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Community engagement for inclusive rural transformation and gender equality
Call for submissions--
Community consultations are crucial in fostering inclusivity in transforming rural areas regarding addressing gender equality globally. Historically, rural communities are rooted in cultural norms, which in most scenarios leads to women being discriminated against in decision-making. These scenarios are common in developing countries where rural societies constitute a significant portion of the population. Recognising the local participation dynamics is important for effective development initiatives. The rural communities are confronted by different problems that include poverty and limited access to education and health services, which are further worsening gender disparities. Women in rural areas contribute much to agriculture, making them the backbone, but they often experience barriers threatening their economic empowerment and decision-making capabilities. It is noteworthy to integrate community engagement strategies that prioritise gender equality to spark transformative change and support the quality of life for all community members.
I hold that consulting communities in rural areas make transformation easy, thereby reducing and increasing acceptability. Consultations serve to tailor development programs to the specific needs and aspirations of the local population (Sizani, 2017). Participatory approaches in Zimbabwe can address historical inequalities and promote ownership among community members, particularly women, who are marginalised in different socio-economic contexts. Encouraging transformation in rural communities and gender equality strengthens social cohesion, steering a more resilient community.
Citizen participation empowers the voices of marginalised communities, particularly women, where patriarchal norms often stifle women's participation. Although the involvement of women in rural development is said to promote gender equality, gaps still exist towards the implementation of strategies that promote gender equality. This has caused development projects to fail to sufficiently encompass local communities, including women, in the planning and implementation of initiatives that directly affect their lives. This separate results in vain policies and limited effect on the ground. There is a need to critically scrutinise the effect of community consultation towards transforming rural communities and ensuring gender equality. The aim is to propose actionable recommendations for improving community participation in rural development initiatives.
Community structures in rural areas
The leadership structure in rural areas is similar in Africa, where traditional leaders have influence in decision-making. Traditional leaders in Zimbabwe play a deeply intertwined role in the government’s socio-political landscape, notably concerning gender inequality. The model of traditional leadership is rooted in patriarchal norms, contributing largely to perpetuating gender disparities, for example in rural areas where customary laws prevail (Ntlama, 2020). Thus, traditional leaders are still maintaining practices that discriminate against women on matters of land ownership, decision-making, and access to resources. This highlights the systemic difficulties women face, including limited representation in policies and leadership concerning rural development. The Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe promotes gender equality; however, traditional leaders marginalise women in decision-making, which is crucial for development, for example, agricultural productivity and economic empowerment. This has exacerbated women's poverty due to a lack of support systems. The perception that traditional leaders are that males are heirs reinforces gendered norms, leading to women's rights to participate in decision-making being restricted (Sesanti, 2016). This discrimination impacts women's economic independence and limits their access to basic needs, such as food, often tied to land ownership and agricultural viability.
The issue of gender equality and inclusive community engagement is supported by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the argument is that development should be supported by all parties living in a community regardless of gender. The Goal 5 (SDGs) emphasises gender and the need to eliminate forms of discrimination against women and girls. According to UN Women (2020), community engagement improves gender equality and also enhances the effectiveness of development interventions. Intervention programs that have managed to integrate gender views into community engagement have successfully achieved targeted objectives concerning economic development and social cohesion.
African women’s voices are not heard and valued in community planning processes, making it difficult for development programs to meet the desired outcomes. These findings call for more targeted interventions tailored to address factors affecting participation in rural areas. The success of such programs requires capacity-building programs towards empowering women leaders to promote their participation in local governance. This is important in dismantling the structural inequalities that are perpetuating gender inequalities in rural Zimbabwe.
Proposed initiatives to increase women participation
Women’s Leadership Training Programs-It is crucial to introduce training programs tailored for women to increase their participation in community decision-making processes. The purpose of this training should focus on improving skills such as public speaking, negotiation, and strategic planning. This would improve women's confidence, crucial in improving leadership roles and fostering a new generation of female leaders in communities. This can be achieved by collaborating with local NGOs and educational institutions to facilitate workshops and mentorship opportunities. This will ensure women have access to role models and practical guidance. This initiative not only empowers women but also enriches community governance by incorporating diverse perspectives.
Gender-Sensitive Agricultural Cooperatives-It is important to establish gender-sensitive agricultural cooperatives that provide women with economic opportunities. Such cooperatives will facilitate access to land, credit, and training, designed to meet the needs of women farmers. This will create an inclusive environment where women can share knowledge and resources, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity while empowering women economically.
