The report ,The Gender Advantage: Women on the front line of climate change, shows that successful adaptation to climate change means recognizing the role of women smallholder farmers. It describes the lives of millions of women around the world who have been able to better support their families and communities because on gender-sensitive adaptation. "At IFAD, we believe in people-centered solutions that include solutions for climate change," said Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of IFAD. "We need adaptation solutions that build on the diverse knowledge, priorities and capacities of women and men."

IFAD recognizes that rural women are on the front line of climate change impacts. Experience shows that women are central to improving the lives of their families and communities, playing a pivotal role in adaptation initiatives. In Nigeria, for example, women are at the heart of the IFAD-supported Climate Change Adaptation and Agribusiness Support Programme, which provides credit and seed capital for income-generating activities, specifically targeting women. It also promotes women in decision-making roles. “I am one of the first that benefitted from the IFAD project,” said Hajia Nafisa, community leader, Jigawa State, Nigeria. “I received goats, seed support and improved technologies. I have six goats now for myself, after selling seven and giving one to my daughter . I bought a motorcycle for my son to run a taxi service, and my last daughter is in private secondary school. I supported my husband with N20,000 for his business and I bought a bicycle for myself."

The case studies in the report outline how, when adaptation is geared toward specific challenges faced by women smallholder farmers, it creates a virtuous cycle that improves economic options, incomes and yields, and reduces workloads for women and their families. "We know from experience that we will never achieve true food security and poverty eradication unless we promote gender equality and empower women,” Nwanze said. “This is true for those trying to solve the climate crisis. I hope that on International Women's Day, IFAD's work will inspire others to ensure that partnerships in all areas of development include partnerships with women."