The Gender Dimension of Climate Change and Food

Security

The Gender Dimension of Climate Change and Food

Security

for the Asian Farmers’ Association

Bangkok, Thailand

October 6 - 8, 2009

for the Asian Farmers’ Association

Bangkok, Thailand

October 6 - 8, 2009

Understanding the gender dimension of climate change and food security: Important Considerations

Understanding the gender dimension of climate change and food security: Important Considerations• Special role of agriculture in climate change initiatives • Climate change has a major impact on food

production and food security especially in least developed and developing countries, and on small food producers

• Agriculture offers high potential for both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures

• Climate change initiatives must consider the need to ensure food security

• Special role of agriculture in climate change initiatives • Climate change has a major impact on food

production and food security especially in least developed and developing countries, and on small food producers

• Agriculture offers high potential for both climate change mitigation and adaptation measures

• Climate change initiatives must consider the need to ensure food security

Understanding the gender dimension of climate change and food security: Important Considerations

Understanding the gender dimension of climate change and food security: Important Considerations Women are important in food production Women have important roles in meeting

food security at the household and community level;

Women are important in food production Women have important roles in meeting

food security at the household and community level;

Objectives of the researchObjectives of the research

To understand and document the impacts of climate change on food security and how these affect men and women farmers in Asia;

To identify concrete responses that can help men and women farmers address the many issues related to climate change as it affects food security

To contribute to small farmers’ local, national and international advocacy on climate change and food security;

To understand and document the impacts of climate change on food security and how these affect men and women farmers in Asia;

To identify concrete responses that can help men and women farmers address the many issues related to climate change as it affects food security

To contribute to small farmers’ local, national and international advocacy on climate change and food security;

Context of the research: Global effort to address climate change….

Context of the research: Global effort to address climate change….1992 - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Goal: to reduce green house gases 1997 - Adoption of the Kyoto Protocol

Annex 1 countries - adoption of QELROs (Quantified Emission Limitation and Reduction Objectives)Non-Annex 1 - qualitative mitigation measures without obligation to quantify outcomes

Reporting on country initiatives through national communicationsAnnex 1 countries to finance the climate change initiatives of non-

Annex 1 countries Negotiations are underway for new and more aggressive reduction

commitments in Copenhagen among other issues

1992 - United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeGoal: to reduce green house gases

1997 - Adoption of the Kyoto ProtocolAnnex 1 countries - adoption of QELROs (Quantified Emission Limitation and Reduction Objectives)Non-Annex 1 - qualitative mitigation measures without obligation to quantify outcomes

Reporting on country initiatives through national communicationsAnnex 1 countries to finance the climate change initiatives of non-

Annex 1 countries Negotiations are underway for new and more aggressive reduction

commitments in Copenhagen among other issues

Climate change negotiations: The 2007 Bali Plan of Action

Climate change negotiations: The 2007 Bali Plan of Action1. Mitigation • Developed countries - QELROs and Measurbale,

verifiable NAMAs • Developing countries - NAMAs in the context of

sustainable development

2. Adaptation 3. Finance4. Technology transfer and development

1. Mitigation • Developed countries - QELROs and Measurbale,

verifiable NAMAs • Developing countries - NAMAs in the context of

sustainable development

2. Adaptation 3. Finance4. Technology transfer and development

Some issues and debatesSome issues and debates

1. Critique of Clean Development Mechanism which provides for carbon trading

Allows developed countries to pollute for as long as they pay other countries to reduce carbon emission in their behalf

2. Concept of climate justice and climate debt - the major polluters must compensate those that stand to be affected most by the GHG emissions;

Premised on the assumption that climate change is largely brought by anthropogenic or human factors

3. What should be the focus in developing countries? Mitigation or adaptation?

1. Critique of Clean Development Mechanism which provides for carbon trading

Allows developed countries to pollute for as long as they pay other countries to reduce carbon emission in their behalf

2. Concept of climate justice and climate debt - the major polluters must compensate those that stand to be affected most by the GHG emissions;

Premised on the assumption that climate change is largely brought by anthropogenic or human factors

