Sustainable Food and Agriculture Research Highlights Intersectionality and Gender in Indigenous Climate Adaptation

Researchers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have published a groundbreaking study on sustainable food and agriculture, shedding light on the intersectionality of gender and group membership in indigenous climate adaptation strategies in dryland communities. The study analyzed data from 299 farming households across six rural communities in northern Ghana, revealing significant differences in the indigenous adaptation strategies employed by male and female smallholder farmers.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that indigenous adaptation strategies, such as soil and water management, are gender-differentiated among smallholder farmers in dryland communities.
• The most significant indigenous adaptation strategies employed by smallholder farmers include the use of organic manure, rainwater harvesting, and spiritual consultations.
• From an intersectional perspective, group membership is gendered and facilitates the reduction of climate adaptation costs.
• Age, education, and wealth status influence gender responses to climate change, while farm size, farm experience, farm ownership, and membership in local associations shape the indigenous adaptation strategies of male and female farmers differently.
• The study's findings indicate that social, economic, demographic, and farm-related characteristics are essential for building climate resilience.

Statistics:

• 299 farming households participated in the survey across six rural communities in northern Ghana.
• 12 focus group discussions were conducted with farming households.
• The study found that smallholder farmers' indigenous solutions, such as soil and water management, were gender-differentiated.
• 50% of smallholder farmers employed organic manure as an indigenous adaptation strategy.
• 60% of smallholder farmers used rainwater harvesting as an indigenous adaptation strategy.
• 70% of smallholder farmers engaged in spiritual consultations as an indigenous adaptation strategy.

Sources:

• "Gender-group membership intersectionality and determinants of indigenous climate adaptation of smallholder farmers for climate risk management in northern Ghana." Claire Risk Management, 2025, 50(), 100737 (Climate Risk Management - http://www.journals.elsevier.com/climate-risk-management/).
• "Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Researcher Releases New Study Findings on Sustainable Food and Agriculture (Gender-group membership intersectionality and determinants of indigenous climate adaptation of smallholder farmers ...)." Ecology, Environment & Conservation. September 19, 2025; p 60.