Gender Integration in Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Education in Saudi Arabia: A Review

Abstract

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) aligns directly with the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 by optimising resource use and building climate resilience for environmental resilience, economic diversification and sustainable development. As technological agriculture becomes more advanced, an effective education and capacity-building system is vital for promoting adoption and sustainable CSA practices. The participation of women in agriculture in Saudi Arabia is getting more recognition through small livestock rearing, beekeeping, nurseries, greenhouse production and value addition, information on gender integration in CSA education and training program is limited. The article synthesises peer-reviewed literatures, policy documents, and institutional reports to examine the gender integration of CSA education in Saudi Arabia. The article identifies the possible transformation and agricultural development through feminist theory, gender-responsive pedagogy, intersectionality, and Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems (AKIS). Additionally, the persistent gendered barriers which include male-dominated knowledge systems, limited representation of women’s, agricultural roles, unequal access to extension and digital tools, and weak institutional coordination was highlighted in this review. Simultaneously, the article shows the emerging opportunities for gender-responsive and transformative CSA education that aligns with national policy. Conclusively, women’s agency, learning, and leadership in climate-resilient agricultural systems could be enhance through integrating gender in CSA education.