3. What should be the focus in developing countries? Mitigation or adaptation?

Some controversial issues and debatesSome controversial issues and debates Inclusion of Land use, land use

conversion and forestry (LULUCF) in ascertaining targets and compliance

Extension of CDM like mechanism providing financial incentives for farmers’ carbon sequestration efforts

Inclusion of Land use, land use conversion and forestry (LULUCF) in ascertaining targets and compliance

Extension of CDM like mechanism providing financial incentives for farmers’ carbon sequestration efforts

Agriculture and Climate ChangeAgriculture and Climate Change Agriculture is a major source of GHG,

accounting for 14% of global GHG emission

If emissions due to land use changes are included, agriculture’s share will account for 1/3 of global emission

Agriculture is a major source of GHG, accounting for 14% of global GHG emission

If emissions due to land use changes are included, agriculture’s share will account for 1/3 of global emission

Agriculture and Climate ChangeAgriculture and Climate Change Between 1990 and 2005, agricultural

emission in developing countries increased by 32%

Important to have a different GHG reckoning for agriculture because the emissions is due to plants’ natural biological processes

Between 1990 and 2005, agricultural emission in developing countries increased by 32%

Important to have a different GHG reckoning for agriculture because the emissions is due to plants’ natural biological processes

GHG Emission of selected countriesGHG Emission of selected countries

Total GHG Emissions of Selected Countries, 1990 and 2004

Country

Total Emissions

1990

2004

United States 4,818.3 6,045.8 China 2,398.9 5,007.1 Russian Federation 1,984.1 1,524.1 Republic of Korea 241.2 465.4 Indonesia 213.8 378.0 Thailand 95.7 267.9 Philippines 43.9 80.5 Singapore 45.1 52.2 Myanmar 4.3 9.8 Brunei Darussalam 5.8 8.8 Cambodia 0.5 0.5 Source: Human Development Report, 2007/2008

Share of Selected Countries to World Co2 Emissions

Share of Selected Countries to World Co2 Emissions

Share of Selected Countries to Total CO2 Emission, 1990 and 2004

Country

CO2 emission share of world total

1990

2004

United States 21.2 20.9 China 10.6 17.3 Russian Federation 8.8 5.3 Republic of Korea 1.1 1.6 Indonesia 0.9 1.3 Thailand 0.4 0.9 Philippines 0.2 0.3 Singapore 0.2 0.2 Source: Human Development Report, 2007/2008

Research Methodology and ParametersResearch Methodology and ParametersParties involved in the research• Men and women farmer leaders at the village, district

and national level• Non-government organizations • Government officials

Levels of Consultation• Village and district level consultation with men and

women farmers (workshops, interviews)

• National Consultations

Parties involved in the research• Men and women farmer leaders at the village, district

and national level• Non-government organizations • Government officials

Levels of Consultation• Village and district level consultation with men and

women farmers (workshops, interviews)

• National Consultations

Research Methodology and ParametersResearch Methodology and ParametersVillage consultations• Workshop 1: Gender activity profiles of men and

women farmers• Workshop 2: Food security • Workshop 3: Climate change and food security

Countries covered • Indonesia, Timor Leste, Cambodia

• Thailand, the Philippines

Village consultations• Workshop 1: Gender activity profiles of men and

women farmers• Workshop 2: Food security • Workshop 3: Climate change and food security

Countries covered • Indonesia, Timor Leste, Cambodia

• Thailand, the Philippines

Research ParametersResearch Parameters

Indonesia - Solor, Adonnara and Flores Timor Leste - Oe-Cusse Cambodia – Ang Tasom

Indonesia - Solor, Adonnara and Flores Timor Leste - Oe-Cusse Cambodia – Ang Tasom

Research ResultsResearch Results

Women work longer hours than menWomen work longer hours than menIn Indonesia, men typically work for 10 to 12 hours,

while women work for 12 to 15 hours per day

In Timor-Leste, many women in Oe-cusse devote their evenings weaving clothes for their family or for selling to earn additional income

In Cambodia women take on more activities compared to men

In Indonesia, men typically work for 10 to 12 hours, while women work for 12 to 15 hours per day

In Timor-Leste, many women in Oe-cusse devote their evenings weaving clothes for their family or for selling to earn additional income

In Cambodia women take on more activities compared to men

Women take on productive and reproductive work

Women take on productive and reproductive workIn Indonesia, women devote 30% to 50% per cent of their workday

undertaking productive work. Reproductive work accounts for 50% to 70% of their time.

