Keywords

1 Introduction

The United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) took place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2021, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, activists, business leaders, and women, to discuss the many dimensions of climate change (United Nations, 2021). The conference aimed to build support for consistent progress towards the Paris Agreement and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which aim to achieve zero global emissions by 2050 (Masson-Delmotte et al., 2018). Most of Africa’s key economic sectors, such as agriculture, water, manufacturing, and tourism, which are crucial to women, heavily rely on land and other natural resources and are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (Balogun et al., 2020). This is compounded by the ongoing challenges of poverty, malnutrition, water shortages, and epidemics, all of which are linked to climate change. For example, the more frequent and intense rains and floods in Maputo, Mozambique’s main city, have resulted in widespread water stagnation, leading to the spread of malaria and cholera epidemics (Balogun et al., 2020).

Climate change is a wide-ranging ecological shift in the current and future functioning of the climate, with the potential for fatalities to ecological creatures and the destruction of natural habitats (IPCC, 2014). The gradual progression of climate change has evidently increased oceanic and atmospheric temperature levels and is associated with the intensity of different categories of ecological disasters (IPCC, 2014). In recent decades, Africa has experienced a yearly increase in flood and storm disasters. Similarly, studies have shown that floods have increased in frequency due to climate change across many parts of Africa (Bryan et al., 2009). These manifestations and climate change consequences pose peculiar risks for Africa, considering its distinctive geography and human capital concerns, which have disproportionate effects on women. This explains why the continent must prioritise climate change adaptation and other connected environmental issues (Bulkeley et al., 2014). Thus, at the continental, national, and community levels, collaborations involving African women must be centred on the development of effective climate adaptation and mitigation policies.

An examination of information and communications technology (ICT) possibilities in the context of climate change reveals its relevance not just as a tool for processing and sharing data but also as a research platform for environmental preservation, particularly for African women. The task of building Africa’s regional resilience to a changing environment is considerably dependent on technology innovation and adaptability (Ospina & Heeks, 2010). According to research (e.g., Norris et al., 2008), ICT may assist fragile ecosystems in managing climate change shocks and uncertainties by enhancing their adaptive capacity.

The convergence of the digital and net-zero imperatives is gaining momentum in scholarly discussions (George et al., 2021; Balogun et al., 2020). While many of the important impediments to net zero from the digital viewpoint have been highlighted in different conversations, there has yet to be a consensus regarding the presentation of a comprehensive perspective (Chen et al., 2016; George et al., 2017). Most African nations continue to experience the effects of climate change as there is insufficient digital infrastructure, pervasive energy poverty, challenges with scaling digital urban farming, and the dissemination of locally relevant digital content. Another drawback is low e-literacy fuelled by the conventional reliance on traditional data-gathering methods and resistance to digitalising farming processes, which particularly affects African women. This chapter analyses a wide range of interconnected ICT issues and contributes to the conversation on climate change, digital technology, and the dynamics of adaptive processes in Africa, with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of African women.

2 Transformational Use of ICT for African Women

Some years ago, the broad scale of ICT integration in practically every industry in Africa (e.g., business, banking, medical, engineering, and agriculture) could not have been conceived particularly for African women. ICTs are fundamental to the development of a digital society, both in public and commercial respects. It has evolved remarkably in terms of global range and accessibility, particularly regarding the possibilities such provides for African women. The ICT industry has become socially and economically significant and constitutes a dominant economic pivot in sub-Saharan Africa (etransform Africa, 2012; Evans, 2019; Evans & Oni, 2022). As the evolution of ICT has advanced the frontiers of innovation and development, culminating in the fourth industrial revolution (Balogun et al., 2022), never in the region’s history have African women been as interconnected.

Igwilo and Sibindi (2021) state that ICTs comprise computer systems, embedded processors, audiovisual and data processing, telecommunication, transmission networks, and World Wide Web (WWW) technologies. These technologies enhance the execution of tasks and other activities at both the individual and organisational levels (Igwilo & Sibindi, 2021). ICT is non-exclusive because it gives an equal opportunity for all (Hernandez & Roberts, 2018), including African women, to reap its inherent benefits. Studies (e.g., Oginni & Moitui, 2015; Hernandez & Roberts, 2018; Nothias & Cheruiyot, 2019; Balogun et al., 2020) have emphasised that advancements in ICT, especially in developing economies, have enabled the leveraging of access to digital dividends. These dividends could be social or economic drivers such as environmental, financial inclusion, health, information, economic, and political empowerment for African women.

