Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it is a present reality affecting millions of lives worldwide. In Nigeria, extreme weather conditions, desertification, flooding, and rising temperatures are deepening economic and social inequalities, with women and girls bearing the brunt of these challenges.

Despite contributing the least to climate change, women, especially those in rural areas, are among the most vulnerable to its devastating effects. From agriculture and health to displacement and water scarcity, climate change is making life harder for Nigerian women, limiting their opportunities for economic growth, education, and personal security.

This blog explores how climate change disproportionately affects women in Nigeria and the solutions needed to protect and empower them in the face of environmental crises.

How Climate Change is Impacting Women in Nigeria

1. Increased Burden on Women Farmers

Women make up 70% of the agricultural workforce in Nigeria, yet they own less than 15% of farmland. Climate change has brought unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and soil degradation, making farming more difficult and threatening food security.

Fact: Desertification in Northern Nigeria has reduced crop yields by up to 60%, forcing many families into poverty (UNEP).

Example: In states like Borno and Yobe, severe droughts have destroyed farmlands, leaving female farmers with little or no income to support their families.

Solution:

• Provide climate-smart agriculture training to help women adopt sustainable farming techniques.
• Offer financial assistance and access to drought-resistant crops for female farmers.

2. Water Scarcity and the Increased Burden of Fetching Water

Climate change is causing rivers and lakes to dry up, forcing women and girls to walk long distances to fetch water for their households. This affects their health, education, and productivity.

Fact: In some parts of Nigeria, women walk over 10 kilometers daily to fetch water due to declining water sources (UNICEF).

Example: In Bauchi State, young girls miss school because they spend hours searching for water, reducing their chances of completing their education.

Solution:

• Governments should invest in clean water infrastructure in rural areas.
• Communities should be trained in rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management.

3. Rising Floods Displacing Women and Girls

Heavy rainfall and poor drainage systems have led to severe flooding in many Nigerian communities, destroying homes and farmlands and forcing families to relocate. Women and girls in flood-prone areas often end up in overcrowded displacement camps, where they face poor sanitation, hunger, and increased risks of gender-based violence.

Fact: Over 2.5 million Nigerians were displaced by floods in 2022, with women making up the majority of those affected (NEMA).

Example: In Bayelsa and Delta states, thousands of women lost their homes and businesses due to extreme flooding, leaving them economically stranded.

Solution:

• Improve drainage systems and flood control infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
• Establish safe, gender-inclusive shelters for displaced women and girls.

4. Health Risks and Increased Disease Spread

Climate change is leading to rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions, which increase the spread of diseases like malaria, cholera, and heat-related illnesses. Women and girls, who are often the primary caregivers, are at higher risk of exposure to these health threats.

Fact: Rising temperatures have led to an increase in malaria cases, with pregnant women and children being the most vulnerable (WHO).

Example: In Lagos, floods have worsened cholera outbreaks, putting strain on women responsible for household water and food safety.

Solution:

• Expand women-focused healthcare programs to address climate-related illnesses.
• Invest in early warning systems to help communities prepare for disease outbreaks.

5. The Link Between Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence

Disasters caused by climate change often increase gender-based violence as resources become scarce and women become more vulnerable. In times of crisis, women face higher risks of domestic violence, trafficking, and sexual exploitation.

Example: In flood-affected areas of Benue and Kogi States, displaced women and girls reported higher cases of sexual abuse in temporary shelters

Solution:

• Strengthen legal protections and enforcement for women in displacement camps.
• Provide safe spaces and counseling services for women facing gender-based violence.

How Women Can Be at the Forefront of Climate Action in Nigeria

Despite these challenges, Nigerian women are playing a key role in climate solutions, leading efforts to promote sustainable practices and environmental conservation. With the right support, women can become climate champions and drive meaningful change.

1. Supporting Women in Renewable Energy

Women should be included in the transition to clean energy, helping to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels while creating new economic opportunities.

Example: The Solar Sister Initiative trains and empowers women to distribute and sell solar energy products, providing clean electricity to rural communities.

What Needs to Happen?

• Increase investment in female-led renewable energy businesses.
• Provide training and funding for women to enter the green energy sector.

2. Women in Climate Policy and Leadership

Women’s voices must be heard in climate discussions, policy-making, and decision-making processes. Gender-inclusive policies ensure that climate action benefits both men and women equally.

Example: In Kenya, women-led organizations successfully lobbied for climate adaptation funding to support female farmers affected by drought.

What Needs to Happen?

• Increase female representation in climate governance and decision-making bodies.
• Fund women-led climate advocacy groups to promote gender-sensitive policies.

3. Educating Women on Sustainable Practices

Climate change education should be made accessible to women and girls, equipping them with the knowledge to adopt eco-friendly farming techniques, waste management practices, and disaster preparedness strategies.

Example: In Northern Nigeria, a women’s cooperative is leading a tree-planting movement to combat desertification.

What Needs to Happen?

• Governments and NGOs should provide climate literacy programs for women.
• Schools should teach girls about environmental sustainability from an early age.

Conclusion

Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it is a women’s rights issue. Women in Nigeria are on the frontlines of climate struggles, but they can also be leaders in the fight for sustainability.

By investing in female-led climate solutions, supporting women in clean energy, and ensuring gender-sensitive policies, Nigeria can protect its women and create a climate-resilient future.

How Can You Help?

• Support women-led environmental projects.
• Advocate for climate policies that prioritize gender equality.
• Educate your community about sustainable practices

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