CottonConnect’s report explains the necessity of enhanced training and support to aid female cotton farmers in the climate transition.
It highlights that women represent up to 46% of the 31.5m global cotton farming workforce.
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The CottonConnect report collates personal accounts and insights from female farmers participating in programmes across India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Pakistan.
It identifies several obstacles that curtail the full participation of women in agriculture, particularly as leaders in climate change mitigation. These challenges were a focal point during roundtable discussions and focus groups organised by CottonConnect to inform the study.
Women farmers are grappling with environmental adversities like severe weather events that affect crop yields, increase labour demands and influence livestock productivity.
Societal norms often preclude women from land ownership and limit their decision-making authority, while additional domestic responsibilities contribute to time scarcity, notes the report. Moreover, there is an evident disparity in access to resources and training since current support mechanisms tend to favour men.
CottonConnect says that its ‘Women in Cotton’ programme has been fostering women’s leadership in sustainable farming and climate action over the past decade.
The programme provides foundational knowledge in literacy, numeracy, rights, and health, equipping women with the skills necessary to explore new economic opportunities within and beyond cotton farming.
The initiative aims to dismantle inequality and challenge perceptions that relegate women to subordinate roles in agriculture.
In the 2023-24 period alone, the programme engaged over 270,000 women.
Feedback from these participants revealed several significant outcomes of the Women in Cotton training:
1. Empowerment through climate education: The Women’s Climate Ambassador Program has instilled a comprehensive understanding of climate change among female farmers, enhancing their role in agricultural decisions and elevating their stature within communities.
2. Economic gains: Participants reported increased incomes resulting from improved farming techniques and resource management that led to greater economic stability.
3. Adoption of climate-smart practices: The introduction of water-saving measures, tree plantations, biopesticides, and crop diversification not only boosted farm productivity but also contributed to environmental preservation by reducing chemical dependency.
4. Health benefits: By employing natural pest control methods and biofertilisers, farmers have mitigated health risks associated with chemical use. Additionally, tree planting efforts have provided shade and helped alleviate heat stress.
5. Community and systemic change: While cultural norms still pose barriers to women’s full involvement in agriculture, the programme has initiated a shift in perceptions among families and community leaders regarding women’s roles as farmers and guardians of the climate.
CottonConnect is now integrating these insights into its programmes and advocating for broader industry engagement.
The organisation is also calling on brands, retailers, and stakeholders to invest in specialised climate mitigation training for women and to foster systemic changes that enhance women’s access to resources and markets.
CottonConnect CEO Alison Ward said: “Climate change disproportionately affects women and it’s essential to bring the latest knowledge to farming communities, empowering women with the tools needed to mitigate climate shocks. While our innovations have proven effective, we will only be successful if we listen to and amplify the voices of rural women.
“The valuable insights from women who have participated in our Women in Cotton programme across the world will enable us to continue to evolve our training and support them in the challenges they face.”