Although Africa trails behind the rest of the world in terms of ICT readiness, improvements have been made in increasing accessibility and penetration (etransform Africa, 2012). ICT has become more available and affordable as a platform for transforming financial institutions, e-government services, health, education, businesses, and personal effectiveness. For instance, in recent years, an increase in internet usage was recorded at 62.5% of the overall population, with 5.31 billion individuals accounting for 67.1% of the world’s total mobile phone population (DataReportal, 2022). The ICT surge in Africa is primarily defined by investments in communications infrastructure and fixed cellular devices, which have rapidly shifted to the mobile platforms of electronic communications. The improved penetration and effectiveness of ICT infrastructure allow for new possibilities and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for African women. The continent is currently witnessing the rapid expansion of the mobile internet facilitated by the wide choice of smartphones and inexpensive tablets. As a result, it is increasingly less complex to conduct business operations due to better coordination, communication, and cost-effectiveness (eTransform Africa, 2012), which will have broader socio-economic implications in the coming decades for African women.

In effect, the use of diverse technologies has been fundamental to creating an enabling environment for international and local trade, benefiting African women and other marginalised groups. Africa’s residents and enterprises, including African women, are increasingly in need of financial initiatives that will enable them to compete favourably as the continent develops and integrates with the global economy (Balogun et al., 2020). ICT and creative business concepts have played a significant part in financial inclusion, particularly for African women. For example, lowering the cost of transactions helps eliminate the barriers African women farmers encounter in applying for financing and travelling to locations for resources. Access to mobile payment providers also aids the reintegration of previously unbanked African women farmers, decreasing transaction costs and liquidity issues.

Evidence that ICT is beneficial in solving pertinent issues with mother and child health and infectious illnesses in rural Africa is developing (etransform Africa, 2012). So far, numerous e-maternal health services have been tested across the continent for a wide range of uses, such as online consultation, medical data management, recommendation, and supply chain control, particularly for African women. Some nations, such as Rwanda, have put in place a comprehensive national e-Health system that tracks patients’ information, keeps tabs on infectious illnesses, and manages medical supply chains. Such initiatives might support new business and service models with the right technological infrastructure and visionary leadership, and can greatly benefit African women.

There is no doubt that ICT, ecology, and climate change have a complicated relationship (Shehzad et al., 2021). In Africa, the level of expertise in implementing ICT for climate change adaptation is lower than obtainable in other sectors such as health and education. Despite this, there are many ways to achieve the convergence of ICT and adaptability practices. Several ICT initiatives and programmes are now being conducted throughout Africa to help with climate change adaptation, particularly for African women. The Climate Change Adaptation Support Programme for Action Research and Capacity Development in Africa is a major regional climate change adaptation programme with a cost of over $50 million (eTransform Africa, 2012). ICT may be employed for activities such as gathering and disseminating agro-meteorological data, monitoring flood projections, and detecting illnesses like malaria and encephalitis, all of which have a significant impact on the lives of African women.

3 Climate and the Transformative Impact of ICT

Studies (e.g., Walter et al., 2019; Roger et al., 2022) have noted ICT as a groundbreaking innovation for achieving long-term sustainability. It involves changing the trajectory of a relatively inefficient system and reconfiguring it to be more functional and productive. The use of ICT digital farming tools in industrialised nations has been linked to transformation in large-scale farming, a benefit which is scarcely available in many developing nations (eTransform Africa, 2012). Africa is still largely typified by subsistence and nomadic farming, making it challenging for African women to access technology and information that could improve their farming practices. Consequently, low-yielding output, information deficit, poor market facilitation, and low financial intermediation services are characteristic of the continent’s agricultural landscape. Traditional processes relating to climatic data are not adequately documented, weather services are not readily available, and in some cases, there is a lack of understanding of the existence of climate services (Tumbo et al., 2018), which places African women at a comparative disadvantage.

Many of the seemingly insurmountable social concerns related to climate change now have the potential to be conclusively addressed by the effective application of digital technologies (George et al., 2021). The World Economic Forum (WEF) details how digital technology may dramatically increase the efficiency of industrial, manufacturing, and agricultural operations by automating labour-intensive tasks (World Economic Forum & PwC, 2021), which may be particularly beneficial for African women. AI-powered systems might contribute to a 4% decrease in global emissions by 2030 (World Economic Forum & PwC, 2021). For example, researchers are developing a computerised tool to help improve, monitor, and predict hotspots and provide important meteorological and climate-related data (Balogun et al., 2020), which can also aid African women in sustainable climate change adaptation.

