Women Need Direct Climate Financing to Drive Africa's Green Transition, Says Deborah Auko

NAIROBI, Kenya – Award-winning author, Head of Digital Strategy at Fargo Group, and Patron of Women in Logistics and Transport in Kenya, Deborah Auko has called for direct climate financing for women, equitable land rights and stronger African leadership in the global climate agenda, saying these are essential to accelerating environmental conservation and sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking during the Women Archivers Conference 2026 in Kenya, Auko said Africa continues to bear the devastating effects of climate change despite contributing only a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, she noted, the continent receives only about three per cent of global climate finance, leaving vulnerable communities without the resources needed to adapt to climate change and protect their natural environment.

She observed that women are the backbone of environmental conservation across Africa. From safeguarding forests and water sources to producing food and preserving indigenous knowledge, women are already leading climate resilience efforts at the grassroots. However, they remain among the least supported when it comes to accessing climate finance.

According to Auko, one of the greatest weaknesses of existing climate financing mechanisms is that funds rarely reach grassroots women directly. Instead, resources pass through multiple international organisations, governments and implementing agencies before reaching local communities—if they reach them at all.

She said the lengthy bureaucracy, complex accreditation processes and multiple intermediaries have prevented many women-led environmental initiatives from benefiting from international climate finance.

"There is an urgent need to establish direct financing mechanisms that place resources in the hands of women leading climate action in our communities. Climate commitments made at global conferences must translate into practical support for women working in places such as Nairobi, Garissa, Mandera and across Africa," she said.

Auko also identified unequal land ownership and inheritance as one of the biggest barriers preventing women from participating fully in environmental conservation and climate action.

She explained that many climate financing programmes require title deeds or proof of land ownership before approving grants or loans for projects such as solar energy installations, irrigation systems, reforestation and borehole development.

Yet in many African communities, customary inheritance practices deny women ownership of land. Before marriage, land often belongs to fathers or brothers, while after marriage it is commonly registered in the husband's name. As a result, many capable women are locked out of climate financing opportunities simply because they do not possess land titles.

"When women do not own or control land, they are denied the opportunity to make long-term investments in environmental conservation. Equal land inheritance is not only a matter of justice but an environmental necessity," Auko said.

She urged governments, financial institutions and development partners to reform climate financing models by removing land ownership as a primary eligibility requirement and adopting more inclusive approaches that reflect the realities facing African women.

Auko further challenged African countries to rethink how they utilise their abundant natural resources. Rather than exporting raw minerals for processing overseas, she said the continent should invest in value addition, green manufacturing and local industries that create employment while strengthening environmental sustainability.

"We have all the minerals, and we need to stop exporting our resources for others to benefit. Africa must process its own resources, create jobs for its people and build resilient economies that support sustainable development," she said.

On climate justice, she called for fair carbon financing mechanisms that reward African countries and local communities for protecting forests, biodiversity and other critical ecosystems. She argued that Africa should be recognised not as a victim of climate change but as a global leader capable of delivering practical environmental solutions.

Auko also underscored the contribution of women archivists in preserving Africa's environmental history and cultural heritage. She said documenting indigenous knowledge, conservation practices and historical records is essential for informing future policies and ensuring that lessons from the past guide sustainable development.

In her closing remarks, she challenged African governments, donors, development partners and the private sector to invest more in women-led environmental initiatives, climate education, digital innovation and heritage preservation.

"It is time for Africa to stop seeing itself as a victim. We have the natural resources, the knowledge and the people. What we need is bold leadership, equitable financing and the determination to shape our own green future," she concluded.

Delegates at the conference echoed her message, calling for stronger partnerships to ensure women have equal access to climate finance, land, technology and leadership opportunities. They agreed that empowering women to lead environmental conservation is not only essential for tackling climate change but also for achieving inclusive economic growth and safeguarding Africa's natural heritage for future generations.