Gender Equality, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Resilient Smallholder Agriculture for a Changing Climate: A Path to Sustainable Rural Development in Africa

Background: Rural development is essential for global initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and establishing sustainable livelihoods. However, existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections among various systems and subsystems within rural ecosystems. Objective: This study introduces an intersectionality conceptual framework rooted in agro-based afrocentricity, emphasizing gender-inclusive rural development. It examines the intersections of gender inclusivity, indigenous knowledge systems, climate change, and resilient smallholder agriculture. Methods: A conceptual framework analysis is employed, focusing on the intersections of gender, indigenous knowledge, climate change, and smallholder agriculture as drivers of rural development. Results: The study underscores the importance of addressing gender inequality, climate change, low productivity in smallholder farming, and food and nutrition insecurity. These are identified as the most significant and interconnected socioeconomic and environmental challenges impeding rural development in Africa. Conclusion: The study contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to agricultural and rural development, highlighting the necessity of intersectionality and agro-based afrocentricity in fostering climate resilience and promoting sustainable rural development in Africa. Implications: The findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in rural development, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of the intersections among gender, indigenous knowledge, climate change, and smallholder agriculture for sustainable rural development.