Sustainable climate change adaptation in Africa can be accelerated through the adoption or increased use of digital technology, otherwise known as digitalisation. While the concept has multiple meanings, its fundamental feature is “the way many domains of social life are restructured around digital communication and media infrastructures” (Brennen & Kreiss, 2016, p. 1), which includes making the environment smarter and fostering connections to optimise efficiency in resource utilisation (Fertner et al., 2019) and thus benefiting African women.

Digital technology involves the use of software support to upgrade conventional methods to promote effective, convenient, and environmentally friendly practices. The use of these technologies can enable Africans, including African women, to respond to dangers like flooding and droughts by helping to create hazard maps, which include information on important risks linked to climate change (Balogun et al., 2020). For instance, in analysing or interpreting weather data, digital technology processes previous observations and establishes the framework for a more accurate evaluation of climatic changes by forecasting extreme weather occurrences and responding to them (Munang et al., 2013). The availability of verifiable meteorological and climatic information helps enhance natural disaster predictions, leading to improved early warning systems (EWS) and disaster response (Balogun et al., 2020), which can also benefit African women.

Scholars (e.g., Cavazza et al., 2018; Grieve et al., 2019; Balogun et al., 2022) have noted that digital technology has given rise to artificial intelligence (AI), such as driverless or ground robots and unmanned drones, which enhance smart solutions to potential environmental challenges, increase production output, and assist in rational decision-making, providing opportunities for African women. African economy can be boosted by automation, supported by digital technology, and data produced by linked devices is a source of innovation that encourages the effective utilisation of raw materials (United Nations, 2014), which can potentially benefit African women.

4 Emerging Advanced Technologies and Climate Change Mitigation Impacts

Africa has become increasingly vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change (Chijioke et al., 2011). Given the continent’s already hot temperatures, climate change may further escalate the possibility of environmental hazards. Agriculture is one of the many sectors where climate change has an indelible impact. Hence, deploying the right intervention strategies, especially proven and emerging eco-friendly technologies, is crucial to support agricultural resilience. According to Dow et al. (2013), to sustain high agricultural yields and improved nutritional benefits, adequate technology capable of mitigating climate change impacts in Africa is crucial. For example, in South Africa, the use of advanced technology like tillage and fertiliser increased maize yield in a changing climate (Walker & Schulze, 2008). In Swaziland, farmers’ native understanding of climate change mitigation, exposure to technology, financial assistance, and extensions boosted sugarcane output (Knox et al., 2010). Despite these efforts, it is important to note that African women, who constitute a large portion of the agricultural workforce, may face unique challenges in accessing and utilising these technologies.

In recent times, advanced ICT techniques like geographic information systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing have made notable contributions in the sphere of climate change adaptation and mitigation (Okediran et al., 2018). Specifically, satellite remote sensing enables the seamless transmission of conventional radio programmes via mobile phone medium (Okediran et al., 2018). Thus, people can communicate remotely regarding data threats, cyber-attacks, and crisis management related to climate variability and change (Rafoss et al., 2010; Ospina & Heeks, 2012). Similarly, the agricultural carbon sequestration technique is another critical ICT measure to effectively address the increasingly negative consequences of climate change in developing nations (Papageorgiou et al., 2009). Undoubtedly, advanced ICT will continue to be an effective tool for implementing climate change mitigation and related solutions (Niyibizi & Komakech, 2013; Rafoss et al., 2010). Geographic information systems (GIS), e-governance, early warning systems (including telemetry), and wireless communications are all important ICT options for climate change adaptation and mitigation (Sala et al., 2010). Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure that these ICT solutions are designed and implemented with the specific needs of women in mind.

Some of the emerging advanced technologies to mitigate climate change impacts for African women are as follows.

Integrated soil management practices (ISMP): This advanced technology tool features techniques like zero to reduced tillage, sparing fertiliser use, nitrogen management, crop residue assimilation, manure, mulch, compost, cover crops, and suitable supplemental irrigation (Lal, 2008). The implementation of ISMP through preservation and zero tillage can reduce energy usage while increasing carbon stocks in soil. However, coordinated implementation is important for the resilience of agriculture, especially for African women. According to Yitbareket et al. (2013), a study on the soil qualities of western Ethiopia’s forested, grazing, and agricultural fields in relation to changes in land use found that the influence on the soils of the farmed fields was detrimental to the majority of criteria. The study revealed that land-saving technology plays an essential role in the adaptation and climate change mitigation processes (Yitbareket et al., 2013). The ISMP also includes the management of soil and water resources (Lal, 2008; Smith & Powlson, 2007). The choice of innovative technologies that can improve soil structure and water management is crucial for soil recovery from biological and physical deterioration (Bossio et al., 2008), and it is especially important for African women who are often disproportionately affected by the negative impacts of climate change.

Biotechnology: According to Littlechild et al. (2013), modern science can aid in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Considering the fact that climate change will exacerbate adverse effects on the environment, harsher weather is expected. It is essential to create new, diverse biotech crops that can endure the biotic and abiotic stress brought on by climate change (Goodwin & Piggott, 2020). The rise in ICT tools for climate change mitigation in Africa through biotechnology has birthed genetic modification (GM). There is some proof that genetic modification (GM) technology can significantly decrease GHG emissions. For example, genetically modified canola, a genetically modified crop, fosters nitrogen usage efficiency and decreases the impact of freshwater ecotoxicity, eutrophication, and acidification (Strange et al., 2008). This innovation is an energy efficiency technique that can save natural gas and also reduce fuel consumption for African women.

Renewable energy: To reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels, such as wood fires and coal-fired power stations, which contribute to the bulk of GHG emissions, a wide range of renewable sources are being promoted (Otte, 2013). In emerging nations, a variety of energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, hydro) are projected to become integral to climate change mitigation (Ondraczek, 2014). Increased energy availability for household use and electricity through renewables can provide societal advantages, such as economic freedom and enhanced access to better health care and education for African women. Solar energy is the most prevalent source of renewable power in the world as it can be deployed for a variety of uses, such as cooking, heating, drying, generating electricity, and purifying water for African women. Studies (Fang & Li, 2013; Otte, 2013; Ondraczek, 2014) have shown that the use of solar energy is rising, given the multiple energy pilot projects in numerous developing nations to mitigate climate change. For instance, there is evidence that hydroelectric generators may be used on a modest scale for industrial and agricultural applications (Zhao & Wan, 2014). Furthermore, other forms of renewable energy, like geothermal energy, can improve African women’s ability to adapt by boosting food production, lowering child mortality, and raising general standards of living.

Plant breeding: This has its roots in the early days of agriculture, when healthy plants were moved to new areas to alter their genetic makeup. Reproduced field experiments, controlled crossings, statistical analysis, formal research design, hybrid breeding, proven track record estimations, and accurate scale-up yield assessment were among the advancements in plant breeding during this time (Watson et al., 2018). With the high demand, in these modern times, to fulfil the demand for crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativa), and maize (Zea mays), traditional breeding techniques are inadequate (Ahmar, 2020) for African women. Breeders now utilise DNA markers to help with selections attributable to the development of second- and third-generation sequencing technologies. “Exotic” allelic varieties have traditionally been introduced into crops by interbreeding with wild cousins, to increase genetic and phenotypic diversity. However, these methods do not always guarantee the production of agronomically useful traits (Stuber, 1992). Given that the world population is predicted to increase by 25% during the next 30 years, reaching 10 billion, advanced genomic selection (GS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and speed breeding are just a few of the technological advancements that could improve modern breeding (Turuspekov et al., 2017) for African women.

Synthetic biology: According to the United Nations, the world’s population will hit ten billion by 2057. Crop yields must quadruple over the next 30 years to fulfil the needs of the expanding population, including African women (Ofoegbu et al., 2017). According to Shi et al. (2018), a potential answer to current issues may be genetically altering plants to produce more and develop faster. The most effective method to increase agricultural output and ensure food security, is now widely recognised as bioengineering (Roell & Zurbriggen, 2020), which could also bring significant benefits to African women. The creation of artificial metabolic pathways for increased CO2 absorption and carbon preservation, as well as a decrease in the use of natural and artificial fertilisers, is reported as a possible benefit of bioengineering (Roell & Zurbriggen, 2020).

