Solutions for gender equality in land and water access, rights and governance within inclusive and resilient food, land and water systems
Food, land and water systems (FLWS) embed profound gender and social inequalities, including in terms of who has rights to the essential elements of land and water. These inequalities are not incidental, but rather systemic expressions of unequal power relations that shape who controls resources, whose knowledge is recognized, and whose voice is heard in FLWS governance. This chapter aims to identify effective strategies, approaches and actions, referred to as solutions, that can strengthen women’s access and rights to land (including forests and rangelands) and water, to chart more equitable, sustainable and resilient pathways for FLWS. Specifically, we ask: (1) What evidence-based solutions can support women’s access and rights to land and water, as well as their full and effective participation in land and water governance? (2) Under what conditions are these solutions effective? And (3) How can research, policies, investments and practice support the adaptation, implementation and scaling of these solutions?
To begin, we provide a brief background on gender and intersectional equality related to land, water and their governance. Drawing on evidence from diverse contexts, we then outline solutions for addressing gender and intersectional inequalities and the conditions under which these solutions have been effective. Finally, we provide recommendations to adapt, implement and scale these solutions.
Authors
Elias, M.; Zaremba, Haley; Bohra, Babita; Gumucio, Tatiana; Kyle, Jordan; Najjar, Dina; Mapedza, Everisto D.
Citation
Elias, M., Zaremba, H., Bohra, B., Gumucio, T., Kyle, J., Najjar, D. and Mapedza, E. 2026. Solutions for gender equality in land and water access, rights and governance within inclusive and resilient food, land and water systems. IN: Lecoutere, E., Muchiri, C. and Voss, R. (eds.), 2026. Advancing equality, transforming futures: a path to resilient and productive food, land and water systems in 2050. Nairobi, Kenya: CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion (CGIAR GENDER Accelerator).
Keywords
Gender Equality; Water Rights; Resilience; Food Systems; Water