In Oe-cusse, men and women share both productive and reproductive work

In Cambodia, as in most countries in Asia, women are primarily in charge of caring for their children, caring for the home, fetching water , raising farm animals, gathering firewood, among others

Women also undertake the work done by men such as clearing the land tera sering, plowing and cutlivating the land, among others.

In Indonesia, migration has resulted to single headed households where typical gender roles become irrelevant

In Indonesia, women devote 30% to 50% per cent of their workday undertaking productive work. Reproductive work accounts for 50% to 70% of their time.

In Oe-cusse, men and women share both productive and reproductive work

In Cambodia, as in most countries in Asia, women are primarily in charge of caring for their children, caring for the home, fetching water , raising farm animals, gathering firewood, among others

Women also undertake the work done by men such as clearing the land tera sering, plowing and cutlivating the land, among others.

In Indonesia, migration has resulted to single headed households where typical gender roles become irrelevant

Women play an important role in ensuring household food security

Women play an important role in ensuring household food security Food production Food storage Resource management and allocation

for food Food gathering and preparation Earning additional income to buy food

Food production Food storage Resource management and allocation

for food Food gathering and preparation Earning additional income to buy food

Food insecurity is rampant in many rural areas in SE Asia

Food insecurity is rampant in many rural areas in SE Asia Food insecurity is not only the presence of hunger but also the presence of

unsafe food (food produced using chemical based farming technologies) Food insecurity is a function of many factors:

Crop failures due to unpredictable weather and other climate

change relates problems

Low production (lack of basic agri services, lack of technical capability to improve production)

Change in culture and diet

Landlessness

Too many children

Migration

Food insecurity is not only the presence of hunger but also the presence of unsafe food (food produced using chemical based farming technologies)

Food insecurity is a function of many factors:

Crop failures due to unpredictable weather and other climate

change relates problems

Low production (lack of basic agri services, lack of technical capability to improve production)

Change in culture and diet

Landlessness

Too many children

Migration

Coping MechanismsCoping Mechanisms

Lesser consumption of food Back to basics, going back to traditional food Find other sources of income

Sell labor, migration

Small economic activities – selling fish, snacks and other produce, snacks; handicrafts, weaving

Send children to the city to work Cut back on other expenses such as for medicine, education,

clothing Settring up of food and water reserves

Lesser consumption of food Back to basics, going back to traditional food Find other sources of income

Sell labor, migration

Small economic activities – selling fish, snacks and other produce, snacks; handicrafts, weaving

Send children to the city to work Cut back on other expenses such as for medicine, education,

clothing Settring up of food and water reserves

Coping MechanismsCoping Mechanisms

Adoption of sustainable farming technologiesUse of terracing (terra sering)

Use of compost fertilizers, organic farming, diversified integrated farming systems (DIFS)

System of rice intensification

Adoption of watershed management techniquesAbandonment of slash and burn farming techniques

Community reforestation, family tree planting

Use of check dams and rain water storage

Use of biomass for fuels instead of firewood

Adoption of sustainable farming technologiesUse of terracing (terra sering)

Use of compost fertilizers, organic farming, diversified integrated farming systems (DIFS)

System of rice intensification

Adoption of watershed management techniquesAbandonment of slash and burn farming techniques

Community reforestation, family tree planting

Use of check dams and rain water storage

Use of biomass for fuels instead of firewood

Climate change exacerbates food insecurity

Climate change exacerbates food insecurity Many households practice subsistence farming,

hence food security is very closely tied to success of agricultural production

Farmlands are mostly rain fed, hence agricultural productivity is highly dependent on weather conditions