5 ICT and Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Some climate change reports from different parts of the world include disappearing glaciers; displaced people, including African women, looking for shelter after floods; crop loss during protracted droughts; or entire towns decimated by storms and hurricanes (eTransform Africa, 2012). Despite being a widespread occurrence, the effects of climate change will differ substantially depending on location and can have a disproportionate impact on women. As a result, interventions might range from those at the regional or national level, to specialised measures to address the needs of communities, particularly African women. Although ICT has been proven to boost the earnings of the agricultural industry (Devkota & Phuyal, 2018), continued effort is necessary to persuade farmers, including African women farmers, to adopt ICT in their agricultural and commercial activities. This is because farmers’ perceptions of the importance of ICT in farm information influence their acceptance, utilisation, and overall production outcomes (Kante et al., 2017).

Adaptation to the changing climate is characterised by the adjustment of biological, socio-economic, and societal structures in response to actual or anticipated changes in climatic stressors and their impacts. By lowering risk, and seizing opportunities related to climate change, adaptation seeks to mitigate present and future susceptibility (Eriksen et al., 2011). The understanding of adaptation by dry-land farmers, rural dwellers, fishermen, and pastoral herders, including African women in these communities, is limited in many parts of Africa (Ravindranath & Sathye, 2002). Africa’s duty of adapting to the effects of climate change necessitates widespread awareness, not just among the scientific community but also at the level of the average individual, including African women.

Although ICT has been effective in climate change adaptation, its full potential is yet to be realised (Upadhyay & Bijalwan, 2015). This accounts for why the World Telecommunication Development Conferences have urged developing nations to employ information and communication technology to protect the environment (Heeks, 2010). ICT has already been applied in several nations in a variety of ways, from reducing emissions to creating a database of environmental changes, and can be particularly impactful for African women. It can be utilised for land systems that disseminate early warning information on various natural and man-made catastrophes, meteorological composition databases, ocean parameters, and so on. Early detection systems using ICT are effective to combat climate change and enable unified fire control (Upadhyay & Bijalwan, 2015). Using ICT in climate change adaptation helps create modelling tools to identify susceptible locations and spatial effects and can also empower African women in these communities. It has the potential to improve participation, capacity building, decision-making processes, and long-term adaptation methods. It can also serve as a mass communication medium and to increase the general knowledge of and sensitivity to climate change among the population (Heeks, 2010), including African women.

Data gathering is crucial for the constant monitoring of the earth’s climate and is also applicable in the methods for analysing data that will lead to the assessment, development, and execution of prospective adaptation measures (Upadhyay & Bijalwan, 2015). ICT can also function as a communication mechanism, utilising social media and technology to encourage the sharing of knowledge and experiences among African women. In addition to providing knowledge, ICT may make it easier to acquire certain resources and increase the ability to adapt (e.g., by providing access to funding or technology) (Adger et al., 2003; Pelling & High, 2005). The modification of systems to reduce the effects of climate change by taking advantage of emerging ICT solutions is fundamental (Adger et al., 2003). Contrary to the prevalent discourse on adaptation in international forums, which view adaptation as a process that can be accelerated by international development transfers, developing nations must leverage indigenous knowledge, experience, and the appropriate technology. In this regard, the constructive utilisation of ICT in managing climate-related risks is necessary (Adger et al., 2003), especially among African women.

6 ICT-Enabled Energy Transition for Climate Change Mitigation

ICT plays a vital role in achieving economic and social transformation in Africa, specifically regarding the peculiar challenges and successes of African women (Adeola, 2020; Shobande & Asongu, 2022). However, the increase in demand for ICT has also raised the concern for environmental and human survival (Evans & Mesagan, 2022; Shobande & Asongu, 2022). The relationship between ICT and the environment can be either negative or positive, and its impact can disproportionately affect African women, depending on the underlying policies and monitoring agencies or departments (Chien et al., 2021; Evans & Mesagan, 2022). The negative impact of ICT on the environment can be linked to the increase in the consumption of hydrocarbon energy (natural gas, coal, and oil) and unrecyclable materials deployed in the production and distribution of ICT equipment and product waste. On the other hand, ICT’s positive impacts on African women’s lives can include transport improvement and travel substitution, e-commerce for online delivery, product dematerialisation and recycling, efficient production of durable equipment, energy monitoring and management applications, and green ICT.

