As a continuation of the Power of Disability Inclusion webinar series, DCDD collaborated with We Are Able! Once to organised the ‘Disability Inclusive Food Security in times of Climate Change’ webinar on the 29th of November, 2023. The panels of speakers delivered insightful information over the topic.
Despite global efforts, persons with disabilities remain disproportionately affected by food insecurity and climate change. Barriers to access food and participate in food production exacerbate their vulnerability, compounded by gender disparities. Climate change further amplifies risks, leaving individuals with disabilities particularly vulnerable to disasters and environmental hazards. Inclusive strategies are essential, encompassing social protections, food assistance, and sustainable production initiatives. Disability-inclusive policies for climate action and disaster risk reduction are imperative. Crucially, involving persons with disabilities in decision-making processes is key to building resilience and fostering a more inclusive future.
The Panellists
Angela Kohama (World Food Programme)
Key learnings from the World Food Program on disability inclusion.
In the vast landscape of the World Food Programme (WFP), Angela Kohama and her team of four are spearheading disability inclusion efforts. WFP’s disability inclusion strategy, aligned with the UN’s framework, focuses on both external programming and internal practices.
Through a two-pronged approach, the team addresses disability inclusion at operational levels with focal points embedded in various teams and through high-level policy-making with the Disability Inclusion Steering Committee.
Despite being relatively new to the field, having commenced operations only three years ago, WFP’s journey toward disability inclusion is marked by significant strides. By concentrating efforts on the Asia-Pacific region and adopting a staged approach, WFP aims to achieve meaningful change at scale. Key areas of focus include leveraging disability data, fostering meaningful participation, and ensuring accessibility across all programs and partnerships.
Throughout this journey, Angela and her team have encountered challenges ranging from resource allocation and prioritisation to navigating mission creep. However, these challenges have also presented opportunities for collaboration, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions. As the webinar went on, it was clear that disability inclusion is not just a goal, but a fundamental aspect of creating a more equitable world.
“One of the most important things we’ve learned is that decision maker buy-in is critical to make things move, especially in a large organisation. […] Without leadership buy-in, it’s hard to ensure that the changes you’re trying to make – especially in a non-disability focused organisation – are [possible].”
Simon Opiyo (Light for the World Uganda)
Barriers persons with disabilities in Uganda are facing in the area of food insecurity and how to overcome them.
After understanding the general findings, the webinar moved on to Simon Opiyo, Disability Inclusive Officer at Light for the World Uganda.
He highlighted the economic struggles of persons with disabilities in Uganda due to barriers in food security, land rights, and livelihoods. The barriers often come systematically and socially. For those with limited mobility, not only do bureaucratic hurdles hinder their rights to land ownership, but customary land practices also often lead to unequal distribution, particularly disadvantageous for women with disabilities.
Moreover, political participation for persons with disabilities is hindered by financial constraints and societal biases. Accessibility remains a persistent issue, with public buildings and markets lacking vital accommodations. To address these barriers, community engagement and awareness-building initiatives are crucial, emphasising the rights and needs of persons with disabilities across thematic areas. Mobilising participants with different impairments and providing basic training in sign language interpretation can enhance inclusivity. Additionally, ensuring adequate reasonable accommodations and increasing access to information about bureaucratic processes are essential steps toward fostering disability-inclusive programs.
By advocating for accessible premises and complementing government initiatives, civil society organisations play a pivotal role in promoting inclusion and scaling up development efforts. Through collaborative action and targeted interventions, we can strive toward a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of disability, enjoys equal opportunities and rights.
“[…] the best ways they can support persons with disabilities, [is] to support best use of the land, and to support food security in their household.”
Erika Bojarczuk (Light for the World International)
How to conduct a disability inclusion assessment in a participatory and inclusive way
Finally, our last panellist, Erika Bojarczuk, Content Development and Documentation Specialist at Light for the World International, shares insights from a barrier assessment conducted in Uganda.
Employing participatory methods, including focus group discussions and user journey mapping, the analysis aimed to unravel barriers at a micro level. Erika highlights the effectiveness of user journey mapping and photovoice in eliciting rich narratives from participants. Adaptations were made to ensure inclusivity, particularly for individuals with visual impairments, emphasising verbal descriptions and collaborative photography sessions.
Erika underscores the importance of asking probing questions and eliciting stories to uncover nuanced barriers and inform meaningful interventions. Her advice emphasises the value of digging deeper and seeking narratives to enrich data collection and drive inclusive solutions.
“I think the most practical piece of advice is narrowing down how you get the questions or ask the questions. It’s about follow up questions.“
Conclusion
The webinar served as a critical platform for addressing the intersecting challenges faced by individuals with disabilities amidst the complexities of food insecurity and climate change. Despite concerted global efforts, the disproportionate impact on this vulnerable group persists, exacerbated by systemic barriers and gender disparities. It also underscored the urgency of adopting inclusive strategies that encompass social protections, food assistance, and sustainable production initiatives.
At the end of each webinar, DCDD shares a digital goodie bag with relevant resources. Please find here the shared background resources on disability inclusive food security and climate change and resources on disability inclusive livelihoods.
Keep an eye on our website in the coming months for more updates on the next Power of Disability Inclusion series webinars.
