Abstract:
Executive Summary
44
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.
