Unpacking barriers to women maize farmers’ engagement in climate-smart agriculture in rural Tanzania

This study examines the barriers to women's engagement in smart agriculture, specifically how socio-economic and cultural factors impede the participation of women maize farmers in Nyasa District, Tanzania. Using qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 50 women maize farmers and 10 agricultural extension officers in Nyasa District, Ruvuma, the study highlights significant challenges faced by women. Findings reveal that limited access to land, credit, and agricultural inputs, coupled with deeply entrenched cultural norms and gender roles, restrict women's adaptive capacities. Barriers to smart agriculture adoption include exclusion from training programs, mobility constraints, and the high costs of technology, all of which perpetuate gender disparities. Additionally, gaps in policy and institutional frameworks, such as insufficient resources and weak implementation of gender-sensitive programs, further hinder progress. The study highlights the pressing need for gender-transformative approaches to climate adaptation policies and innovative agricultural interventions. Recommendations include enhancing women's access to resources, developing inclusive training programs, promoting community engagement to challenge cultural norms, and incorporating gender-sensitive frameworks into policy design and implementation. By addressing these systemic barriers, the study concludes that innovative agricultural initiatives can better support women's resilience and adaptive capacity in the face of climate change.