Is Women Leadership the Missing Link in the Climate Smart Agriculture?

In Nigeria, the Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (ASLCPs) in the Agricultural Sector Project, which is being implemented by Self Help Africa (SHA) in partnership with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the Nigerian Government, is designed to deliver sustainable behaviour change and reduce open field burning in 100 communities across the country. Recognising that women hold a critical role in driving sustainable farming practices, this project not only addresses environmental challenges but also champions their inclusion in decision-making.

Women are pivotal to Nigeria's agriculture, comprising nearly 80% of the small-scale farming workforce and producing 60% of the nation's food supply. They are integral to domestic food production, processing, marketing, and preservation. However, despite their significant contributions, women face substantial disparities in accessing essential resources. Only about 14% of agricultural land is owned by women, limiting their access to credit facilities, training, improved seeds, and technology. This disparity stems from, among other factors, institutional barriers and socio-cultural constraints that hinder women's participation in leadership and decision-making within the agricultural sector.

Women’s Leadership in the ASLCPs Farmer Groups

One of the core approaches to the implementation of the Abatement of Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (ASLCPs) is the Farmer Field School (FFS) which is a participatory approach that educates farmers on sustainable agricultural practices to reduce SLCPs such as black carbon and methane. The FFS operates by clustering farmers into groups, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collective problem-solving. These clusters, also called farmer groups, are often led by trained Extension Officers who cascade the knowledge to the lead farmers. These lead farmers then share the information with their respective groups, ensuring wider dissemination at the grassroots level. Currently, there are 13 such farmer groups, and each of them has 20 - 25 farmers in the cluster. Altogether, there are a total of 325 farmers, with 44% being female and 56% being male. 

Although all 13 groups are led by men, groups with higher female participation have recorded more sustainable results, as women have demonstrated stronger engagement and consistency in the group’s affairs.      

During the second quarterly review of the project held on 28 February 2025 in Gboko LGA Benue State, Agricultural Extension Officers and Lead Farmers were brought together to evaluate progress and impact. A testimony from Igbende Jack T, a Year 1 Lead Farmer, shed light on a striking trend of female participation in his farmer group.

Jack observed that the women were the first to arrive at meetings, actively participated in discussions, and contributed more to farm activities than their male counterparts. Their dedication to implementing climate-smart practices stood out as a critical factor in ensuring the sustainability and success of agricultural interventions. In his words,  

“At any point when I needed the group to come together, I would invite them to discuss how to move the farm forward. The women would always arrive before the men. From that, I knew there was cooperation and that women’s inclusion in farming should be encouraged.”

Despite this, their involvement in agricultural leadership leaves much to be desired.

Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience

A significant factor contributing to this disparity is the prevailing cultural and societal norms in the area, which are deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions.  While the lead farmers were chosen through a participatory selection process, women, for various reasons including deep-seated cultural expectations, lack of confidence, or social pressure, shied away from taking up leadership roles. 

This highlights a crucial gap in agricultural initiatives. Women are at the forefront of driving climate-smart agriculture but remain absent from decision-making spaces. To achieve long-term sustainability and resilience in the sector, there is a need for intentional efforts to support and encourage women to step into leadership roles. 

Why Do We Need More Women Leading Climate-Resilient Agriculture?

Women have already proven to be dedicated, active participants in driving climate-smart agricultural practices, as seen in the ASLCPs Farmer Field School. However, their absence in leadership positions limits the full potential of climate adaptation efforts, especially as research has shown that when women are empowered as leaders, agricultural communities experience greater resilience, increased productivity, and improved sustainability. 

Studies have also shown that women are more likely than men to adopt and promote sustainable farming techniques. A 2023 UN FAO report found that farms managed by women in Sub-Saharan Africa were 24% more likely to use climate-smart methods such as composting, agroforestry, and organic soil conservation. Furthermore, women leaders tend to prioritise collaborative problem-solving and knowledge-sharing, strengthening overall community resilience. In regions where women hold leadership positions in agriculture, climate adaptation strategies have higher long-term success rates.

Furthermore, women-led agricultural cooperatives report lower rates of land degradation and higher biodiversity conservation efforts as women naturally integrate environmental stewardship into their farming leadership.

Overall, closing the gender gap in agriculture could increase food production by up to 30% and reduce global hunger by 12%, according to the World Bank.

What Must Be Done to Drive This Forward?

To accelerate the transition to climate-smart farming, targeted interventions are necessary to ensure that women are not just involved but are also leading these efforts.

Our key recommendations are to,

1. Prioritise Women’s Leadership in Agricultural Programs: Establish quotas or incentives to ensure a greater number of women serve as lead farmers and decision-makers in agricultural initiatives.
2. Enhance Access to Resources: Expand women’s access to land, credit facilities, training, and climate-smart technologies to enable them to lead and innovate in sustainable agriculture.
3. Strengthen Capacity Building for Women Farmers: Develop tailored training programs focusing on leadership, climate adaptation techniques, and sustainable farming practices.
4. Engage Policymakers in Gender-Inclusive Agricultural Policies: Advocate for policy reforms that remove institutional and cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in agricultural leadership.
5. Create Networks and Mentorship Programs: Establish peer learning groups and mentorship programs to support women in leadership roles and encourage knowledge-sharing.

The ASLCPs project, currently being implemented in Benue State, actively ensures women’s inclusion in its promotion of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) by equipping female farmers and extension officers with training on sustainable practices, fostering their leadership in farmer groups, and integrating gender-sensitive approaches in decision-making processes. The initiative directly supports the 2019 National Action Plan to reduce SLCPs, which aims for an 83% reduction in black carbon emissions and a 61% reduction in methane emissions by 2030. By reducing open-field burning and promoting climate-smart alternatives, the project reinforces Nigeria’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental preservation.

As we celebrate women this month, it is imperative to recognise and amplify the contributions of women farmers. Their active participation and leadership are crucial to achieving Nigeria’s climate goals and securing a sustainable agricultural future for generations to come. 

Now is the time to take deliberate action to ensure that women are not just working in agriculture but are leading the charge for a climate-resilient future.