Norway and WFP India ink partnership to help women farmers withstand climate change

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in India and the Norwegian Government have joined forces for a project aimed at supporting women smallholder farmers in the country’s northeastern state of Assam.

Under the project, WFP will work closely with Assam’s state Government to equip smallholder farmers with adaptive farming practices, diversification, and livelihood expansion strategies to withstand the adverse effects of climate change in the long run.

An initiative was signed on 15 November by Ms. Elisabeth Faure, WFP's Representative and Country Director in India, and Ms. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development for Norway. The signing took place in the presence of Mr. Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary (NRM/RFS) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare in the Government of India.

The initiative aims to pilot innovative strategies for climate-resilient agricultural practices. The goal is to create a scalable model that can be customised and implemented internationally, fostering South-South learning.

Assam faces significant challenges due to its climate vulnerabilities. The state relies heavily on agriculture and has a sizable rural population. However, it struggles with a climate that oscillates between excessive rainfall and drought-like conditions. With an annual rainfall of almost 2,300 millimetres, well above the national average, Assam faces the dual threats of floods and minimal rainfall.

Assam’s Government has made commendable efforts to support rural livelihoods through schemes such as the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Society. However, there are still obstacles that hinder adaptation to climate change. These include a lack of measures that are tailored to address the specific impacts of climate change, limited financial capacity to adapt, and the inadequate provision of clear climate information to farmers.

The vulnerability also extends to societal dynamics, particularly the disadvantaged position of women. The erosion of the matrilineal system and the prevalent patriarchy contribute to the marginalization of women, leading to lower literacy rates (77% compared to 84%) and a higher prevalence of anaemia (66% among women aged 15-49), further exacerbating the issue.

The significance of climate-resilient agriculture in women's empowerment cannot be overstated. With women comprising 29% of the workforce in 2019 and a growing feminization of agriculture due to male outmigration, women farmers find themselves disproportionately exposed to climate risks. Despite their pivotal role in crop cultivation and livestock caregiving, women face challenges accessing resources and recognition.

“Supporting communities, especially women, to safeguard their livelihoods and food security against the mounting impact of climate change is a priority for the Government of Norway. The partnership with WFP in India will also create a model for wider scale-up and expand learning in climate change adaptation,” said Ms. Tvinnereim.

The partnership will involve various departments in Assam, including the Department of Agriculture, the State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and the Department of Meteorology and Environment. Moreover, local organisations will be approached for community mobilisation, including engaging with women's self-help groups and federations.

WFP will also work with the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research to access their expertise on climate-neutral and resilient farming systems relevant to the project worldwide.

“The partnership with the Government of Norway is strategic and builds on the substantial technical expertise that WFP has in working with the national and state government and other stakeholders. The project will support vulnerable communities through nature-based solutions and a gender-transformative approach,” said Ms. Faure.

WFP works together with various state governments across India to empower smallholder farmers to adapt to climate challenges. WFP partners with local authorities, such as the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment in the state of Odisha, to enhance farmers’ resilience and encourage practical actions towards sustainable agriculture.