Gender and climate change: La Mojana

According to the UN, one in four economically-active women worldwide work in agriculture. Extreme weather events increase the risk that women will suffer crop losses and face food shortages. In the same way, they are exposed to health problems and increased time spent getting water or wood to cook. As culturally women participate less in decision-making, their vulnerability  increased.

 

In Colombia, UNDP is supporting the government to implement a GCF-funded adaptation programme in the La Mojana region. With the University of Córdoba, the programme is working to promote production systems adapted to climate change, and has supported the training of 36 people, 22 of them women, from 22 communities in the municipalities of Guaranda, Majagual, Achí, Caimito, San Marcos and Ayapel.

 

"We women have a fundamental role today, we are the most important piece in society, we learn and put what we have learned into practice at home and then we take it to the community, we also share scientific and empirical knowledge to move things forward, climate change requires solutions that women can contribute," said Noralbi Mercedes Rodelo, from the community of Carrao. "We have worked on important topics as the conservation of genetic resources, the artisanal production of seeds, and the effects of climate change on crop production, in addition to working on aspects of personal growth and organizational development," said Professor Alfredo Jarma of the University of Córdoba.