23-November-2023-Editorial

CLIMATE CRISIS: INEQUALITY HOTSPOT STUDY SHOWS WHERE WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE ARE HIT HARDEST

A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems delves into the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on women engaged in agri-food systems globally. Agri-food systems involve the entire spectrum of activities related to food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, encompassing various stakeholders in the food value chain.

Key Highlights:

Global Ranking of Climate Change Threats:

• The study ranks 87 countries based on the climate change threat faced by women in agri-food systems.
• India, along with other Asian nations, ranks notably high, emphasizing significant risks.

Identification of High-Risk Regions:

• Agri-food systems, covering production, post-harvest handling, and distribution, are particularly susceptible.
• Central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, emerge as regions with heightened vulnerability.

Climate Agriculture Gender Inequality Hotspots:

• The research integrates climate, gender, and agri-food systems to identify ‘climate–agriculture–gender inequality hotspots.’
• Color-coded maps provide a visual representation, aiding gender-responsive climate action and policy decisions.

Policymaking and Climate Action:

• The study serves as a crucial reference for policymakers, illustrating the unequal impact of climate hazards on women in agriculture.
• It underscores the need for gender-responsive climate action in international forums and climate investments like COP 28.

How Climate Change Affects Women in Agri-Food Systems:

Reduced Food Security and Income:

• Climate change disrupts agricultural production, impacting food security and income, particularly for women farmers.

Increased Workload

• Climate change intensifies demands for water, labor, and resources, increasing the workload for women farmers.

Reduced Health and Well-being:

• Climate change exposes women farmers to health risks, including heat stress and diseases, with limited access to healthcare.

Limited Participation and Empowerment:

• Climate change exacerbates gender inequalities, restricting women’s participation, access to information, and empowerment.

Government Initiatives:

• Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas: Recognizes women farmers’ contributions annually on October 15th.
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP).
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Way Forward:

• Enhance women’s access to resources and opportunities.
• Promote women’s involvement in decision-making.
• Strengthen women’s knowledge on climate-smart agriculture.
• Address underlying causes of gender inequality and empower women.

Conclusion:

The study underscores the urgent need for gender-responsive climate policies, emphasizing the role of women in sustainable agriculture and the broader implications for global food systems. It calls for concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on women engaged in agri-food systems, ensuring their empowerment and resilience.