Analysing the Frameworks for the Implementation of Climate-Smart Agriculture Among Women Farmers in Mbire District, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

Climate change is threatening agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe. In response to these challenges, Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a critical strategy for enhancing climate resilience. However, the adoption of CSA practices remains limited, particularly among women farmers. This dissertation explores the institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and women's empowerment necessary for promoting CSA adoption in Mbire District, Zimbabwe. This dissertation explores the climate-smart agriculture (CSA) implementation frameworks among women farmers in Mbire District, Zimbabwe. Women have been active in safeguarding food security and agricultural productivity; hence, understanding their role in implementing CSA practices becomes increasingly vital. The study employs qualitative interviews to assess the barriers and opportunities female farmers face in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. This study's findings point to some ways interventions can incorporate traditional knowledge, address unpaid care responsibilities, invest in education, review customary laws, enhance access to resources, and engage in participatory policy development. Women are critical in Zimbabwe's agriculture and implementation of CSA strategies, yet they face challenges and socio-cultural constraints that hinder their participation in CSA initiatives. The research highlights the importance of targeted interventions that empower women through education, access to technology, and increased support from local governance structures. This research contributes to the knowledge of CSA adoption by highlighting the critical role of institutional support, stakeholder engagement, and women's empowerment. This dissertation has established some important connections between empowering women with resources and boosting their ability for climate resilience through advocating for inclusive policies. The study has recognised that as more women implement sustainable agricultural practices, more households will be able to cope with the effects of climate change. It serves as a foundational study for future research and policy development to enhance the resilience and productivity of women farmers in Zimbabwe and beyond.