Climate change is no longer a distant threat for Zambia’s rural communities. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable weather have become the new normal, wreaking havoc on livelihoods, particularly for women smallholder farmers.

A recent study, “Adapting to Climate Change Through Conservation Agriculture: A Gendered Analysis of Eastern Zambia,” sheds light on the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and the potential of conservation agriculture (CA) as a viable adaptation strategy.

Dr. Mary Mwale, a lead researcher on the project, emphasizes the critical role of gender in understanding the challenges faced by farmers. “Women are often responsible for food production and household management,” she says. “When crops fail due to climate shocks, the burden of finding alternative food sources falls heavily on them.”

The study revealed that while both men and women experience the brunt of climate change, women are more vulnerable due to limited access to resources, decision-making power, and extension services. They are more likely to report lower crop yields, outbreaks of pests, and reduced livestock fodder as the primary impacts of climate change.

Conservation agriculture, with its focus on maintaining soil cover, minimizing soil disturbance, and diversifying crop rotations, has emerged as a promising approach to building resilience against climate change. The study found that women who adopted CA practices reported higher crop yields, improved soil fertility, and reduced labor demands.

“CA has been a game-changer for me,” says Evelyn Mwansa, a smallholder farmer from Eastern Zambia. “I used to struggle with soil erosion and low yields, but since I started using cover crops and reducing tillage, my harvests have improved significantly.”

However, the benefits of CA are not evenly distributed. Access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs remains a challenge for many women farmers. To fully harness the potential of CA as a gender-responsive adaptation strategy, it is crucial to address these underlying inequalities.

“Empowering women through access to training, extension services, and financial resources is essential,” says Dr. Mwale. “By investing in women farmers, we are investing in the future of our food systems and building resilience to climate change.”

As Zambia grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, the findings of this study offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for women farmers. By prioritizing gender equality and promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices like conservation agriculture, the country can build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.