Strengthen legal frameworks supporting gender equality- Policymakers need to focus on strengthening legal frameworks that protect women’s rights in the context of traditional governance. This involves promoting laws that emphasise gender equality within traditional communities and encouraging compliance among traditional leaders.
Facilitate Dialogue Between Traditional Leaders and Gender Advocacy Groups: There is a need to establish platforms for dialogue between traditional leaders and gender advocacy organisations to facilitate mutual understanding and collaboration. This can assist in bridging gaps in perspectives, ensuring more effective initiatives to promote gender equality within traditional governance structures.
Promote Gender-Sensitive Policies—that is encouraging for participating in gender analysis in community development projects to guarantee that women's needs are addressed.
Strengthen Local Governance: It is important to increase transparency and accountability of local governance structures to nurture trust and support broader community participation.
Engage Men as Allies—this involves developing community awareness campaigns engaging men in discussions on gender equality and encouraging supportive attitudes concerning women's participation.
References
Ntlama, N.P. (2020). The Changing Identity on Succession to Chieftaincy in the Institution of Traditional Leadership: Mphephu v Mphephu-Ramabulana (948/17) ZASCA 58. Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal, 23, 1-25.
Nyakudya, P. (2022). Women’s Leadership in Rural Development: A Case for Capacity Building. Rural Development Journal, 14(2): 77-90.
Sesanti, S. (2016). African Philosophy for African Women’s Leadership: An Urgent Project for the African Renaissance. Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, 9(9): 94–107
Sizani, R. (2017). Are powers and functions of leaders sufficient, in a republican and democratic dispensation, especially in its current character? If not, what needs to be done? Presentation at the Traditional Leaders Indaba, 28 May–02 June. Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
UN Women. (2020). Gender Equality and Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from UN Women.
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Indigenous food systems are a crucial repository of traditional knowledge and biodiversity, playing a vital role in sustainable diets and food security (Kuhnlein, Eme & Larrinoa, 2019). These systems are rooted in cultural practices and spirituality; they are resilient to climate change, epidemics, and nutritional issues (Swiderska, Argumedo, Wekesa, Ndalilo, Song, Rastogi & Ryan, 2022). Despite contributing positively to diets, Indigenous Peoples are facing significant threats to their food systems from environmental degradation, marginalization, and loss of traditional knowledge. It is important to recognize that understanding indigenous peoples' sustainable food systems respects cultural heritage and ecological integrity. An examination of Indigenous food systems must focus not only on sustenance but also on encompassing a wealth of traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations. It is worth noting that the indigenous food system operates within a framework of biodiversity, utilizing local plants and animals in a way that enhances ecosystem resilience. The HLPE-FSN consultation emphasizes the need to include indigenous perspectives in food policy frameworks, advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of biodiversity and promoters of sustainable practices.
Advancing Indigenous knowledge systems should be actively integrated into food policies at all levels, both nationally and internationally. This means that Indigenous Peoples should be encouraged to participate in global decision-making while acknowledging their rights to their lands and resources. Integrating Indigenous communities’ ownership will lead to innovative solutions for sustainable food security and climate change (Kuhnlein & Chotiboriboon, 2022). There is a need for global institutions such as the UN to develop a comprehensive approach that values Indigenous practices to enhance food sovereignty, promoting resilience in the face of environmental challenges. Finally, the HLPE-FSN consultation offers a crucial platform for supporting the integration of Indigenous understanding into modern food systems, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in achieving global food security and sustainability.
References
Kuhnlein, H.V., Eme, P.E. and Larrinoa, Y.F. (2019). Indigenous food systems: contributions to sustainable food systems and sustainable diets. Sustainable diets: linking nutrition and food systems.
Swiderska, K., Argumedo, A., Wekesa, C., Ndalilo, L., Song, Y., Rastogi, A. and Ryan, P. (2022). Indigenous Peoples’ Food Systems and Biocultural Heritage: Addressing Indigenous Priorities Using Decolonial and Interdisciplinary Research Approaches. Sustainability.
Kuhnlein, H.V., & Chotiboriboon, S. (2022). Why and How to Strengthen Indigenous Peoples' Food Systems with Examples from Two Unique Indigenous Communities. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
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CHAMUNORWA HUNI
Introduction
Agrifood systems play a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity and enhancing the welfare of communities globally, as they encompass the intricate processes of food production, management, supply, and consumption, all of which are deeply interconnected with both ecological health and cultural practices. According to Cardona Santos et al. (2023), the implementation of national biodiversity programs and action plans (NBSAPs) underscores the necessity to safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and Indigenous Peoples, who serve as the primary custodians of biodiversity. These communities not only contribute significantly to local economies and food security but also possess invaluable traditional knowledge and practices essential for the conservation of diverse ecosystems. Therefore, recognizing and integrating the perspectives of these communities into agrifood systems is vital for fostering sustainable development and enhancing ecological resilience.
