Promoting Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems Governance with Gender Inclusivity: A Policy Brief

Abstract

Although livelihoods within agrifood systems (AFS) are generally vulnerable to the impacts of climate
change, women bear a disproportionate burden from rising climatic stressors. In agrarian regions in
the Global South, women face unique and intersectional vulnerabilities that limit their voice in
governance and decision-making processes. This, in turn, impedes their ability to participate in and
benefit from the food system. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial for promoting women's
empowerment, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring food security at various levels, with a
particular focus on community-level participation in AFS. This policy brief highlights existing evidence
on barriers women face in agri-food system (AFS) governance and known approaches that can be
scaled up to improve women’s voice and agency in climate relevant AFS governance.