Women Farmers in Ghana: Leading the Fight Against Climate Change
Women in Ghana constitute about 70% of the agricultural workforce, primarily as smallholder farmers using sustainable agricultural practices. They are pivotal to biodiversity conservation and advocate for climate action that includes agro-ecology in policy frameworks. Awula Serwah emphasizes their unique challenges and champions gender equality in climate leadership, citing the legacy of influential figures like Professor Wangari Maathai. The call for urgent support and inclusion of women in climate initiatives remains critical.
In Ghana, women represent approximately 70% of the workforce in the agriculture sector, predominantly as smallholder farmers who adhere to ecological and organic farming practices. These methods prioritize environmental preservation by minimizing the reliance on external inputs and synthetic chemicals. Despite facing resource constraints, these women play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, mitigating deforestation, sequestering carbon, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their livelihoods deeply rely on natural resources, compelling women farmers in Africa to take a stand against environmental degradation. These women have come together as part of a broader social movement to advocate for transformative reforms within the agricultural sector aimed at curtailing carbon emissions. They are urging the government to adopt more robust climate actions and to integrate agro-ecology prominently within national climate response strategies. Awula Serwah, an esteemed Ghanaian environmentalist and coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens Ghana, has underscored the disproportionate impact that climate change and environmental degradation have on women and girls. “Climate change and environmental degradation affect everyone. They are not respecter of persons. In communities where women and girls are responsible for food production, fetching water and fetching fuel for cooking, it is especially challenging for them,” stated Ms. Serwah. She advocates for urgent action from all sectors to mitigate worsening conditions. Regarding gender equality in climate initiatives, Ms. Serwah articulated that leadership in climate adaptation should transcend gender boundaries. She asserted, “Anyone with a passion, an understanding of climate adaptation and the necessary skills and willingness to lead, should lead. It is crucial that we work towards gender equality but we shouldn’t make climate change a gender issue.” Ms. Serwah draws inspiration from the late Professor Wangari Maathai, renowned for founding the Green Belt Movement and being the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her environmental contributions. She remarked, “A determined woman with a lot on her plate can lead on climate adaptation just as well as a man. We had Prof Maathai leading on the environmental matters long before people understood the importance of the environment… The key point is not that she was a woman, but that she was deeply passionate about the environment and was driven to make a difference.” Finally, Ms. Serwah emphasizes the necessity for governments and policymakers to formulate effective strategies that promote the involvement and support of women in climate change initiatives. She declares the constitutional duty of all individuals to safeguard the environment, stating, “We all have a constitutional duty to protect the environment, and we should demand action.”
The increasing severity of climate change and environmental degradation has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, particularly women in rural landscapes. In Ghana, women play a vital role in agriculture, which is a cornerstone of the country’s economy and livelihoods. Their commitment to sustainable practices positions them as frontline advocates in the fight against climate change. Understanding the vital contributions and the unique challenges faced by these women is essential in crafting policies and initiatives that support their efforts and harness their potential for broader environmental impacts.
In conclusion, women farmers in Ghana are pivotal players in combating climate change. Through their ecological farming practices and collective advocacy for better governmental action, they not only strive to protect their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the environmental movement. The insights from Awula Serwah highlight the need for inclusive strategies that empower these women while recognizing the universal responsibility to protect our planet. Their leadership in climate adaptation should be supported unconditionally, as the stakes for all members of society are interconnected with the health of our environment.
Original Source: www.un.org