Through production, design, usage, and disposal, ICT impacts the environment directly (first-order effect). This direct effect of ICT on the environment is influenced by both the producers and consumers of the ICT equipment. During the production and operation of the ICT hardware, the producer affects the environment directly, and the product design determines how the environment is affected beyond the company’s boundaries (Yi & Thomas, 2007). Further, the consumer’s purchase, mode of usage, and disposal largely determine the amount of energy consumed relative to its direct impact on the environment (Hilty, 2008). It is imperative to note that the impact of ICT on the environment extends to all groups of people, including African women.

However, the substitution of processes, optimisation of processes, induction of processes, and rebound effect cause indirect impact (second-order effect). Indirect effects are referred to as enabling effects and comprise ICT applications that reduce the environmental impacts of economic and social activities. They affect how other ICTs are produced, designed, and utilised to achieve a positive impact on the environment. Lastly, ICT can affect the behaviour of its users; this is known as the systematic effect (third-order effect). This involves how the consumer adapts to the ICT and makes practical use of them. The success of green ICT applications thus depends essentially on the adjustment of the consumer lifestyle (The Smart Report, 2020), including that of African women.

While ICT has been a key driver of economic growth in African countries in recent years (Evans, 2019), studies estimated that ICT contributes about 2.8% of global GHG emissions (Higón et al., 2017). Despite this, African women have the potential to use ICT as a solution to the unmitigated 98% ratio of GHG emissions. The SMART 2020 report, developed by the International Climate Group, recommends that green ICT be deployed for enhancing and monitoring the environmental and human activities, including those led by African women, that generate carbon emissions to achieve optimal climate change mitigation. ICT has the potential to enhance energy sustainability both in the ICT sector and other energy-consuming and carbon-emitting sectors, as exemplified in green technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, and solar modules (Evans & Mesagan, 2022).

The prospects for ICT-enabled energy transition for climate change mitigation for African women include:

6.1 Green Transport System

The green transport system depicts the application of green (no carbon) vehicles to reduce fossil fuel consumption and the transportation sector’s carbon footprint, which disproportionately affects African women. Transportation is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Africa, and individuals, including African women, can help reduce this harmful effect by adopting more sustainable transport practices like cycling, carpooling, and green vehicles. Manufacturers and the government can help achieve greener transport with the broader application of electrical energy in transport systems. Also relevant in this regard is the integration of road traffic through smart charging systems, navigating vehicles with ICT, vehicles-to-grid systems, and computerised monitoring and mobility systems. The electric vehicle (EV) is of particular potential as an ICT-enabled climate change mitigation innovation based on sophisticated software for managing information and electricity flow within a definitive transportation value chain. Other ICT-driven electrical applications include vehicle application assistance, electronic payment and billing systems, computerised fleet monitoring systems, and mobility and smart charging services, which can also benefit African women by making transportation more accessible, efficient, and sustainable.

6.2 Self-Sufficient (Smart) Buildings

Globalisation and urbanisation have increased the need for smart cities and buildings (Komninos, 2008). Smart buildings, including those accessible to African women, are designed to generate energy without external contributions. ICT is expected to improve the efficiency of the building’s lifecycle using green architecture and energy efficiency technologies. To achieve a considerable reduction in the carbon footprint attributable to rural-to-urban migration, the emphasis on improving the overall lifecycle of buildings, including those accessible to African women, is critical. Specifically, the energy intensity and surface area of buildings can be enhanced by incorporating intelligent solar power and tracking systems, light control systems, building optimisation software, and environmental sensors. Also, microgrids have been identified as an effective way of achieving smart buildings, including those accessible to African women, in developing countries (Hertzog, 2010). They are small power systems with a self-generating, transmitting, distribution, storage, and energy management system. The incorporation and implementation of green energy modelling software will facilitate greater production levels relative to the same surface area as a photovoltaic panel, contributing to the economic and social empowerment of African women.

6.3 De-carbonisation of Energy Supply and Usage

Developing countries, including many in Africa, are highly hydrocarbon dependent, which highlights the importance of implementing new and green measures to decarbonise energy generation and consumption. African women can also play a crucial role in promoting the use of renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Various components of renewable energy can be utilised to achieve this goal:

  1. i.

    Solar energy is one of the most researched renewable energy sources, and initiatives such as the production of electricity through solar streetlamps are being deployed to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Other examples of solar energy platforms include polypropylene, high vacuum tubes, and photovoltaic collectors.

  2. ii.

    Wave energy can be generated by floating steel tubes on the ocean surface, converting the movement of the waves into electrical energy.

  3. iii.

    Waste-to-energy technology, which generates electricity or heat from waste through combustion, is another way to decarbonise energy.

