In Pakistan, about 1.5 million smallholder farmers make their living from producing cotton. But the future of Pakistan's cotton farming will depend on men and women playing an equal role in tackling climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Women cotton farmers can lead by example in their communities. In rural Pakistan, this means overcoming entrenched notions of gender roles in the household and in the fields. The six BCI implementing partners in Pakistan are supporting women to take on more responsibility in the fields and become self-reliant farmers.
In the Vehari district of Punjab, BCI implementing partner Rural Education Economic and Education Development Society (REEDS) helped Almas Parveen, an ambitious, capable young 27-year-old woman. Almas' family has been running a nine-hectare farm since 2009. Rather than outsourcing management to a third male farmer, Almas was determined to run the farm herself, grow healthy crops and get the best possible yield to support her family. Almas' farm was too small to qualify for REEDS' BCI program, which was originally aimed at medium-sized farms. Nevertheless, she was given the opportunity to attend BCI training and learn sustainable farming practices. With support from REEDS, Almas completed the training, qualified as a field facilitator, and started a paid position as a trainer for local BCI farmers in March 2017.
Almas' transition to a position of responsibility in her community was not smooth. She faced resistance from community members who did not approve of a young woman working alone and training male farmers. Farmers were also suspicious of Almas and questioned her right to train them. But Almas stood firm. Over time, farmers' opinions changed as her technical knowledge and sound advice led to tangible benefits for their farms. Anger turned to recognition. She had earned the community's respect.
Today, Almas trains 400 BCI farmers and supports other cotton farmers outside the BCI program. Almas increased yield and profit on her own farm by 18% and 23% respectively in 2017-18 (compared to 2016-17) and reduced pesticide use by 35%. The extra profits enabled her to support her family and pay for her brother's wedding. Importantly, Almas also wants to make a difference in her community by being a role model for female farmers and encouraging more girls and women to grow cotton.