Roles of women in addressing climate change in Northern Nigeria

By Fatima Muhammad Sani

Women make up nearly half of the agricultural labor force in developing countries. When provided with the same access to resources as men, women can increase their agricultural yields by 20 to 30 percent. This boost in productivity not only improves total agricultural output by 2.5 to 4 percent, but it can also help reduce world hunger by 12 to 17 percent, according to the UN.
Climate change is a long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas and other related human activities.
People are experiencing climate change in diverse way it’s doesn’t mainly means warmer temperatures. But temperature rise is only the beginning of the story. Because the Earth is a system, where everything is connected, changes in one area can influence changes in all others. The consequences of climate change include, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, Climate change can affect our health, ability to grow food, housing, safety and work. Some of us are already more vulnerable to climate impacts especially women who are the easier victims.
Women living in the vicinity that are not meant to be their permanent own homes rather rent or scout, this issue can weaken their efforts to plant trees across their domicile, avoid the use of cooking firewood which also affect the climate.
In Nigeria for instance, women play crucial roles in addressing climate change particularly in Northern part of the country through various activities.
Women are heavily involved in small-scale agriculture and food production. They contribute to sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry, organic farming, and water conservation. Women also play a vital role in seed preservation and traditional knowledge of crop varieties that are resilient to climate change.
In addition, women are responsible for collecting firewood, water, and other natural resources for household use. They create sustainable strategies for managing these resources, such as reforestation initiatives, sustainable water management, and energy-efficient cooking methods.
Women and women’s organizations take on a critical role in educating communities about climate change and its impacts. They conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and trainings to promote sustainable practices, climate adaptation, and mitigation strategies.
Women-led organizations advocate for gender-equitable and climate-just policies. They participate in local, national, and international forums to raise awareness of women’s experiences and perspectives in climate change discussions. They push for inclusive decision-making processes that consider the needs and rights of women and vulnerable groups.
Women develop innovative and sustainable business models to address climate change. They engage in activities such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy enterprises, eco-tourism, and waste management initiatives. These businesses provide economic opportunities while contributing to climate resilience.
Adapting to climate consequences protects people, homes, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure and natural ecosystems. It covers current impacts and those likely in the future. Adaptation will be required everywhere, but must be prioritized now for the most vulnerable people with the fewest resources to cope with climate hazards. The rate of return can be high. Early warning systems for disasters, for instance, save lives and property.
women may be disproportionately impacted by climate change and are at a disadvantage when expensive adaptation measures are required. At the same time, women are key actors in adaptation and more generally sustainable practices.
Nigeria is one of the developing countries that is adversely impacted by climate change and the effects of climate change vary from region to region.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has observed over the years that there have been consistent patterns indicative of climate change and these patterns have had a tremendous impact on women. Research has further shown that women generally suffer the impact of climate change more than men. This is evident in Northern Nigeria where women as primary caregivers are finding it hard to cope with the environmental changes. Their income generated from agriculture and livestock farming has been hugely affected due to the aftermath of climate change, thereby giving rise to poverty.
In Northern Nigeria, the extreme changes in the weather condition result in a high prevalence of malaria and diarrhea in the region which affects more women and girls. Women in rural areas often depend on the use of herbs to cure illnesses. However, due to climate change, these medicinal plants are becoming scarce and difficult to find. Most women now have to go to healthcare facilities to get treatment. With over 788 health facilities especially in the Northeast destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents, the healthcare system in the region is weakened and this has further made it more difficult for women and girls to receive proper healthcare services which could result in their untimely death.
In addition to the physical health challenges, the outcome of the violent attacks which are also fueled by climate change has also resulted in mental health challenges. Most of these women have been displaced, lost their loved ones as well as their source of livelihood, and as a result are suffering from trauma, shock due to the unrest. While climate change affects everyone, it does not affect everyone equally. Vulnerability to climate change is exacerbated by inequity and marginalization linked to gender, ethnicity, low income, and other social and economic factors.
This is where women come in. Here are five compelling reasons why women are essential for climate action.
Half of the world’s population is comprised of women and girls, yet they are often left out of the conversation when it comes to climate change. But if we want to achieve the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need everyone on board. That means more women and girls need to be empowered and involved.
We need women, in all their diversity, involved at all levels – from climate negotiations to boardrooms to forests and fields, especially in sectors and regions hit hard by the ravages of climate change.
Indigenous women, in particular, have been at the forefront of environmental conservation and have invaluable knowledge and expertise that can help build resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By including more women in climate action, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Women make up nearly half of the agricultural labor force in developing countries. When provided with the same access to resources as men, women can increase their agricultural yields by 20 to 30 percent. This boost in productivity not only improves total agricultural output by 2.5 to 4 percent, but it can also help reduce world hunger by 12 to 17 percent, according to the UN.
Empowering women in agriculture can also have a positive impact on climate adaptation. By providing appropriate technology and resources, we can promote more sustainable farming and conservation practices. And by reducing poverty, we can help individuals better adapt to the effects of climate change.
Investing in women and girls has far-reaching benefits for communities and countries. In fact, research shows that countries with high representation of women in parliament are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties.
When it comes to building climate resilience in communities, involving women is crucial. In fact, the communities are more successful in resilience and capacity-building strategies when women are part of the planning process.
Additionally, women are usually first responders in community responses to natural disasters, leaders in disaster risk-reduction, and contribute to post recovery by addressing the early recovery needs of their families and strengthening community building.
By involving women in community planning and disaster response efforts, we can build stronger, more resilient communities that are better equipped to face the challenges of climate change.
Fatima Muhammad Sani of the Department of Mass Communication, Borno state university.