« La perspective de genre » : une approche incontournable pour les activités bas carbone

This policy brief describes how integrating a gender perspective into low-carbon and climate-resilient business models enhances economic sustainability and climate impact for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries. Drawing on the GLOW (Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World) program (2021–2024), the document outlines strategies for women's empowerment in sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture, demonstrating that addressing gender-specific barriers leads to higher productivity, better market access, and increased attractiveness to impact investors.

• The GLOW program (2021–2024) conducted 12 action-research projects across 17 developing countries to explore how SMEs and producer associations can develop low-carbon technologies and innovative service models. Examples of these innovations include integrated multi-trophic aquaculture for seaweed and fish, closed-circuit production systems like aquaponics and hydroponics, and the breeding of black soldier flies to produce high-potency fertilizer from organic waste.
• Integrating a gender perspective in the aquaculture sector in Kenya has improved efficiency and social equity. The Blue Empowerment project found that leveraging the distinct roles of men (production and harvest) and women (processing and marketing) increases productivity. Additionally, the company Aquarech Ltd used a digital application to formalize fish procurement for women traders, reducing their vulnerability to "fish for sex" norms and improving protein access for low-income communities, where 60% to 80% of buyers are women.
• Gender-inclusive approaches are critical for maintaining access to international markets, particularly the European Union. In Nicaragua, a cocoa exporter implemented an application to track agricultural inputs and prove low carbon emissions to meet EU traceability laws effective from 2025. This strategy required gender parity awareness and training for women leading small farms in the supply chain to avoid being denied market access.
• Addressing gender barriers in agriculture significantly boosts productivity. A FAO study indicates that agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa could rise by 20% if women had equal access to land and inputs. In Senegal, women using solar-powered irrigation reduced irrigation time from 7.70 to 7.03 hours per day, increased agricultural income by over 200,000 FCFA ($335), and reduced irrigation costs by approximately 125,000 FCFA ($209).
• Hydroponic technology offers high yields and resource efficiency, though high startup costs and limited access to finance hinder adoption by women. In Rwanda, the company Green Harvest provided preferential loans and access to technology for women and youth. According to the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture, hydroponics can produce up to 500 tonnes of crops per hectare, using up to 90% less water than traditional methods and achieving 30% to 50% faster plant growth.
• Targeted public investment and gender-focused business strategies drive growth and investment. In Guinea, the Tangama Market Gardening Union of women increased incomes and reduced workloads through a grant for solar irrigation. In East Africa, Intellecap helped eight SMEs apply a gender perspective; five developed new products for female clients, and one company, Griincom Kenya, implemented a "last mile" delivery plan using female part-time sellers to target a 30% sales increase in one year. Consequently, 71% of these SMEs attracted impact investors, raising a total of $1.8 million over three years.

APA

Yadav, K., Dupar, M., Onyango, J., Achieng, G. F., Cissé, M., Tall, L., & de Sanfeliu, M. B. (2024). « La perspective de genre » : une approche incontournable pour les activités bas carbone. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/SSN-Glow-Policy_Brief-French-V3.pdf

Chicago

Yadav, Karnika, Mairi Dupar, Joel Onyango, Gillian Faith Achieng, Marame Cissé, Laure Tall, and Margarita Beneke de Sanfeliu. « La perspective de genre » : une approche incontournable pour les activités bas carbone. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2024. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/SSN-Glow-Policy_Brief-French-V3.pdf.

Wikipedia

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BibTeX

@techreport{yadav2024perspective, author = {Yadav, Karnika and Dupar, Mairi and Onyango, Joel and Achieng, Gillian Faith and Cissé, Marame and Tall, Laure and de Sanfeliu, Margarita Beneke}, title = {{« La perspective de genre » : une approche incontournable pour les activités bas carbone}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2024}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/SSN-Glow-Policy_Brief-French-V3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }