Full Breakdown
Climate Change: Shared Challenges Across Continents
3/26/2026, 1:04:53 PM
Global Farming Under Climate Strain
Jackline Mugoboka, a farmer from rural Rwanda, and Louise Skelly, a sheep farmer in County Down, Northern Ireland, represent two distinct agricultural landscapes yet share a common struggle against the impacts of climate change. Mugoboka operates a one-hectare farm where she grows bananas, beans, and tomatoes, while Skelly manages a sheep farm where lambing season is approaching. Both women have experienced extreme weather events that have significantly affected their farming practices.
The Impact of Extreme Weather
Mugoboka highlighted the profound effects of climate change on women farmers in Rwanda, who constitute nearly 90% of the agricultural workforce. She noted that these women face increased workloads due to climate-related challenges, including fetching water and firewood, alongside farming. In 2023, Rwanda experienced catastrophic floods and landslides, exacerbating the difficulties faced by local farmers. Skelly echoed these sentiments, stating that over the past decade, Northern Ireland has seen an increase in extreme weather events, including floods, which have made farming increasingly challenging.
Shared Experiences and Coping Strategies
During their meeting, both women recognized that climate shocks are a universal issue, albeit with different coping strategies based on available resources. Mugoboka pointed out that Africa contributes only 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate impacts due to limited adaptation and mitigation resources. She expressed surprise at learning about flooding issues in Northern Ireland, emphasizing that no one is immune to the effects of climate change.
Emerging Agricultural Challenges
Both farmers also discussed the emergence of new agricultural diseases linked to climate change. Mugoboka noted unexpected outbreaks affecting crops, while Skelly considered vaccinating her sheep against the bluetongue virus, a disease that has recently spread to Northern Ireland from England. This virus, previously confined to Africa, poses a new threat to livestock in the region.
Environmental Initiatives and Hope for the Future
In response to these challenges, Skelly has initiated tree planting on her farm to mitigate flooding and provide shade for her animals during hotter summers. She has integrated native trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity. Mugoboka described her experience visiting Skelly's farm and witnessing these environmental efforts as "life-changing." Both women, as mothers, expressed a shared hope for the future of family farming in their respective regions, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change.
Conclusion
The experiences of Jackline Mugoboka and Louise Skelly illustrate the global nature of climate change and its impact on agriculture. Their stories highlight the need for collaborative efforts and innovative strategies to address the challenges posed by a changing climate, reinforcing the idea that farmers worldwide are united in their struggle against these shared adversities.
