Convergence-based Extension to Empower Women for Climate Change Adaptation: A Logic Model-based Evaluation Study

Rural women play a pivotal role in India's agricultural workforce to transform the economy, in connection to addressing the UNO's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. However, despite their contributions, rural women face challenges such as increased climate variability-based obstacles, financial instability, limited access to resources, and socio-economic inequalities in their socio-economic development process. Hence, the convergence-based extension efforts were pilot-tested in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh to empower women for climate change adaptation through women's adaptive capacities and interventions for enhanced sustainable agricultural opportunities. Further, an evaluation study was conducted to assess the behavioral outcome of the Convergence-based Extension for Climate Change Adaptation and women empowerment with 80 intervenient women. The study evaluated the knowledge, participation, and perception of women farmers towards climate change adaptation. Findings revealed progress in financial inclusion, with 97.5% having women-specific bank accounts, and active participation in social events (96.25%) and Self-Help Groups (90%). However, gaps persist in joint agricultural decision-making (18.75%) and awareness of economic contributions (32.5%). Climate variability exacerbates existing challenges, with 81.25% perceiving increased rainfall intensity and 72.5% reporting groundwater scarcity. Further, the study found significant positive outcomes for gender mainstreaming and climate change adaptation among rural women farmers. Also, the study emphasizes the need for targeted policies to ensure effective women's participation in sustainable agricultural productivity and fostering gender equality in rural agrarian communities.