Vol. 1 No. 1 (2011)

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The Role of Women's Leadership in Farmer-Based Organisations for Climate-Smart Agricultural Adoption in Ethiopia's Amhara Region, 2010–2025

Marion Faulkner-Taylor, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU)
Published: January 22, 2026

Abstract

This original research investigates the critical, yet understudied, role of women’s leadership within Farmer-Based Organisations (FBOs) for promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) adoption in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region. It addresses the persistent gender gap in agricultural innovation by examining how women-led governance structures influence the uptake of CSA practices among smallholder farmers. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the study first analysed quantitative survey data from 300 randomly selected households across 15 FBOs. This was triangulated with qualitative data from 40 in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with leaders and members, conducted between 2020 and 2024. A comparative analysis of CSA adoption rates and perceived resilience was undertaken between FBOs with substantial female leadership representation and those with male-dominated committees. Key findings indicate that FBOs with women in pivotal leadership roles demonstrated a statistically significant higher adoption of specific CSA techniques, including soil conservation and agroforestry. Qualitative analysis reveals that women leaders prioritise gender-responsive resource access and effectively disseminate CSA knowledge through established women’s networks. The study concludes that empowering women within FBO governance is a strategic imperative for enhancing climate resilience in agri-food systems, beyond a mere equity concern. It recommends that agricultural policies and development programmes explicitly integrate leadership capacity building for women in FBOs to foster inclusive agricultural transformation.

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How to Cite

Marion Faulkner-Taylor (2026). The Role of Women's Leadership in Farmer-Based Organisations for Climate-Smart Agricultural Adoption in Ethiopia's Amhara Region, 2010–2025. African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2011), 26-32.
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Keywords

Women's LeadershipClimate-Smart AgricultureFarmer-Based OrganisationsSub-Saharan AfricaAgricultural Innovation AdoptionQualitative Case StudyGender and Development

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2011)
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