The Silent Harvest: Women on the Frontlines of Food (In)Security in Global South

Global conflicts, particularly in the Global North, have exacerbated environmental damage and worsened food insecurity, with disproportionate effects on the Global South. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted global exports of wheat, corn, and fertilizers, leading to shortages and price hikes. This has severely impacted countries in Africa and the Middle East, such as Egypt and Yemen, that rely on these imports, deepening their food insecurity. Furthermore, the conflict has diverted international resources from climate action and aid, compounding the challenges faced by vulnerable nations in the Global South.

This paper examines the gendered dimensions of these crises, focusing on how women in the Global South manage food production and household food security amid increasing environmental degradation. Climate variability and extreme weather events exacerbate existing gender inequalities by reinforcing patriarchal norms and marginalizing women in agricultural economies. Using ethnographic research from rural Himachal Pradesh, India, the paper highlights how women have assumed leadership roles in food production and sustenance despite climate-related disasters and food scarcity.

Applying the polycrisis framework, the paper argues that while “climate-smart” technologies from the Global North promise to enhance food security, they often overlook structural inequalities. At the local level, these inequalities exacerbate women’s vulnerabilities and limit their agency. The study explores how these technologies can be adapted to empower women and enhance local democratic processes, offering new opportunities for economic participation and decision-making. By emphasizing women’s agency in crises, this paper provides insights into the interconnectedness of food insecurity and gender concerns, offering practical recommendations for gender-responsive strategies in the Global South.