Rising Above the Heat: Innovative Cooling Solutions for Rural Women in Asia

As extreme heat waves become more frequent and intense across Asia and the Pacific, women in the agriculture sector are disproportionately affected.  

Learn more about the issues from “Rising Above the Heat: Strengthening Women’s Resilience to Heat Stress”

 

Impact of Heat Stress on Agriculture  

In Asia and the Pacific, agriculture plays a critical role in both the economy and regional food security, with 75% of farmers’ livelihoods reliant on this sector. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, driven by climate change, severely impacts agricultural productivity. For instance, heat stress notably affects fruit quality and catalyzes ripening processes, leading to significant losses in yield and stability. Additionally, it is projected that countries growing 70% of the world's food will face 'extreme' heat risk by 2045, with key crops, including rice, cocoa, and tomatoes, being the worst affected.  Extreme heat conditions lead to significant post-harvest losses, undermining the economic stability and food security of the region. In 2021, 13.2% of the world’s food was lost between harvest and retailers/consumers, while in Asia, over 40% of food loss and waste occurs at the post-harvest level.

 

Vulnerability of Women 

Rural women, particularly those involved in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry, are highly vulnerable to heat stress. Their outdoor activities expose them to health risks and reduce their productivity. As the primary providers of family food security and income, these women face exacerbated economic and gender disparities due the increased pressures on natural resources brought on by climate change. Inadequate access to efficient and affordable cooling technologies, for domestic and livelihood related use, further increases their burden, leading to greater income disparities, food insecurity, and physical strain. 

 

Expected Solutions 

• The project requires accessible innovations and proven technologies tailored to the developing member countries’ local context, involving engagement with stakeholders such as local authorities, and female agricultural producers and processors across the agricultural value chains. 
• Strengthened climate-resilient agricultural practices through the integration of sustainable energy solutions tailored for rural women, enhancing their capacity to adapt to heat stress as it pertains to both food security and rural livelihoods.  
• Implementation of innovative cooling and storage solutions that enhances the adaptive capacity of rural women, reducing heat-related losses and improving economic stability and food security in agricultural and related sectors. 
• Increased access to sustainable cooling technologies powered by passive cooling, renewable energy, or improving energy efficiency in rural areas, promoting environmental sustainability while addressing the needs of women. 

 

Example Solutions  

• Renewable Energy, such as solar-powered community cooling facilities or refrigeration systems, including cold storage and refrigerated transportation. These systems can serve multiple households, promoting resource sharing and reducing individual costs. 
• Cooling Technology: Portable, battery-operated cooling devices for cold chains, specifically designed for rural women. 
• AI and/or IoT-enabled monitoring systems for community cooling facilities or refrigeration systems to optimize energy use and ensure efficient operation. 
• Use of passive coolers and other energy-efficient technologies for rural women communities to reduce food or crops spoilage. 
• Use waste-to-energy systems to power cooling facilities, reducing waste and providing a sustainable energy source for refrigeration and storage needs. 
• Cooling hubs, shelters, and facilities designed with passive cooling combined with nature-based solutions, such as shade structures, evaporative cooling, phase change material cooling solutions, reflective and natural materials for buildings, thermal mass (materials that absorb and slowly release heat), green roofs and walls, solar chimneys, cooling ponds and water bodies, and cross-ventilation, etc.