Agricultural land systems are integral to enhancing food security and fostering sustainable development, yet they also significantly contribute to biodiversity loss (Vianna et al., 2021). While agriculture plays a pivotal role in advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, it confronts substantial challenges posed by climate change and rising food demand. The Agrobiodiversity Index reveals that, despite many countries achieving moderate action and status scores for agrobiodiversity, they display low commitment scores, indicating an urgent need for more robust policies aimed at enhancing agrobiodiversity across food systems (Jones et al., 2021). In response to these pressing challenges, various sustainable agriculture methods have been proposed, including agroecology, organic farming, and precision agriculture (Çakmakçı et al., 2023), all of which strive to redesign food systems to achieve a neutral or beneficial environmental impact while ensuring food safety and nutrition. However, the successful implementation of these strategies necessitates fundamental changes in agricultural practices and policies, with the overarching goal of protecting ecosystems and biodiversity while meeting the global demand for food.
The aim of this study is to highlight the essential roles of small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples in conserving biodiversity while emphasizing the necessity of engaging all relevant stakeholders in this effort (Zinngrebe, 2022). Recognizing the intricate relationship between agrifood systems and biodiversity is crucial for policymakers, as it enables the development of effective programs that promote sustainable practices, enhance ecosystem resilience, and empower local communities. Furthermore, the inclusion of Indigenous Peoples not only acknowledges their rights and contributions to biodiversity enhancement but also fosters the involvement of custodians of cultural practices, which is fundamental for fostering collective governance and achieving long-term sustainability in biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Small-Scale Producers visa v Indigenous Peoples Role
Small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples are instrumental in the preservation of agricultural biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable food systems, as they bring forth extensive traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) honed over centuries of managing their local environments. Their farming practices, which often encompass methods such as crop rotation, the cultivation of native crops, and the utilization of locally adapted livestock breeds, significantly contribute to the resilience of ecosystems. Moreover, by engaging in diverse cropping systems and adopting sustainable agricultural practices, these communities not only enhance biodiversity but also strengthen ecosystem stability, which is critical for ensuring food security in an increasingly uncertain agricultural landscape.
The cultural significance of biodiversity holds profound importance for Indigenous and local communities, as they perceive nature as intricately linked to their cultural identity and spiritual beliefs. This intrinsic connection motivates these communities to actively engage in the protection and management of biodiversity, as their stewardship not only preserves genetic diversity but also sustains traditional landscapes and ecosystems that are essential for the survival of various species. Consequently, small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples emerge as vital custodians of ecological heritage, playing a critical role in safeguarding the continuity of biodiversity for future generations and contributing to the overall health of our planet's ecosystems.
Small-scale manufacturers play a crucial role in local economies and food systems by providing fresh produce to local markets through indigenous farmers, thereby enhancing food security and nutrition within their communities; moreover, their contributions are integral to the economic fabric of different regions, as they create jobs and support local livelihoods. These farming activities not only sustain the farmers’ families but also bolster overall community resilience. Therefore, it is essential to recognize and support the roles of these stakeholders in agrifood systems to promote sustainable development while aligning with biodiversity conservation goals.
Encounters confronting Small-Scale Producers and Indigenous Peoples
Small farmers and Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in sustaining biodiversity; however, they face significant challenges that endanger their livelihoods and the ecosystems they help preserve. One of the foremost issues is land tenure insecurity, which refers to the absence of formal recognition of their land rights. This lack of legal protection renders these communities vulnerable to land grabs, resource exploitation, and environmental degradation, ultimately undermining their capacity to conserve biodiversity effectively. Consequently, securing land rights emerges as a critical prerequisite for empowering these communities, ensuring their active role in managing and safeguarding natural resources for the long term.
Indigenous people and small-scale farmers confront significant barriers to market access, which leads to their economic marginalization; consequently, many are compelled to establish informal markets due to insufficient resources, information, and infrastructure that hinder their capacity to compete with larger agribusinesses (Jones, Estrada-Carmona, Juventia, Dulloo, Laporte, Villani, and Remans, 2021). These economic pressures not only drive them toward monoculture practices that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability but also contribute to a concerning decline in biodiversity. Therefore, enhancing market access is crucial, as it fosters equitable economic opportunities and encourages small-scale producers to adopt practices that are more conducive to biodiversity preservation.
