A CottonConnect research finds that the impact of climate change is more pronounced on women and can perpetuate and magnify structural inequalities in many corners of the globe.
THE REPORT: Building on insights from its 2020 report, the new report following research conducted this June—Women in Cotton: Addressing the Impact of Climate Change through Climate-Friendly Practices—is based on interviews with over 100 female farmers and programme partners in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in June 2023.
- It says that even though climate change adversely impacts female cotton farmers, effective interventions can mitigate that and even lead to positive change.
KEY FINDINGS: Key findings from the recent study show that extreme weather exacerbated by climate change negatively affects biodiversity, crop yield and pest control; and that women’s health and well-being is adversely affected but that they still shoulder more of the burden for the farm and the home, regardless of their own health issues or time limitations.
- It also shows that empowering female farmers through training in sustainable agriculture and climate change awareness is helping to create positive change.
RECOMMENDATIONS: With climate mitigation strategies demonstrating effectiveness, the focus needs to shift towards replicating and expanding successful approaches. This collaborative effort necessitates developing transformative partnerships across the supply chain, encompassing retailers and farmers
Some steps that can help organisations across the supply chain working with farmers to move closer to this goal include:
- Amplify women’s voices: Ensure women farmers’ perspectives are acknowledged.
- Learn from their lived experiences: Engage more with women farmers to gain insights from their firsthand experiences; build on existing knowledge and awareness of climate-resilient agriculture practices
- Accelerate proven actions: Scale actions and pilots that we know mitigate the climate crisis
- Ensure women are involved as leaders and innovators Empower female farmers through sustainable agriculture and climate change awareness
- Develop transformative supply chain partnerships with brands that are good for women and good for business
- Train women in income-generating activities and income diversification
WHY WOMEN? According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, women form a significant 45% of the agricultural workforce in developing nations, a number climbing to 60% in Africa and Asia.
- They are the backbone of agriculture yet face unique challenges that hinder their productivity and limit their invaluable contributions.
- Climate disasters are making matters worse, threatening crops and livelihoods.
WHAT THEY SAID:
The findings from our recent study reaffirm that the problems related to climate change continue to adversely affect the lives of women farmers in all regions. When women are trained and armed with awareness and understanding – they can play a crucial role in adapting and reducing vulnerability to climate change – they know what solutions are required beyond the farm. Empowering women in the cotton value chain can have positive effects beyond farm productivity, leading to improved living standards and food security.
— Alison Ward
Chief Executive Officer
CottonConnect
We’ve witnessed drastic climate changes disrupting our lives and farming. As a result, our women farmers, take a hit with irregular rains and scorching heat. In Rann of Kutch, for example, temperatures rise to 51%. Recently, the cyclones wreaked havoc, demanding immense recovery efforts. Water remains a challenge. Drinking water is accessible, there are pipelines also, but bore wells now reach 700-800 feet. Power scarcity affects daytime farming, pushing farmers to irrigate at night. In this struggle, a resilient spirit surfaces. We adapt, rebuild, and stand together, shaping a future amid evolving climates.
— Heena Dave
Senior Coordinator
Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
Regardless of whether we feel well or not, we must take care of everyone in the family – husband, children, in-laws and even the livestock. No one takes care of us when we are sick. As women, it is expected that we look after everyone regardless. The situation has worsened due to extreme weather conditions and resulting disasters, which have further increased our caregiving responsibilities.
— Female cotton farmer
Madhya Pradesh, India
Earlier, Bangladesh was known as a country with six seasons. Now it is a country with two seasons. This shift is a stark reminder of the profound impact of climate change on our nation.
— Afroza Khatun
Cotton Farmer
Khulna, Bangladesh
