Climate change: A challenge for gender equity and future possibilities

Abstract

Climate change describes a change in average conditions like temperature, rainfall etc. in a region over a long period of time. Agriculture is vulnerable to climate change, the statement holds more truth particular to India as a large population (65%) depend on agriculture for their livelihood. Climate change affects different dimensions of food security viz. food availability, food accessibility, food consumption and food systems stability. Women farmers currently account for 50-80% of all food production in developing countries. In agricultural livelihood, women and men experience climate change impacts differently due to their socially constructed roles and tasks. Climate change effects have heightened existing gender disparities by contributing to the greater climate change vulnerability of women. Rural women also depend more than men on ecosystem services for food security. They are heavily involved in agricultural production and natural resources management. A direct relationship between gender equality, women's empowerment and climate change can be observed in broader view. The adverse effects and impacts of climate change on agriculture could erode gains made toward gender equality. On one hand, women are extremely vulnerable to climate change effects, which in turn aggravate existing gender disparities. On other hand, women have unique knowledge and skills that can make the response to combat climate change more effective and sustainable. Empowerment of farm women is vital for the effectiveness of climate change projects and policies implementation. Climate Smart Agriculture is an approach to develop the techniques, policies and framework to achieve sustainable agricultural development for food security in climate change. It stands on 3 major pillars: (1) sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes (2) adapting and building resilience to climate change and (3) reducing and/or removing GHG emissions. Taking a gender responsive approach to CSA signifies that needs, priorities and realities of men, women are recognized and adequately addressed. In longer term, major changes are needed for reducing the constraints, women and men may face in terms of resources accessibility, services and information. Beyond CSA practices, the institutions involved in climate change adaptation and mitigation need to partner with women's community-based organizations to go beyond agricultural productivity and support income generation, loans access, improved nutrition and health services.