FAO advances gender integration in water resource development in Africa

Gender integration in water resource management is critical for achieving equitable development and addressing the challenges of climate change and water scarcity in Africa. Women, who are primarily responsible for water collection and management in many communities, are often overlooked, limiting their contributions to this vital sector. Meanwhile, over 60 percent of agricultural production comes from irrigation, which heavily relies on rain as the main water source. However, the current rain-fed system alone is not enough to meet irrigation demands, resulting in underdeveloped agricultural production. economic water scarcity, low food security and climate vulnerability.

To address this gap, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened a training workshop from 25 to 29 November 2024 in Akosombo, Ghana. The workshop promoted gender integration in water resource management, with a particular focus on rainwater harvesting solutions through gender-transformative approaches.

Jointly organized by the FAO Gender and Water Development units from the FAO Regional Office for Africa, the workshop brought together over 50 participants, including water resource experts, gender focal points, and gender experts from FAO offices in more than 20 Sub-Saharan African countries. It provided a platform for participants to enhance their understanding of gender integration approaches in water management. Through hands-on practical sessions, participants collaboratively refined a draft guideline on “Gender Sensitive Rainwater Harvesting” and explored applications of gender-transformative approaches that empower women and drive equitable outcomes.

“Agricultural growth is key to reducing poverty in Africa and driving economic development. While Africa is well endowed with water resources, water withdrawals are less than 3 percent of total renewable resources,” said Valere Nzeyimana, Senior Water Management and Development Officer at the FAO Regional Office for Africa.

Women are at the forefront of water resource management. They represent 52 percent of the total population in agriculture and are responsible for 60 to 80 percent of food production. Yet their voices often go unheard, with only 15 percent of agricultural landholders being women. Therefore, the workshop is a crucial step toward recognizing women’s contributions and fostering policies that empower women and maximize water harvesting solutions.

Capacity building for gender integration  

The workshop began with an in-depth introduction to foundational gender concepts and how to conduct gender analysis to guide the design and implementation of water development programs. The participants developed a solid understanding of inclusive approaches to water resource management, which is essential for them to identify gender gaps and implement solutions that benefit all.

One highlight is the application of gender-transformative approaches (GTA) in water programs. Going beyond addressing surface-level inequalities, GTA tackles systemic barriers and empower women as active decision-makers. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including designing and presenting water projects using GTA principles, with guidance from experienced facilitators.

“By integrating gender-transformative approaches, we can tackle deeply rooted inequalities and ensure that women and girls are equal stakeholders in water development,” said Bethel Terefe, Senior Gender expert at the FAO Regional Office for Africa. “This is essential for achieving sustainable development goals and climate resilience.”

Building collaborative solutions: gender-sensitive rainwater harvesting

The final three days of the workshop featured a collaborative process to refine the draft guidelines on “Gender-Sensitive Rainwater Harvesting.” Building on the foundational work of the Water Development unit, the revised guidelines will serve as a practical resource for integrating gender considerations into rainwater harvesting projects across Africa.

Participants, including gender experts and focal points and water resource experts, worked in interdisciplinary groups to address both gender and social dimensions as well as the technological and infrastructure aspects of rainwater harvesting. The workshop concluded with a call to continue refining the “Gender-Sensitive Rainwater Harvesting” guidelines by incorporating new inputs, addressing critical gaps, and championing their implementation across the region.

FAO’s commitment to gender equality in water resource management aligns with its broader mission to achieve food security and sustainable development for all.