Empowering women to advance the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka

 Lessons from CSIAP in Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

In Sri Lanka, where 25.9% of the population was living below the poverty line in 2023, poverty continues to be a pressing issue. Rural communities, particularly those dependent on agriculture and minor irrigation, face the dual challenges of economic hardship and climate vulnerability. Among them, women often bear the brunt of poverty due to systemic gender inequalities and limited access to resources. However, projects like the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) are making strides in improving the lives of women and rural communities, demonstrating the power of inclusive development.

 The CSIAP, a critical initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation (MoALLI), has focused on improving smallholder agriculture's productivity and climate resilience since 2019. The project targets vulnerable agrarian communities in climatically sensitive regions, where farmers many depend on rain-fed and minor irrigation systems. These areas, which span 11 districts, are facing growing challenges due to climate change, depleting natural resources, and an increasingly uncertain economic environment

 Ensuring Gender Equality in Agriculture and Irrigation Sectors

 The CSIAP's commitment to gender equality and social inclusion is evident in its actions. Women, especially those in vulnerable groups such as female-headed households, single mothers, the elderly, and those living below the poverty line, often struggle to access opportunities within the agricultural sector. CSIAP addresses these challenges through targeted interventions that foster women’s participation in decision-making, leadership roles, and economic activities.

 The project has taken significant steps to ensure that at least 30% of all participants in all project activities, including Farmer Organizations (FOs), Social Audit Committees (SACs), Producer Societies (PSs), Producer Associations (PAs) and Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) are women. This ensures that women not only have a voice but also play a key role in shaping the future of agricultural practices and policies at the community level. Through this, CSIAP has promoted the idea that gender equality is crucial not only for social justice but also for the accelerated development of sustainable agricultural systems.

Empowering Women in Leadership Roles

A major lesson from CSIAP has been the importance of empowering women in leadership. Through capacity-building programs, CSIAP has enhanced the confidence of women farmers and enabled them to take on leadership positions in agricultural committees. Women’s involvement in these roles has proven to be transformative for both individuals and the broader community. Female leadership within Farmer Organizations and Producer Societies has led to more inclusive and equitable decision-making, ensuring that women’s specific needs and concerns are addressed.

 The project has also promoted female participation in critical committees such as the Social Audit Committees (SACs) and Cascade Management Committees (CMC), where women’s input has been pivotal in decision making, promoting sustainable agricultural and water management practices. The high levels of female participation 31.98% in SACs and 30.64% in CMCs show that women are not only included but are central to the governance structures that shape the future of agriculture and irrigation at the grassroots level.

Breaking Down Barriers: Addressing Gender-Specific Challenges

CSIAP’s commitment to gender-sensitive policies is another key factor in its success. Women in agriculture face distinct challenges, including time constraints due to household responsibilities, limited mobility, and barriers to accessing technology and financial resources. CSIAP has tackled these issues by implementing gender-responsive strategies, such as providing training sessions and promoting flexible participation methods. This has led to an increase in women’s engagement, ensuring that they can balance their household duties with active involvement in agricultural programs. However, CSIAP was unable to provide the childcare facilities during training sessions, which is noticed as a critical need in the grassroots level to break the barriers of women for the active participation in project activities.

In addition, CSIAP has addressed the financial empowerment of women farmers. Access to financial literacy training through the Farmer Business School has enabled many women to invest in their farms, diversify their income sources, improve their livelihoods, and become an entrepreneur. 

 Social Inclusion and Vulnerability Reduction

CSIAP also emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, landless peasants, and those living in poverty. By prioritizing these groups in the selection criteria for agricultural programs, the project ensures equitable access to resources. The integration of socially inclusive policies means that vulnerable women, who are often the most disadvantaged, have the opportunity to improve their living standards and secure a more stable future.

 Furthermore, CSIAP has actively worked to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in its project areas. Through awareness campaigns, GBV prevention measures, and the implementation of a Code of Conduct (COC) on prevention of GBV for contractors and their laborers, the project has created safer spaces for women to engage in economic activities without fear of violence or harassment. This has been a critical step in ensuring that women can participate fully in agricultural and irrigation programs without facing additional social risks.

