gender-Responsive Smart Monitor (G-SMART) to help track gender inclusion in agriculture, especially in the face of climate change.

During a recent meeting in Abuja, she explained that the G-SMART monitor is designed to ensure that agricultural policies lead to real benefits for all, especially women. “It provides real-time assessments of how well these policies meet gender needs,” she said.

This tool is part of her work with the Gender Responsive Agriculture Systems Policy (GRASP) Fellowship, a program supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at improving gender-responsive agricultural policies across Africa.

In Nigeria, climate change poses significant risks to food security, with predictions suggesting a potential 30% drop in crop yields. Dr. Ifeanyi-Obi noted that the impact of climate change could reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product by up to 30% by 2050. Women are particularly affected, as they make up about 60% to 79% of the rural agricultural workforce, yet men are five times more likely to own land.

While the Nigerian government has made steps toward addressing gender gaps in climate policies, many existing frameworks lack actionable strategies. This is where G-SMART comes in. “The framework can help governments meet their gender commitments and develop more inclusive policies,” she added.

Dr. Ifeanyi-Obi shared that the G-SMART framework includes two main sets of indicators. The first focuses on measuring how gender-responsive climate policies are, while the second assesses how well these policies are implemented. Key areas for improvement include increasing women’s roles in decision-making, ensuring access to improved farming tools, and offering better climate information and training.

This initiative reflects a growing trend in gender-focused agricultural policy. According to a recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), empowering women in agriculture could reduce hunger and increase economic growth. As more tools like G-SMART emerge, they could change the landscape of agricultural practices, making it more equitable and effective for everyone.

Overall, the G-SMART tool represents a significant step toward addressing the crucial intersection of gender and climate adaptation in agriculture, paving the way for more inclusive and effective policies in the future.

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