Building Resilience: The Role of Women in Addressing Climate Change in India

Nabaghan Ojha, UNDP - India

In India, approximately 300 million people live on less than $1.25 a day, with over 120 million expected to remain highly exposed to climate-related hazards by 2030. The primary vulnerability arises from the dependence of over 60% of the population on agriculture, which is largely rain-fed and susceptible to climate variability. Women and girls, in particular, face increased workloads and reduced access to education, water, and health services as crop yields decline and resources become scarcer. Durable infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and drought management facilities, is crucial for sustainable livelihoods, particularly for the poor. Effective rural infrastructure, supported by programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), improves water management and agricultural productivity, thereby enhancing resilience to climate change. The Infrastructure for Climate Resilient Growth in India (ICRG), implemented from 2016 to 2024, focused on improving MGNREGS infrastructure to enhance climate resilience. The program directly benefited around 5 million people, with half being women. In Saharpada block of Keonjhar district, targeted interventions under ICRG, including land development and water conservation, significantly improved agricultural productivity. Despite challenges like COVID-19, these efforts have empowered local farmers especially women, enhanced food security, and are being replicated across the state, contributing to climate action and sustainable development goals.

Keywords: Population, Environment, and Climate Change, Gender Dynamics, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Internal Migration and Urbanization

See extended abstract.