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Women at the heart of Local Resource Governance: Evidence from the Field
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Women’s leadership is already transforming landscapes and seascapes.
Women’s sesame and peanut cooperatives are rehabilitating degraded land, diversifying income, and adopting climate-adapted farming in landplots in which their access has been secured, using stone bunds, agroforestry, and intercropping – while navigating shrinking rainfall and rapid “Sahelization”.
Through this project, women’s cooperatives engaged in wetland restoration and sustainable agriculture have moved from informal land access toward formal recognition.
A landmark national consultation in Koundoul brought together women leaders, ministries, international organizations, civil societies, community leaders, and local authorities to co-develop and validate Chad’s first action plan for gender-responsive land governance.
Farmer Field Schools (FFS) led by women are transforming forest-edge agricultural practices, fostering agroecological learning, and giving women access to previously male-controlled land.
Women are working with civil society organizations (CSOs) to advocate for climate justice at multiple levels. Through training sessions, they have developed advocacy skills and identified priority areas where additional support from local CSOs is needed.
Eunice, a gender champion, leads climate-smart agriculture groups, mobilizes communities, and advocates in county-level climate processes.
South Africa / Rwanda / Ethiopia
Women and marginalized groups are engaged in cost-benefit analyses demonstrating that NbS are more equitable and cost-effective than grey infrastructure — evidence designed for policymakers.
Côte d’Ivoire
Aicha’s leadership in women’s cocoa associations is advancing agroforestry adoption — her success amplified through interactive radio, reaching both communities and decision-makers.
Tanzania
Women and youth in Pangani District transformed leadership within Beach Management Units (BMUs) after advocacy and inclusive governance training.
Women and youth now hold 18 of 25 leadership positions, exceeding national gender guidelines. Inclusive leadership led to new practices and measurable ecological outcomes, including a sharp reduction in mangrove destruction and district-level recognition as Best BMU.
