Lessons from women's participation in ICRISAT R4D projects: Talking points for climate change initiatives

Abstract

Women have a key role in the organization of agricultural production. Their participation in agri-related projects is not only to make food available for the households; they participate to satisfy practical and strategic needs, where the latter are essential for self-worth. Women are one of the most vulnerable groups to bear the consequences of climate change. The experiences of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in its research for development (R4D) projects provided substantive insights for the inclusion and empowerment of women in both the physical and social environment. Lessons learned for bringing in women's perspectives into projects include the importance of tangible economic benefits and users' perspectives in the management of local economies and social networks. These lessons led to women making a difference in the areas of village and organizational leadership, livelihood management and knowledge management, which are critical in addressing climate change impacts. Designing interventions for women requires an active process of social construction and negotiation, and that interventions should not be viewed as a package with simple and linear and systematic patterns.