 A Model for Future Development

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, CSIAP’s work stands as a testament to the power of inclusive development. By promoting women’s leadership, providing gender-sensitive support, and ensuring equitable access to resources, the project has empowered countless women in Sri Lanka’s rural areas. The lessons learned from CSIAP are clear: when women are given the equipment, resources, and opportunities to thrive, they can transform not only their lives but also the agricultural landscape for future generations.

 On this Women’s Day, we honor the women of Sri Lanka who are leading the way in agriculture and minor irrigation, proving that gender equality is not just a lofty ideal but a practical and essential pathway to sustainable development. Through continued commitment to gender inclusion, CSIAP has laid a strong foundation for a more resilient and equitable agricultural sector, and its impact will be felt for years to come.

By Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Social Safeguard and Gender Development Officer, PMU, CSIAP

"Deva Danaya" inspires the CSIAP’s Progress Monitoring Visit in Monaragala, UP

Deva Danaya" (alms-giving for deities) is a traditional Sri Lankan ritual where beneficiary farmers of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) offer the first harvest of rice to the guardian deities with prayers expressing their gratitude for good harvest, blessings given and for a successful forthcoming season with good health, prosperity and protection from harm. This religious ceremony occurred at Anicut 05, Handapanagala, yesterday (01^st) morning during the CSIAP’s Progress Monitoring Visit in the Monaragala District. Representing the Project Management Unit (PMU), Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, Mr. K.V. Athula, Deputy Project Director, Subject Specialists and Subject Officers, along with Mr D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Uva and Southern Provinces and his provincial staff, attended this event.

The CSIAP supported 33 farmers by providing wild animal fencing to protect their crops on 39 acres of Athiliwewa. This thoughtful contribution will go a long way in safeguarding their hard work and ensuring a better yield. With the increasing challenge of animals invading farmlands, this fencing has come as a great relief. It will help secure their crops, improve productivity, and contribute to the overall well-being of this farming community.  Farmer Mr. Y.M.P. Karunarathna, Chairman, Parakum Producer Society and his father, who is also a farmer, Mr. Y. P. Wickramasinghe, expressed their sincere gratitude to the Deputy Project Director's Office of the CSIAP in Southern & Uva Provinces for the generous support given. 

Samanalawewa Producer Society in 45 Ela,  extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Deputy Project Directors Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP  for the generous provision of the seed pad cleaner. The CSIAP’s thoughtful contribution will greatly enhance farmers’ ability to process and prepare seeds efficiently, ensuring better quality and improved yields. The seed paddy cleaner will not only help in removing impurities, strengthening crop production and promoting sustainable farming practices but will also contribute to higher germination rates, ultimately benefiting these farming efforts. The CSIAP's support in providing this valuable equipment will make a meaningful difference in the agricultural productivity of this farming community.

The Farming Community in Anicut 5, Wissayaya, met the CSIAP representatives from the PMU and SP&UP office and expressed their deepest gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the CSIAP in the form of agricultural roads, field channels, culverts, and wild animal fencing. The CSIAP’s contributions have significantly improved the safety, accessibility, and productivity of farmlands in the area, enhancing rural livelihoods in the area. The newly developed agricultural roads have made transportation of farm inputs and produce much easier, reducing costs and improving market access. The field channels have greatly helped in efficient water management, ensuring better irrigation and higher crop yields. The culverts have improved drainage and accessibility, preventing erosion and maintaining road conditions during heavy rains. Most importantly, the elephant fencing has provided much-needed protection against wildlife intrusion, safeguarding both our crops and our livelihoods. The CSIAP’s efforts have had a profound impact on this farming community, fostering growth, security, and prosperity. 

Polytunnels provided by the CSIAP efficiently extend growing seasons, protect crops from adverse weather conditions, and enhance overall farm productivity. By maintaining a controlled environment, they help improve crop yield and quality, reduce pest infestations, and optimize water usage. Accordingly, the CSIAP has given a polytunnel to farmer Mr. Lasantha Kumara at Mahaaragama, Akkrawissa, as part of its initiative to support sustainable and resilient farming practices. The project recognizes the significant role that farmers like him play in ensuring food security and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The polytunnel can enhance crop yield, extend growing seasons, and protect crops from adverse weather conditions, thereby contributing to more sustainable and productive farming. This polytunnel will aid in improving his farm’s productivity and efficiency.  Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director,  truly appreciates his hard work and dedication to farming and looks forward to seeing the positive impact this polytunnel will have on his agricultural endeavors. 

