MENA region needs gender focus for climate, conflict, inequality

Several countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are exploring innovative solutions to address challenges faced by women in agriculture. These efforts aim to improve access to resources, bridge the gap between research and policy, and build resilience in the face of climate change and conflict.

The CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, in collaboration with various research centers, has facilitated the development of a regional Gender Equality and Inclusion Research for Development (R4D) learning agenda. This agenda seeks to guide investment and action toward a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.

Agricultural Innovation and Support

In Palestine, Oxfam is piloting agricultural insurance programs to protect farmers from losses due to extreme weather and conflict. Jordan is promoting hydroponic and aquaponic technologies through the Smart Desert Project to conserve scarce water resources. Recognizing the limited accessibility of traditional extension services for women farmers, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) utilizes SMS technology to deliver crucial information, including weather forecasts.

Financial Access for Women

Access to finance remains a significant obstacle for women in agriculture across the region. Low land ownership often prevents women from securing agricultural loans, and many financial institutions do not view agriculture as a profitable sector. Oxfam’s IPTKA project in Palestine is working to improve women’s access to finance by providing agricultural loans and co-investing in women-led businesses.

Research, Policy, and Implementation

A disconnect exists between the recognition of women’s roles in agriculture and the prioritization of gender equality in agricultural policies. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ 2023 report, The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems, indicates that while over 75 percent of agricultural policies acknowledge women’s challenges, only 19 percent explicitly prioritize gender equality. Participants in workshops emphasized the need for clear pathways to translate research findings into effective policy and ensure women’s experiences inform national strategies.

Natural Resource Management and Resilience

Managing scarce natural resources, particularly land and water, is a critical challenge exacerbated by climate stress, conflict, and uncertainty. Farmers are being compelled to adapt and build resilience under increasingly difficult conditions. The concept of resilience is being re-evaluated in response to these evolving circumstances.

The Gender Equality and Inclusion R4D Learning Agenda

The CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, along with CGIAR centers like the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), WorldFish, and ICARDA, convened stakeholders to co-develop the MENA region’s Gender Equality and Inclusion Research for Development (R4D) learning agenda. This agenda provides a roadmap for investment in evidence generation, synthesis, communication, and policy engagement.

Agenda Components and Future Steps

The learning agenda will identify evidence gaps, map barriers and enablers, and define priority research and policy-engagement pathways. A regional stakeholder meeting will validate the agenda, share practical insights, and refine learning questions. Subsequent thematic syntheses will prioritize actionable research questions, investment areas, and opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity strengthening across countries.

By focusing on implementation and recognizing women as both beneficiaries and key actors in food, land, and water systems, the learning agenda aims to accelerate progress toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the MENA region.