Gender & land rights for ecosystem adaptation in Africa
The International Land Coalition (ILC) Africa, in partnership with the Climate & Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), is co-leading a groundbreaking research initiative titled: Advancing Gender Equity and Land Rights through Knowledge Brokering for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) in Southern Africa. This project is generously supported by the South African Resilience Academy (SARA), following a successful call for applications under the theme: Transformative Pathways to Resilient and Sustainable Futures 2024.
This initiative responds to SARA’s call to foster collaboration among networks and communities committed to bridging the gap between research and practice, particularly in addressing climate resilience at the grassroots level.
A collaborative network for change
At the heart of this project is a dynamic partnership. ILC Africa and CDKN are working closely with the ILC Africa Regional Platform on Equal Women’s Land Rights (RP4), hosted by Uganda Community Based Association for Women and Children Welfare (UCOBAC), alongside the Micaia Foundation, University of Botswana, and YOUTH4CAN.
Together, this working group of researchers, youth leaders, and practitioners is committed to co-creating inclusive, rights-based solutions at the intersection of gender equity, land rights, and ecosystem-based adaptation.
Why this work matters
Rural communities in Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, and Uganda are on the frontlines of climate and environmental change. These communities heavily depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, yet they face overlapping challenges, including insecure land tenure, gender inequality, and weak governance structures.
By centering local knowledge and realities, this initiative aims to bridge global policy with on-the-ground experience, promoting transformative, inclusive, and socially just solutions for climate adaptation.
Our objectives:
Five core objectives guide this initiative:
- Mobilize and synthesizing evidence on locally led EbA
- Enhance southern-led knowledge and leadership
- Promote inclusive, evidence-based governance systems
- Improve equitable access to land
- Support gender-equitable and socially just adaptation practices
A three-phase journey
This initiative is not just about research, it’s about action. Using a knowledge-brokering framework, the team will draw on years of experience in land rights, climate adaptation, and gender equity. The work will unfold in three dynamic phases:
Phase 1 (2025): Knowledge synthesis & framework development
Launching with a SARA workshop, this phase will focus on reviewing and synthesizing diverse knowledge around gender, land rights, and EbA to develop a shared framework.
Phase 2 (2026): Case study analysis, policy & practice integration
This phase will feature collaborative research and dialogue, timed to align with key global events such as those under the Rio Conventions.
Phase 3 (2027): Communication & Dissemination
In this final phase, the team will produce accessible knowledge products including; videos, policy briefs, academic publications, and multimedia content to drive policy influence, practice and inspire change.
Expected outputs
The initiative will deliver a range of high-impact outputs, including:
- Case studies and short videos for peer learning and advocacy
- A scientific paper and policy brief
- Interactive webinars and national-level dialogues
These outputs will inform national, regional and international policy frameworks, including those connected to the Rio Conventions, and science-policy platforms such as IPBES, and IPCC.
For more information, please contact: Jane Mwangi
