Women farmers in Cross River State’s Abi and Biase Local Government Areas have been severely affected by recurring floods, which continue to destroy their farmlands and livelihoods. The floods, attributed to changing climate conditions, have left many communities vulnerable, especially women whose economic activities depend on small-scale farming.

Recent advocacy efforts by Green Concern for Development (GREENCODE) and the Women’s Initiative for Self-Actualization (WISA) highlight the escalating challenges faced by women farmers in Cross River due to climate change and flooding, worsened by deep-seated gender inequalities. Surveys indicate that women comprise over 70% of the agricultural labor force. Despite this, they are often marginalized in disaster response plans, denied property rights, and excluded from key legislation. This systematic marginalisation exacerbates the crisis for these women.

Key findings during the 2-day workshop revealed that women suffer marginalisation in Leadership. For example, only one woman is typically included in local councils, often relegated to relaying messages rather than contributing to decisions.

Concerning flooding and food insecurity, it was gathered that farmlands allocated to women are frequently in flood-prone zones, disrupting crop yields and deepening poverty. Also, government agricultural subsidies and seedlings rarely reach rural women farmers, but are diverted to political allies instead.

The coalition urged the Cross River State government to amend land policies, ensuring women’s rights to own and inherit farmland, create accessible grants and seedlings for small-scale women farmers and adopt bottom-up policies by including rural women in climate and agricultural planning through a statewide advocacy network.

Mfon Akpan of WISA noted, “With more funding, we’d expand beyond these pilot communities. We urge the government to adopt our policy brief and act now.”

Bassey Edem, Environment Lead at GREENCODE, emphasised alternatives to harmful practices: “Bush burning and chemical fertilisers worsen climate change. We’re training women on organic farming and mulching to boost yields sustainably.”

Stakeholders demanded immediate action to reduce emissions, including solar energy projects, reasonably priced public transportation, and the enforcement of the state’s Climate Change Commission.

Women hope that their concerns will reach government offices with the same strength as the floods that destroy their farms. This initiative, supported by the Urgent Action Fund Africa, a Kenyan organisation, ends this month.

Source: Tribune Online