Disrupted production cycles due to unpredictable weather (drought, or floods due to heavy rain, strong winds)

Higher incidence of rat, insects and pest infestation

Many households practice subsistence farming, hence food security is very closely tied to success of agricultural production

Farmlands are mostly rain fed, hence agricultural productivity is highly dependent on weather conditions

Disrupted production cycles due to unpredictable weather (drought, or floods due to heavy rain, strong winds)

Higher incidence of rat, insects and pest infestation

Farmers observe climate change: IndonesiaFarmers observe climate change: Indonesia

Month

20 years ago

2009

January Rainy Rainy February Rainy Rainy March Rainy Rainy April Rainy Rainy May Rainy Sunny June Sunny Sunny July Sunny Sunny August Sunny Sunny September Rainy Sunny October Rainy Sunny November Rainy Rainy December Rainy Rainy

Source: Adonara and Flores Workshop

Farmers Observe Climate Change: Timor LesteFarmers Observe Climate Change: Timor Leste

Season Calendar of Farmers in Sabalen in Oe-Cusso, East Timor

Month

Twenty Years Ago

Today

Jan Rainy Very rainy Feb Rainy Very rainy March Rainy Rainy/Sunny April Rainy Very sunny/rain May Sunny Rainy/sunny Jun Sunny Rainy/sunny July Sunny Sunny August Sunny Sunny September Sunny Sunny October Rainy/Sunny Rainy/ Very sunny Novermber Very rainy/Sunny Rainy/ sunny December Rainy Very rainy/sunny

Farmers Observe Climate Change: Cambodia Farmers Observe Climate Change: Cambodia

Month 20 years ago Today January Hot during day time but cold

during night time; high humidity; sunny but cold

Sporadic rain

February Sunny warm Sunny hot March Sunny sunny April Sunny hot Sunny hot May Early rainy season, rainy Sunny and rainy; sometime it

does not rain June Rainy Early rainy season, but

sometimes it does not rain July Rainy season Rainy season August A little bit of sun and rain; hot

during daytime and cold during the night time

Sunny, no rain

September Rainy Rainy October Rainy Rainy November Rainy with flooding Rainy with flooding December Rainy Dry Source: Ang Tasom Workshop

Climate change pose multi-dimensional impacts on women on account of their productive and reproductive roles and functions

Climate change pose multi-dimensional impacts on women on account of their productive and reproductive roles and functions Greater uncertainty and risks in agricultural and food production –

women as farmers and food producers More difficult access to water for drinking and for other household use –

women’s role in fetching water Increased incidence of sickness and diseases - women as the main

caregiver of the family Less incomes for food and other expenses – women as the ones in

charge of the management and allocating resources for food and other uses

Less participation in community and other social activities – women as mulltitaskers

Increased incidence of domestic violence

Greater uncertainty and risks in agricultural and food production – women as farmers and food producers

More difficult access to water for drinking and for other household use – women’s role in fetching water

Increased incidence of sickness and diseases - women as the main caregiver of the family

Less incomes for food and other expenses – women as the ones in charge of the management and allocating resources for food and other uses

Less participation in community and other social activities – women as mulltitaskers

Increased incidence of domestic violence

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

State of physical environment and communities

Farming communities in areas where there is deforestation are especially vulnerable (the case of Oe-cusse and Solor)

Farming communities with families with many children are more vulnerable to food insecurity and climate change

State of physical environment and communities

Farming communities in areas where there is deforestation are especially vulnerable (the case of Oe-cusse and Solor)

Farming communities with families with many children are more vulnerable to food insecurity and climate change

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

Level of support given by government and by NGOs (availability of resource, capability of implementors, existence and effective implementation of necessary legislation)

Areas with little or no irrigation or with limited or no agricultural extension work are more susceptible to food insecurity and the negative impact of climate change

Farmers report that the training support provided by NGOs on terra sering, organic farming, composting, use of biomass fuel help build resilience against the negative impact of climate change

Level of support given by government and by NGOs (availability of resource, capability of implementors, existence and effective implementation of necessary legislation)

