One of the DAAD's main concerns is to set up projects in a way that they remain effective even after the programmes have ended. One such example is the climapAfrica Women's Group, which emerged in June 2023. It is rooted in a DAAD programme of the same name that ended later that year. The group has since been reorganised under the name African Women in Climate Research and Action (AWCRA).

On 3 and 4 June 2025, over 40 female researchers, practitioners and students from across Africa gathered at Babcock University, near the Nigerian city of Lagos, for a workshop titled “From Vulnerability to Resilience: Empowering Women to Address Climate Change through the Sustainable Development Goals”. A further 70 participants joined the event virtually from countries such as Cameroon, Zambia, South Africa and Germany. The event was supported organisationally and financially by AWCRA and the DAAD.

It provided a platform for participants to share knowledge, forge collaborations and develop practical solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. A key theme of the workshop was the acknowledgement that women, who are frequently the most impacted by climate change, must take on a leading role in research, advocacy and community initiatives.

We discussed this with AWCRA Coordinator Dr Omowumi Kayode, AWCRA Vice Coordinator Dr Jumoke Ogunrayi and Dr Murielle Fantodji, a plant scientist from Benin who participated in the event.

Dr Ogunrayi, when we last spoke in June 2023, the climapAfrica Women’s Group had just been founded. You mentioned then that you hoped the group would expand and become more engaged in mentoring. Has this vision come to fruition?

Jumoke Ogunrayi: Yes, absolutely. The group remained active even after the DAAD climapAfrica programme ended. Then came a moment when we realised: maybe our focus was too narrow. Originally, the group was limited to postdoctoral researchers. We wanted to expand this to include students and women from other professional backgrounds. This led to a rebranding and a new name: African Women in Climate Research and Action – AWCRA. Since then, we have organised the DAAD alumni workshop, which brought together more than 40 women from all over Africa. We have also developed a clearer leadership structure and launched outreach programmes for secondary schools.

How has the network evolved since then?

Jumoke Ogunrayi: In 2023, we had around 40 members, some of whom became less active over time due to career changes. The renaming and reorganisation gave us new momentum. At the most recent workshop, 42 women were physically present, and 70 participated virtually. The network is growing again, and our visibility has increased, especially on platforms like LinkedIn.

Could you elaborate on your ongoing cooperation with the DAAD? This is particularly interesting as it demonstrates how programme impact can continue beyond funding periods.

Jumoke Ogunrayi: The DAAD has been extremely supportive. After the climapAfrica funding ended, there was a clear desire to keep the group going. The DAAD encouraged us to apply for funding for the workshop and supported us throughout the process.

Dr Kayode, why is women’s participation in climate research and policy so crucial for combating poverty, environmental degradation, and achieving the SDGs?

Omowumi Kayode: Women are often at the frontline of climate impacts, especially in Africa, where many are engaged in agriculture and resource management. Yet, they are underrepresented in research and decision-making. Our mission is to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration. During the workshop, we discussed intensively how we can use our research to solve real-world problems, particularly in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are also focusing on education, starting in schools. For example, we have established climate clubs in secondary schools and encouraged girls to take on leadership roles. The SDGs, especially SDG 13 (Climate Action), are gradually being institutionalised at Nigerian universities through research directorates and integration into the curriculum. This is an important platform for us.

What challenges do women still face?

Omowumi Kayode: It’s a challenge to balance work, family and research. Climate research often requires fieldwork far away from everyday life. The good news is: it’s manageable. Those of us who have reached the postdoc level can pass on our knowledge to younger women and show them how to pursue a scientific career under difficult conditions. A highlight for me was the lecture by Professor Mary Idowu from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Obafemi Awolowo University. She presented her research on drought-resistant seeds—a tangible example of women-led innovation. This kind of mentorship is invaluable.

Dr Fantodji, what were your key takeaways from the workshop as a participant?

Murielle Fantodji: I’m a plant scientist, and the workshop was eye-opening. We discussed new frameworks based on climate justice and gender equality, and we called for women's involvement in decision-making processes and the creation of safety nets for women in vulnerable regions. I was particularly inspired by the approach of aligning potential solutions with the SDGs. This ensures that the projects contribute to measurable global goals. We also explored how women can support each other in sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming, and diversifying their livelihoods.

The workshop theme was “From Vulnerability to Resilience.” How do women foster resilience in climate research?

Jumoke Ogunrayi: Resilience means the ability to adapt and bounce back. We focused on gender-specific climate resilience, enabling women not only to cope with climate impacts but to grow, lead and innovate. It was important for us to give women’s voices and perspectives on climate challenges a platform.

How will things continue from here?

Omowumi Kayode: Our vision for AWCRA is ambitious. We are expanding our network and actively seeking partnerships. The response has been overwhelmingly positive — universities, government agencies, and organisations like the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) have pledged their support. We want to collaborate broadly to address Africa’s climate challenges. Of course, we face challenges — balancing AWCRA commitments with full-time jobs, connectivity issues, and the need for sustainable funding — but we remain optimistic. The support and dedication of our members make me confident that we will continue to make an important contribution to climate research.

Interview: Klaus Lüber (26 June 2025)