UN study reveals that women farmers produce up to 80% of food in developing countries, despite owning only 20% of the world’s land on drought
A new report by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and FAO, released yesterday on the International Day of Rural Women. Highlights that rural women produce up to 80 per cent of food in developing countries, own less than 20 per cent of the world’s land, and suffer daily from the impact of drought.
In this paragraph, lack of water is a scourge that contributes to 15% of disaster-related economic losses worldwide. In many cases, it is they who seek solutions and protect communities from its consequences. The report, ‘Women-led solutions for drought resilience’, therefore highlights the importance of women’s recognition.
1. Nos mandan estas fotos de hace 2 semanas: subida a Cenizas en @CalblanquePR #Cartagena desbrozando a matarrasa especies protegidas en un espacio protegido. Realmente era necesario este destrozo en plena sequía y con riesgo de incendios cuando de sobra pasaban los vehículos?… pic.twitter.com/hibgttPVj9
— Salvemos Calblanque (@SCalblanque) October 24, 2024
Fight Against Climate Change
Rural women’s involvement in sustainable land management and the fight against climate change is essential for the future of the planet. ‘They are the most resilient, leading the way in developing solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges,’ says Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UNCCD, in statements reported by EFE.
However, the report presents 35 country studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America. It shows that ‘the ingenuity and resourcefulness of women fighting drought around the world knows no bounds. Women have demonstrated their resilience and ability to overcome the most challenging conditions to protect the well-being of their families,’ Thiaw added.
Althought, according to the research, mobilising global support to promote land rights helps women farmers improve household nutrition and overall economic conditions. The UN official stressed that ‘gender inequality is an opportunity to tap untapped potential in the fight against climate change’.
In conclusion, the findings of the report will inform discussions at the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).