Climate change presents a substantial challenge to the livelihoods of small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples, as alterations in weather patterns are resulting in more frequent extreme weather events and shifting pest and disease dynamics, thereby threatening agricultural practices and food security. The vulnerability of these communities is exacerbated by their limited resources and adaptive capacity to effectively respond to such climatic changes. Consequently, it is imperative to integrate programs aimed at enhancing resilience to climate impacts into National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), as this integration will not only support small-scale producers but also safeguard the biodiversity upon which their livelihoods fundamentally depend.
Position of Stakeholder Engagement
The successful integration of agrifood systems into national biodiversity strategies necessitates the engagement of diverse groups of stakeholders, as their collaboration is essential for fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected challenges and opportunities inherent in both biodiversity and food systems (Zinngrebe, 2022). By nurturing multi-stakeholder partnerships, these groups can effectively pool their resources, knowledge, and expertise, thereby enhancing the decision-making processes to be more inclusive and impactful. Furthermore, a collaborative governance framework not only elevates the voices of small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples, government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector but also streamlines the formulation of policies that are both equitable and sustainable, ultimately contributing to a robust response to the complexities facing our food and biodiversity systems.
Engaging stakeholders is essential for raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity within agrifood systems, as education and outreach initiatives empower communities and stakeholders to recognize their roles as guardians of biodiversity (Çakmakçı, Salık, and Çakmakçı, 2023). Participation in these programs fosters a culture of stewardship and responsibility, which is vital for cultivating a sense of shared commitment to environmental sustainability. Moreover, a collective effort among stakeholders is crucial for developing innovative solutions that promote biodiversity conservation, thereby ensuring food security and enhancing economic viability. By adopting this collaborative approach, we not only improve the resilience of agrifood systems but also make significant progress towards achieving global biodiversity targets.
The active participation of stakeholders is vital for achieving policy coherence in the agricultural and environmental sectors, as it enables the integration of agrifood priorities into broader biodiversity frameworks. This integration simplifies the alignment of goals and facilitates collaborative actions. A commitment to cross-sectoral teamwork is essential, as it recognizes that the health of agrifood systems is intrinsically linked to the health of ecosystems. By embracing this interconnectedness, stakeholders can collaboratively develop comprehensive strategies that not only support biodiversity conservation but also promote sustainable food production, thereby fostering a holistic approach to addressing these interrelated challenges.
Recommendations
The study proposes the following recommendations to improve agrifood systems in national biodiversity strategies:
Strengthen Legal Frameworks-Governments need to find and enforce robust legal frameworks that protect the rights of small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples. This will ensure these groups secure land tenure and access to resources. Legal recognition of land rights is vital for permitting these communities and safeguarding biodiversity.
Promote sustainable agricultural practices should incentivize sustainable agricultural practices to promote and enhance biodiversity, for example, agroecology, organic farming, and permaculture. Also, financial and technical support is needed to assist small-scale producers to transition these practices while continuing their livelihoods.
Enhance market access support programs to facilitate market access for small-scale producers, including cooperatives, fair trade initiatives, and value chain development. Improving market access will increase economic viability, leading to the promotion of biodiversity-friendly practices.
Foster collaborative governance-there is a need to create an environment that encourages participatory governance models that include small-scale producers and Indigenous Peoples in decision-making processes related to agrifood systems and biodiversity conservation. This will promote equitable and effective policies that reproduce the needs and rights of these communities.
REFERENCES
Cardona Santos, E.M., Kinniburgh, F., Schmid, S., Büttner, N., Pröbstl, F., Liswanti, N., Komarudin, H., Borasino, E., Ntawuhiganayo, E. and Zinngrebe, Y. (2023). Mainstreaming revisited: Experiences from eight countries on the role of National Biodiversity Strategies in practice. Earth System Governance.
Viana, C.M., Freire, D., Abrantes, P., Rocha, J. and Pereira, P. (2021). Agricultural land systems importance for supporting food security and sustainable development goals: A systematic review. The Science of the total environment, 150718.
Zinngrebe, Y. (2022). Transformative Biodiversity Governance in Agricultural Landscapes: Taking Stock of Biodiversity Policy Integration and Looking Forward. Published online by Cambridge University Press.
Jones, S.K., Estrada-Carmona, N., Juventia, S.D., Dulloo, M.E., Laporte, M., Villani, C. and Remans, R. (2021). Agrobiodiversity Index scores show agrobiodiversity is underutilized in national food systems. Nature Food, 2, 712 - 723.
Çakmakçı, R., Salık, M.A. and Çakmakçı, S. (2023). Assessment and Principles of Environmentally Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems. Agriculture.