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP provinces extends its support to farmer Mr. H.M.K. Hearth at Gamunugama, Buttala, by giving solar panels and a water pump to assist in his efficient and sustainable cultivation of bananas and chilies. The project recognizes the crucial role that this farmer plays in ensuring food security and economic stability, and the CSIAP understand the challenges posed by unreliable access to water and electricity. This solar-powered water pump is a step towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, reducing dependency on conventional energy sources, and ensuring a consistent water supply for irrigation. The project is confident that this input will enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a greener and more efficient farming environment. Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, appreciated this farmer’s dedication to agriculture and the well-being of the community.  

As part of the CSIAP’s commitment to supporting farmers in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP has provided frmer Mr. Sunil Perera in Weheragala with the following essential farming inputs: Drip Irrigation System to optimize water usage and enhance crop growth efficiency, Poly Mulching Materials to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Insect-proof nets to protect your crops from harmful pests and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides. High-quality Chili Seeds to ensure better yield and disease resistance and Chicks to support poultry farming as an additional source of income and nutrition. The CSIAP hopes that these inputs will help him achieve higher yields, better pest control, and improved farm profitability.

 The CSIAP aims to support young farmers with modern agricultural solutions, which will lead to a more resilient and prosperous future. A young farmer Mr. Piyal Senanayake, in Unawatuna, has been equipped with a drip irrigation system and insect-proof nets by the Deputy Project Director’s Office in SP &UP Provinces to enhance productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability. Farmer Piyal explained the notable success he achieved to the CSIAP Officials during the visit. The drip irrigation system given ensures efficient water use, reduces waste, and improves crop yields. Insect-proof nets provide natural pest control, minimizing the need for harmful chemicals. These innovations boost farm efficiency and contribute to food security and environmental conservation. 

The production of value-added products can bring numerous benefits, such as creating more sustainable income streams, reducing reliance on raw commodity markets, and offering consumers higher-quality, locally produced goods. Ms. Indumathi Prasadari in Puhul Kotuwa was given a grinder machine by the CSIAP to produce value-added products. Currently, Indumathi produces packets of dried Wood Apple, Curry Leaf, Mango, Papaya and Soursop powder drink, dehydrated jackfruit and Fenugreek Tea. Project Director Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena appreciated the hard work and dedication Indumathi has shown in her efforts to take her business to the next level. Indumathi’s commitment to innovation and quality is inspiring. Deputy Project Director (SP&UP) Mr. D. M.L. Bandaranayake stated that her commitment to innovation and creating high-quality products not only adds value to your business but also significantly benefits the local economy and community. The CSIAP is confident that her new product line will have a positive impact.

The CSIAP Team observed the ongoing work related to tank rehabilitation, agri-road construction, and field channel development under Karawila Kotuwawewa in Waguruwela. Members of the Social Audit Committee explained the current status of the construction to the CSIAP representatives. The importance of well-maintained irrigation systems, agri roards constructed for agricultural purposes, and properly constructed field channels not only enhances agricultural productivity but also contributes significantly to improving the livelihoods of local farmers and communities.

Concluding the Monaragala visit, the CSIAP Official monitored Udarawewa, its tank bund, agri roads, spill and field channels where development work has been completed in Konketiya. Farmers who gathered expressed their sincere gratitude for the successful rehabilitation of the tank, as well as the construction of the tank bund, agri roads, spill, and field channel. These much-needed improvements have made a significant positive impact on the lives of our villagers, farmers said. These projects have not only enhanced our agricultural productivity but have also contributed to the overall well-being and economic prosperity of our village. We are deeply thankful for the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP commitment to improving our community and for their hard work in making these improvements a reality, they stated.

 The rehabilitation of the above tank and tank bunds will play a critical role in enhancing water storage and distribution, which is vital for irrigation and supporting local agriculture. Furthermore, the construction of agri roads, spillways, and field channels will significantly improve access to farms and optimize water management, contributing to increased agricultural yields and overall community welfare. These essential projects are crucial for improving water management and agricultural productivity, and the CSIAP believe that they will have a lasting positive impact on the community and local farmers. 

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, and Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP