Climate Change and Natural Resource Management – National Association for Women’s Action in Development

As one of the most significant challenges of our time, climate change is responsible for increasing the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, natural resource scarcity, and environmental degradation. There is lack of coping mechanisms such as the capacities and skills, strategies and structures needed to deal with the negative impacts of climate change, especially among women. ”We promote the implementation and realization of the rights to Water and Sanitation, community-based women-led natural resources management and climate change alternatives in Uganda, through awareness creation, research, advocacy, Alliance/movement building and capacity building.” Climate change and environmental degradation represent a great threat to poverty reduction and to achieving the SDGs. They impact health, food security, nutrition, production, and people’s earnings. Yet given their traditional roles in agricultural production, and as the procurers of water, cooking fuel, and other household resources, women are not only well suited to find solutions to prevent further degradation and adapt to the changing climate – they have a vested interest in doing so. The first step toward tackling the challenges of climate change is empowering women to safeguard the environment.

Empowering Women through Clean Energy

Globally, energy poverty disproportionately affects women as household energy producers and users. In Uganda, the reliance on charcoal dust for briquette production poses significant challenges to both the environment and community well-being. With national forest cover decreasing by 60% in the last 25 years, urgent action is needed to address the gender implications of this trend on women’s energy needs and household incomes

The Solution: Briquette Technology

Briquette technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional charcoal and firewood for cooking and heating. NAWAD is at the forefront of promoting the widespread adoption of briquettes as a clean energy solution. Through cost-effective technical solutions and collaboration with engineering experts from Makerere University, we have developed innovative methods for efficient briquette production with minimal resources.

Environmental Sustainability and Community Impact

By replacing charcoal and firewood with renewable briquettes, we mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation, climate change, and respiratory health hazards, particularly affecting women. Our initiatives focus on sensitizing communities about the benefits of clean energy and providing the necessary tools and knowledge for sustainable mass production.

Join Us in Empowering Women and Protecting the Environment

Together, we can combat energy poverty, empower women, and safeguard the environment for future generations. Join NAWAD in our mission to promote clean energy solutions and create a brighter, healthier future for all.