CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE AND GENDER PERSPECTIVES IN THE CLIMATE CHALLENGES AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPES AT COASTAL BANGLADESH

Abstract

Executive Summary

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Shilpi Kundu* The adverse effects of climate change impact the genders disproportionately, especially in the context of land-use-based production systems like agriculture. Moreover, in the agricultural landscape, gender equity is an inherent difficulty that demands more equal access to resources, and adapted technology for climate-resilient agricultural development outcomes. This study examines gender perception of climate resilient agriculture (CRA), their roles in creating and sustaining CRA, and gender concerns that can be mainstreamed in CRA in the agricultural landscape of the Southwest Coastal Region of Bangladesh. Participatory tools (in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews) and a qualitative approach were employed to conduct a socio-economic and gender analysis on the adoption of CSA practices, and the challenges behind climate adaptation. The study revealed that women are engaged mostly in water collection, soil health management, homestead gardening, seed germination and transplantation, and poultry and livestock rearing. This study focused on four key dimensions of adaptation e.g., access to adaptation technology and validated practices, access and availability of financial resources, policy and institutional support, and impacts of macroeconomic changes. The findings reveal that women in the region have been adopting CSA practices to cope with ongoing climate changes. However, it was observed that women face greater barriers in building adaptive capacity due to resource constraints and limited access to information compared to male counterparts. Furthermore, the intrusion of coastal salinity into agricultural fields forces male farmers into seasonal outmigration, thereby necessitating the active involvement of women in CSA programs. This study emphasizes that while adaptation actions may not automatically yield positive outcomes for gender concerns in CSA, it is crucial to address gendered dimensions from socio-political and economic perspectives, considering power dynamics and resource distribution. This study suggested four recommendation- ensure equal access to resources and services, empowering women in decision-making processes, training and capacity building for women farmers on CRA and gender sensitization of men farmers which will help women in enhancing CRA in the coastal landscapes.