Natural Justice's Cath Traynor of joined Oxfam
and partners at a Research Validation Workshop, on 8th July 2014, Pretoria Johannesburg.
During the workshop a number of preliminary research pieces were presented,
these included a review of the effects of climate change and adaptation
mechanisms on women and small-holder farmers in Africa, a review of SADC level
policies and protocols, and investments in agriculture, that affect women
small-holder farmers. The preliminary findings were discussed and critiqued by
participants.
Country level research reports from several SADC countries were
presented, and the specific climate change impacts, challenges and
opportunities facing women small-holder farmers highlighted. A clear picture
emerged, that women small-holder farmers, the majority of whom are reliant upon
rainfed-agriculture, are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of
climate change. Although there are some
supportive policies, the realization of these on the ground is challenging at
the national level. Participants
discussed ways to improve and develop the research and brain stormed potential
policy products which could be developed and used for advocacy.
