UniPort Lecturer Launches Gender Responsive Framework for Climate and Agricultural Policymaking

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Chinwoke Clara Ifeanyi-Obi, has unveiled the Gender Responsive SMART Framework (G-SMART Monitor), a pioneering tool designed to strengthen gender inclusion in climate change and agricultural policymaking.

The launch, held at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Abuja, attracted key stakeholders from government ministries, international organizations, NGOs, and professional associations.

Chairman of the occasion and Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension, Mr. Olawumi Ayodele, praised the initiative as a timely innovation that will guide policymakers in addressing challenges at the intersection of agriculture and climate change.

Director of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), Dr. Susan Karia, lauded Dr. Ifeanyi-obi’s achievement, noting that it reflects the broader contributions of AWARD GRASP Fellows who are driving systemic change in agricultural policy across Africa.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), Prof. Angela Ine Frank-Briggs, described the framework as a milestone in climate and agricultural policy development. She urged policymakers to adopt it, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore gender responsiveness in tackling climate change, given its severe impact on food security.

The high point of the event was the formal unveiling of the G-SMART Monitor by Dr. Ifeanyi-obi and other dignitaries, including Mrs. Ifeoma Anyanwu (former Head of Gender Unit, FMARD), Prof. Nkiru Meludu (President, AESON), Dr. F.O. Issa (President, NIFAAS), and Prof. Sidiqat Aderinonye-AbdulWahab.

In her remarks, Dr. Ifeanyi-obi encouraged stakeholders to adopt the framework in shaping policies, programmes, and initiatives, while expressing appreciation to AWARD and the University of Port Harcourt for their support during its development.

The launch of the G-SMART Monitor marks a major step towards advancing gender-responsive climate action and agricultural policy in Nigeria.