Climate change is strongly affecting agriculture in the Republic of Moldova and women in rural areas are among the most exposed to these risks. Drought, crop losses, soil degradation, limited access to finance and inadequate infrastructure all deepen existing vulnerabilities. At the same time, women are often the ones who find solutions, manage households, ensure the continuity of agricultural activities and keep communities together during times of crisis. For agriculture to remain sustainable in the years ahead, it is essential that women working in this sector are connected and have a stronger voice.

All these issues were discussed during a national dialogue held in Chișinău on 4 December. The event, organized with the support of UNDP, Sweden and Norway, brought together more than 100 women agro-producers, representatives of central and local public authorities, agriculture and sustainable development experts, as well as development partners. Participants explored ways to accelerate a fair transition toward a green, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.

Within its projects, UNDP and its partners, the European Union, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Austria, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, and Japan, have demonstrated that investing in women’s capacities generates real, tangible change at the community level. Training in climate-smart practices, access to energy-efficient technologies, mentorship and support for developing women-led agricultural businesses all contribute to reducing climate vulnerabilities and boosting competitiveness in rural areas. A green transition cannot be achieved without the participation of women and without mechanisms that ensure their equal access to resources, information, and markets.

The discussions focused on integrating gender perspectives into national environmental and agricultural policies, strengthening women’s leadership in climate adaptation and the need for targeted tools, such as access to finance and mentorship, that address the specific challenges faced in rural areas, where the impact of climate change is felt most acutely.

During the dialogue, participants announced their intention to establish the “Women for Resilient Agriculture” (FAR) Platform — an initiative born directly from the realities on the ground and shaped by the solidarity that has emerged among women working in agriculture.

“Women in agriculture face several challenges, starting with the double burden of work at home and in the fields, which leaves them with little time for training or learning new technologies. In many cases, land is registered under the husband’s name, limiting women’s access to loans, subsidies and other financial resources. Gender stereotypes also persist, often underestimating women’s role in decision-making and business management. In this context, FAR can become a real and effective solution, as it provides education through mentorship programs, facilitates access to resources and capital, and creates a strong network where women can cooperate, exchange experience and support each other. FAR will break the isolation and offer both emotional and professional support, which is essential in the face of growing climate and economic challenges,” said entrepreneur Angela Comendant, an entrepreneur from Cotiujenii Mari, Șoldănești, and the founder of the agro-tourism guesthouse “Curtea de Piatră.”

“The FAR Platform will help women in agriculture stay connected, support one another, and share practices that truly work. This solidarity and exchange of experience will make us more resilient, more united, and better prepared to grow our businesses, even in the face of climate challenges,” stated entrepreneur Domnica Căpățînă, an entrepreneur from Slobozia Mare, Cahul, who runs a livestock business specialized in dairy production.

The future platform aims to provide an organized framework in which women in agriculture can join forces, access climate-smart practices, better understand opportunities for green financing and strengthen their voice in dialogue with institutions responsible for agricultural and climate policies. FAR will serve as a tool through which women transform vulnerability into collective strength and build a more resilient future together.

UNDP and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting women in agriculture to become central actors of climate resilience and transformation. A modern and sustainable agriculture is only possible when women have the resources, voice, and power to act together.