The Community Initiative for Climate Engagement and Development (CICEND) has called for stronger gender inclusion in climate action in Kano State, stressing that climate justice cannot be achieved without gender equity.
In a statement marking International Women’s Day 2026, celebrated globally on 8 March under the theme “Give to Gain: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” CICEND’s Executive Director, Isiyaku Ahmed, said women, particularly in rural communities, are among those most affected by climate change but also play key roles in driving sustainable solutions.
Ahmed noted that climate change continues to threaten rural livelihoods in Kano, especially communities dependent on agriculture and natural resources, where women are heavily involved in farming, water management, and household food production.
He explained that drought, desertification, and flooding increase the burden on women who are primarily responsible for securing water, food, and energy for their families.
Despite these challenges, he said women across several rural communities in Kano are actively contributing to climate solutions through tree planting, small-scale irrigation farming, and environmental awareness initiatives aimed at tackling desertification and land degradation.
Ahmed also acknowledged the Kano State Government’s efforts to strengthen climate governance through the introduction of a Climate Change Policy and support from the UK Government-funded Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE) program, which has enhanced the state’s climate finance readiness and institutional capacity.
However, CICEND stressed the need for more targeted support for rural women, who continue to face barriers such as limited access to climate technologies, finance, and training.
“We urged the state government to expand climate-smart agriculture programs for women farmers, improve access to climate finance, and promote women’s participation in climate governance and policy-making.
“We are also calling for gender-responsive climate budgeting to ensure that environmental funds support women-led climate adaptation initiatives, renewable energy programs, water conservation efforts, and capacity-building for women in climate leadership,” Ahmed added.
CICEND emphasized that empowering women with knowledge, technology, and financial resources would strengthen environmental protection, food security, and community resilience across Kano State.
