In Pakistan, 80% of women actively contribute to agricultural production as family workers, labourers, or landowners. However, they remain primarily overlooked regarding targeting technology transfer, giving access to resources, and economic empowerment.
Women in agriculture face significant barriers, including limited land-ownership rights, exclusion from decision-making processes, and a lack of self-confidence in financial matters. However, introducing climate-smart irrigation technologies like the soil moisture sensor may be a game changer for women.
Women farmers from District Okara in Punjab Province—ranging from smallholders (less than 2 acres) to medium (<12.5 acres) and large progressive farmers (>13 acres)—have regularly been excluded from training programs focused on climate-smart technologies despite the increasing challenges posed by Punjab’s changing climate.
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) introduced a new project to make such training more accessible to these farmers. The United Kingdom–funded Water Resources Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) project entitled “Climate Resilient Solutions for Improving Water Governance (CRS-IWaG)” has introduced soil-moisture sensors to guide farmers when and how much to irrigate for growing crops in Okara.
IWMI researcher Dr Mohsin Hafeez has led the introduction of soil-moisture sensors in Pakistan. This innovative tool assists farmers in scheduling irrigation more effectively, helping to conserve water and prevent overwatering, which can be detrimental to crop health.
The IWMI team has identified small, medium and progressive women farmers and provided them with hands-on training on using soil-moisture sensors. Additionally, the team has installed these sensors on their farms, providing them with tools and knowledge to optimize irrigation practices and improve water management without compromising the crop yield.
Mrs. Tufail has been a progressive farmer growing wheat, rice, maize, fodder, and vegetables on 40 acres of land for more than 15 years. She has reduced rising electricity costs by using the soil-moisture sensor to schedule her irrigation more efficiently. She says, “Ever since I started monitoring soil moisture levels, I have been able to conserve water and electricity at a cost of around USD 3000.”
The soil-moisture sensors help women establish irrigation schedules, avoid overuse of water, and conserve irrigation water. Using the technology means women can save enough water for one wheat crop irrigation cycle, equivalent to saving PKR 1200 per acre and increasing crop yields by 20%.
Dr Mohsin Hafeez says, “We wanted to address the water-management challenges women face in the region to [use] sustainable practices, which has proved to be a game changer for these women.”
Ms. Shehnaz, a small landholder farmer growing wheat, maize, and fodder on 12 acres of land, shared: “Since I started using climate-smart technology, I have been able to save excess water for my crops. With the help of this instrument, I can monitor water and determine which crops require irrigation and which do not. This helps me avoid excess irrigation, saving electricity costs.”
Ensuring the success of a new solution, particularly in water management and agricultural technology, requires a multifaceted approach. Collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and private sector partners is essential for effective implementation.
Community engagement, involving both women and men in planning and decision-making, fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the solution meets the needs of all stakeholders. Training and capacity building help users understand and effectively adopt new practices, while gender inclusion ensures equitable and sustainable benefits.
Cultural sensitivity is crucial for acceptance and integration, while awareness and interaction can boost community buy-in and encourage widespread adoption.
The author is a Researcher, Gender and Social Inclusion at IWMI, Pakistan. Dr Mohsin Hafeez and Dr Jahanzeb Cheema also contributed to this article.
