Promoting Women’s Land Rights in the Fight Against Desertification and Drought

Like everyone else, women face the daunting challenges of desertification and drought brought about by climate change. Although gender equality is constantly fought for all over the world, women still face discrimination in that the majority still don’t have access to land rights. This is in terms of ownership, use, and access.

On June 17, 2023, the world celebrated the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought with a focus on women and their land rights. This is important as women play a significant role in reversing land degradation, and they are more affected by the effects of climate change.

In most rural areas, women possess traditional knowledge and practices that are vital in adapting to the effects of climate change. The Guardian suggests that nearly one in five farmers are women, with the numbers rising all the time. As they are land stewards, their rights to land and natural resources should be recognized because their adaptable nature and knowledge will make it easy to deal with climate change effects of desertification and drought.

Women are also responsible for tasks related to food security, water collection, and fuel provision, all of which become increasingly challenging due to desertification and drought. Ensuring women’s access to and control over land and natural resources is crucial for the overall well-being of communities.

Women’s land rights not only provide economic security but also enable them to participate in decision-making processes related to land management, water usage, and climate adaptation strategies. This also applies to agriculture.

Empowering women in agriculture is vital for achieving food security and climate resilience. We can enhance sustainable agricultural practices that mitigate desertification and drought by supporting women farmers with access to resources, knowledge, and markets. Women’s involvement can foster innovative approaches such as agroforestry, water conservation, and crop diversification.

Dr. Stephen Nindi, Director General of the National Land Use Planning Commission in Tanzania, has emphasized the importance of women’s contributions to sustainable land management. He points out in the Land Portal that outdated customs and traditions are still major concerns that contribute to discrimination against women possessing and using the land.

For example, according to Chavangi (1994), tree-planting activities in western Kenya are dominated by men, and that: If a woman plants a tree, she could become barren, her husband could die, or the action is viewed as a direct challenge to the husband’s supremacy in the household. These are absurd beliefs that should be addressed by proper education.

Investing in education for women in climate-vulnerable areas is crucial. Recent research by the   World Bank states that around the world, 129 million girls are out of school. In a world that supports women’s empowerment through education, this is quite shocking. Educated women like Ameenah Gurib-Fakim from Mauritius, Eufrosina Cruz from Mexico, Wangari Maathai from Kenya, and Janet Maro from Tanzania are all successful examples of women’s vital role in sustainable land management, showcasing their leadership, innovation, and dedication to environmental conservation. Their contributions not only improve the health of ecosystems but also foster social and economic development in their respective communities.

Collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, and international bodies is necessary to drive policy change and create an enabling environment for women’s land rights. Advocacy efforts should focus on gender-responsive policies, legal frameworks, and institutions that promote equal access to land, secure tenure, and support for women’s leadership in climate action. An example is the inclusion of gender-responsive land policies and legal frameworks in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations.

Promoting women’s rights to land in the fight against desertification and drought is not only a matter of social justice but also a crucial step toward building climate resilience. Recognizing women as key agents of change, empowering them with land rights, education, and resources, and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes is essential for effective climate action. By doing so, we can foster sustainable development, enhance community resilience, and create a more equitable and climate-resilient future for all.

The author of the blog is an intern in Communications and Knowledge Management, at PACJA