Areas with little or no irrigation or with limited or no agricultural extension work are more susceptible to food insecurity and the negative impact of climate change

Farmers report that the training support provided by NGOs on terra sering, organic farming, composting, use of biomass fuel help build resilience against the negative impact of climate change

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

Impact of climate change on food security and on women is influenced by many factors:

3. Capability of farmers and farmers organizations (technical, institutional and organizational, social)

4. Level of awareness and organization of communities

5. Level of organization and empowerment of rural women

3. Capability of farmers and farmers organizations (technical, institutional and organizational, social)

4. Level of awareness and organization of communities

5. Level of organization and empowerment of rural women

Local, National and International Responses Local, National and International Responses

Local levelLocal level

1. Community adaptation measures with high mitigation potential

Community reforestation programs

Promotion of sustainable farming technologies (organic farming, use of biomass for fuels, SRI, terracing) and diversified integrated farming systems

2. Community adaptation measures that build resilience against food insecurity and the negative impact of climate change

Rain water storage (umbung) and development other clean water resource

Community irrigation systems

Promotion of vegetable farms , provision of seeds and basic tools

Capability building for men and women farmers (technical and organizational)

Development of seeds

Information on short term and weather forecasts

1. Community adaptation measures with high mitigation potential

Community reforestation programs

Promotion of sustainable farming technologies (organic farming, use of biomass for fuels, SRI, terracing) and diversified integrated farming systems

2. Community adaptation measures that build resilience against food insecurity and the negative impact of climate change

Rain water storage (umbung) and development other clean water resource

Community irrigation systems

Promotion of vegetable farms , provision of seeds and basic tools

Capability building for men and women farmers (technical and organizational)

Development of seeds

Information on short term and weather forecasts

Local levelLocal level

Adaptation measures for women

Information on family planning

Improved health and sanitation services

Capability building to improve incomes (trainings on value adding, processing)

Adaptation measures for women

Information on family planning

Improved health and sanitation services

Capability building to improve incomes (trainings on value adding, processing)

NationalNational

Provision of resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures for women and for women in agriculture

Adoption of bottom up approach in developing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation programs

Improved short and long term weather forecasting, improved dissemination on weather to help farmers plan their cropping calendar

Restructuring of farm production policies and programs to support sustainable farming practices

Small farmers’ and CSO participation in the drafting of NAMA and in formulating reports for the UNFCCC national communication

National legislation (forestry management, sustainable fishing)

Provision of resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures for women and for women in agriculture

Adoption of bottom up approach in developing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation programs

Improved short and long term weather forecasting, improved dissemination on weather to help farmers plan their cropping calendar

Restructuring of farm production policies and programs to support sustainable farming practices

Small farmers’ and CSO participation in the drafting of NAMA and in formulating reports for the UNFCCC national communication

National legislation (forestry management, sustainable fishing)

InternationalInternational

Mitigation – ensure that focus on agriculture is not only production efficiency and on blind carbon reduction, need for special consideration for agriculture and its role in food security, livelihood security, rural development and poverty alleviation

Adaptation measures – should be financed from funds provided by Annex 1 (developed ) countries; as much as possible, should not be used to co-finance loans by IFIs

Financing – increased funding for mitigation and adaptation measures for non-Annex 1 (developing) countries by Annex 1 countries; based on principle of climate justice

Technology – special premium in promoting sustainable farming technologies and mitigation measures with high adaptation potential and vice versa

Mitigation – ensure that focus on agriculture is not only production efficiency and on blind carbon reduction, need for special consideration for agriculture and its role in food security, livelihood security, rural development and poverty alleviation

Adaptation measures – should be financed from funds provided by Annex 1 (developed ) countries; as much as possible, should not be used to co-finance loans by IFIs

Financing – increased funding for mitigation and adaptation measures for non-Annex 1 (developing) countries by Annex 1 countries; based on principle of climate justice

Technology – special premium in promoting sustainable farming technologies and mitigation measures with high adaptation potential and vice versa