Themes

Women in Nepal can become economically empowered if their specific needs are addressed in community forest operational plans. This article outlines key recommendations for developing gender responsive plans that meet the needs of both genders.

Shifting gender dynamics are emerging in rural communities of Nepal, with women joining men as early adopters of digital technologies for agriculture. It is a positive trend, which can help transform rural livelihoods, but more can be done to overcome the constraints facing women in utilising these tools.

Aquaponics, a sustainable farming technique that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation), has emerged to address climate change-related challenges. The technique also has immense potential to transform women's lives across the African continent.

This story reveals that the primary victims of shocks such as Covid-19 are the marginalised and voiceless people, in this case women small farmers. The local government that provides guardianship to such people can appear silent, because of the influence of powerful actors. Alliances between local women and researchers, together with the use of deliberative forums, can restore women's rights and voices.

Native to many regions of Africa, the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a non-pest insect known for its remarkable waste-conversion abilities. A GLOW project is using black soldier flies to convert waste to wealth and empower women.

Urban farming has the potential to diversify economies, increase food security and improve nutrition - as demonstrated by an innovative project in Kenya that stresses women farmers' empowerment.

Groups of women entrepreneurs in Nepal have been resourceful in finding land and funds to create collective working spaces, which are instrumental for their economic activities and broader wellbeing.

Climate change is imposing heavy costs on smallholder farmers and local communities whose livelihoods are based on natural resources - including in Nepal, where male out-migration places an especially heavy burden on women to navigate the changes.