Across Africa, Indigenous women have been key custodians of natural resources for generations. They are usually the ones gathering firewood, fetching water, cultivating traditional crops and passing down ecological knowledge to younger generations. Their daily lives are closely tied to the environment, giving them a deep understanding of how natural systems work and what changes signal problems ahead.
In rural Ghana, for instance, women in farming communities are the primary managers of household gardens and local seed banks. These gardens not only feed families but also conserve indigenous plant varieties. Women decide which crops to plant based on changing seasons, soil health and family needs. This work is invisible in policy discussions, yet it is critical to biodiversity and food security.
In Uganda, Indigenous women have played a central role in protecting forest ecosystems by maintaining spiritual and cultural practices that prohibit overharvesting. They lead rituals, enforce taboos, or restrict access to sacred forest sites. These practices function as informal conservation mechanisms, limiting damage to sensitive areas. When these cultural systems are disrupted by land development or conservation programs that exclude local people, it is often women who bear the brunt of the consequences.
Indigenous women continue to face barriers to land ownership, participation in decision-making and access to financial resources despite their expertise. Gender discrimination within communities and within formal governance structures limits their ability to contribute to environmental management at a larger scale. Ignoring their knowledge and leadership weakens the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Recognising and supporting the role of Indigenous women not only promotes inclusion but also strengthens the systems that already protect Africa’s natural resources. Policies that support women’s land rights, leadership in community conservation and access to education can have a significant impact. When women are allowed to lead, entire ecosystems benefit.