The Potential of Agroforestry in Reducing the Effects of Climate Variability on Food Security among Women in the Jaman North

Abstract

The impact of climate change on agriculture has become an important issue for government in developed and developing countries. This research examined the potential of agroforestry in reducing the effects of climate variability on food security among women in the Jaman north. The study sought to investigate the roles of women in agricultural production and on food security, assessed the coping strategies adopted by women to mitigate the impacts of exposure from climate change and examine the role of agroforestry practices in improving women adaptability to the exposure to climate-related hazards. To achieve the objectives of the study mixed method research, a convenient sampling technique were used to collect primary data from hundred respondents from five villages in Jaman District. The study found that women in agriculture manage their farms, provide irrigation and manure to the farm, and serve as supervise and participating in post-harvest operations on other people’s farms. Despite the family constrains, women continue farming to ensure food security. Again, women in agriculture conserve water by digging hand dug wells, use irrigation systems, and cultivate drought tolerant crops in order to cope with exposure to climate change hazard. The study recommended that men, as a social responsibility must support their wives, financial and non-financially in their agricultural production. Again, government and rural authorities must prove support and legal protection for the women in Agriculture. Community farming associations can be instituted to help formalise paid labour activities of vulnerable farmers who are adopting it as a strategy to deal with climate change shock. Lastly, women should be encouraged adopt alternative activities such as animal rearing and tree planting to supplement their income and respond positively to the shocks of climate variability.