Nurhidayah, 42, is a smallholder farmer and single mother of two. She faces the harsh realities of climate change daily. Her two-hectare farm in East Lombok relies solely on rainwater for sustenance. Prolonged drought can be devastating.
Where she once planted corn and legumes from December to March, shifting weather patterns now limit her farming to just four months a year.
With a daily income of IDR25,000 to IDR50,000 (US$2-4) from side jobs and selling snacks, Nurhidayah turns to making crackers during the off-season. However, sudden rains can ruin her products, cutting into her already precarious income.
Climate change is reshaping the world, and few feel its effects more than women farmers.
Unpredictable weather, prolonged dry seasons, and rising temperatures have created new challenges in agriculture, a sector deeply dependent on stable climate conditions.
In Pringgabaya, East Lombok, women farmers are on the front lines of these changes. This densely populated, impoverished area of Nusa Tenggara province is home to women who struggle daily with limited access to land, finances, healthcare and training.
‘No day without debt’
To make ends meet, Nurhidayah relies on loans from local institutions like Bank Mekar and Bank Rontok. Bank Mekar, which supports underprivileged women entrepreneurs, offers loans with high interest, demanding weekly repayment. Bank Rontok, known for its quick cash loans, charges steep rates and uses collateral as leverage.
These loans, while providing temporary relief, often trap women like Nurhidayah in a cycle of debt. As the primary breadwinner, she must also care for her children and support her parents. In Pringgabaya, poverty is so pervasive that debt has become a part of daily life, with neighbours joking, “There’s no day without debt.”
Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and for women in agriculture, the stakes are exceptionally high.
Female farmers already face barriers related to land ownership and access to resources. The additional pressure from climate-induced shifts in weather patterns only intensifies these challenges.
In regions like East Lombok, where agriculture is heavily reliant on predictable weather, the disruption of traditional planting and harvesting cycles can devastate livelihoods.
Prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall not only affect crop yields but also make water a scarce and precious resource, further complicating farming efforts.
The financial challenges faced by women like Nurhidayah are many and varied.
High-interest loans from institutions like Bank Mekar and Bank Rontok, while seemingly a lifeline, often lead to long-term financial distress. These loans are not tailored to the unique circumstances of smallholder farmers, who face fluctuating incomes and seasonal employment.
Traditional financial systems often exclude women, making it difficult for them to access fair credit. This exclusion is compounded by a lack of financial literacy and awareness, leaving many women vulnerable to exploitative lending practices.
The role of community and government
Empowering women farmers requires a comprehensive approach that includes community support and policy intervention.
Community-based initiatives can play a vital role in building resilience. For instance, cooperative farming ventures and water conservation projects can provide mutual support and resources, helping farmers adapt to changing conditions.
Policy interventions are equally crucial.
Governments need to prioritise the needs of female farmers, ensuring they have access to land, resources and decision-making platforms. Policies that promote gender equality in agriculture can help dismantle systemic barriers, providing women with the tools they need to succeed.
Training in climate-resilient farming practices is essential for helping farmers like Nurhidayah adapt to new challenges.
By learning about sustainable agricultural techniques, soil conservation and water management, these women can improve their crop yields and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.
Educational programmes that focus on financial literacy can also empower women to make informed decisions about loans and investments. Understanding the terms and implications of financial agreements can help prevent the cycle of debt that so many find themselves in.
Enhancing social safety nets is another critical component of supporting women farmers.
Programmes that provide emergency assistance during times of crisis can reduce reliance on high-interest loans. Additionally, social safety nets can offer a buffer against the economic shocks caused by climate change, ensuring families have a safety cushion during difficult periods.
Women like Nurhidayah are not just survivors; they are the backbone of their communities.
Addressing the challenges they face due to their gender, climate change, and financial exclusion is crucial. Empowering these women with the tools and support they need can help create a more sustainable and equitable future.
The journey to resilience is not one that women farmers in Pringgabaya should take alone. It requires a collective effort from communities, governments and organisations.
Working together to address the unique challenges faced by female smallholder farmers can ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the face of climate change.
This comprehensive approach will build stronger communities, improve food security and foster economic stability in regions like East Lombok and beyond.
Miya Irawati is a postdoctoral researcher at the Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre, Monash University and Assistant Professor at Monash University, Indonesia.
Ridho Verdiansyah S.Hub.Int is a junior researcher at Pusat Studi Asean, Mataram University.
Sharyn Davies is director of the Herb Feith Indonesia Engagement Centre and Associate Professor in Indonesia Studies at Monash University.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
