In the North West province of South Africa, Helen Moloto leads a group of women embracing resilient farming practices. At her smallhold farm in Kgabalatsane village, where environmental conditions are harsh—marked by extreme heat and dry soil—traditional crops are proving more resilient in the face of climate change. Moloto is part of the Hebron Mango Tree Owners Cooperative, which is affiliated with the GenderCC Southern Africa–Women for Climate Justice initiative. Through technical assistance, training, capacity building, education, and advocacy, 6,000 smallholder farmers are expanding their approaches to climate adaptation. They are implementing gender-responsive and climate-smart practices through eco-friendly land use and resource management techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics. As extreme weather and climate vulnerability compound issues like water scarcity, food insecurity, and economic hardship, projects like this are vital in a changing climate. Diversified enterprise development and sustainable farming practices form the backbone of the cooperative, enabling the women to create viable, local solutions.