  4. iv.

    Natural gas boilers emit fewer toxic gases, and release more water vapour and less carbon, resulting in higher thermal yields and less air pollution.

The application of ICT, such as smart grids that monitor power consumption in energy generation, can enhance energy efficiency during distribution and usage. Consequently, this will increase the use of renewable energy while reducing consumer preferences for conventional GHG-emitting energy sources. Some examples of these ICT applications include remote sensing and remote grids for monitoring and managing energy systems. Empowering African women to participate in and benefit from these initiatives is crucial for creating a more sustainable energy future in the region.

6.4 Land and Forestry Management

In the quest for industrialisation and urbanisation, developing countries have directly and indirectly caused harm to the environment. Deforestation and the intensive cultivation of crops on land are the second largest global anthropogenic source of GHG emissions (Pendrill et al, 2019). The persistence of such socio-economic lifestyle makes African women particularly vulnerable to forest degradation. Mitigation of harmful land use and deforestation can help reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, and this can be achieved through the following:

  1. i.

    Recycling and waste management: The management of solid waste requires the commitment of both the government and individuals, including African women. The production and regulation of green technology, such as smart containers, food waste tracking systems, automated optical scanning technology to sort plastic waste, and the use of recyclable materials in production.

  2. ii.

    Vertical gardens and farms: This can help reduce the high temperatures linked to climate change and contribute to saving energy that could otherwise have been used for heating and air-conditioning purposes. Since vertical gardens do not require unnecessary watering routines, the application of the technology to farms can save considerable amounts of water and conserve fertile soil.

ICT in land and forest mitigation helps enhance data collection on forest conditions by monitoring deforestation, illegal logging and forest loss from road construction, farming, and animal grazing. It also enhances forest monitoring and resource management, thereby managing the understaffing challenges facing the forestry industry in developing countries. African women can benefit from the timely processing and storage of data in a database for better land planning and usage. Information on critical issues and opportunities is diffused through digital technologies. For example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one ICT software used for monitoring the forest, which is readable by hand-held computer devices that display icon images instead of text, thereby enabling non-experts, such as women, to interpret the data.

7 Conclusions and Implications

The collection of ideas and perspectives in this chapter encourages a shift in the adaptation, perception, and implementation of advanced digital technologies (ICT) in African countries, igniting the transformational reforms required for effective climate change mitigation for the women population. More than ever, Africa must take action, in terms of implementing effective scientific measures to minimise the effects of climate change and ensure food security in the short and long terms. New digital technology developments in phenomics and genetics, as well as the availability of computer resources for plant genomics, are emerging technologies that might be valuable for African women and other stakeholders. African scientists must build competence in areas such as computer literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) while addressing the issue of high costs and associated hazards.

Governments at all levels must support scientists, particularly African women scientists, with the requisite resources to engender valuable research findings that will be useful in climate change mitigation. One of the keys to adjusting to the effects of climate change, especially in Africa’s most susceptible regions, is the creative potential offered by ICT (Heeks, 2010). Connecting successful ICT initiatives with people, especially farmers, might be one method of providing information and agro-advice, particularly to African women. These could cover environmental and capacity development issues (Upadhyay & Bijalwan, 2015).

The digitalisation of agriculture in Africa might increase food security for the continent’s rapidly expanding population and promote adaptive urbanisation. Digital urban farming, particularly through rooftop gardens, vertical and hydroponic farms, and greenhouses, can aid in climate change mitigation efforts. It can help lower carbon emissions from food transportation and improve “sinks” that store heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Adopting enhanced technologies based on best agronomical practices and technological innovation will boost crop output while decreasing GHG emissions (Lybbert & Sumner, 2012). Government policies and plans must be in place to subsidise digital technology and ensure that Africans, including African women, are not left out of the ICT revolution, which is important for climate change adaptation. ICT innovations suitable for a warm environment provide a chance to create resilience to the future effects of climate change on women in Africa.

Although a myriad of challenges still exists, ICT can help to reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that raise the costs and inefficiencies of doing business in Africa, enabling the fluid interaction and integration of producers and consumers, including African women, into the global marketplace. Increased demand, new business players, and value chain restructuring are all components of the rapid change, although their overall impact is still unevenly dispersed. In many African countries, digitalisation can significantly enhance value chains and agronomic systems, as well as increase resistance to labour shortages and environmental change. This can lead to various agricultural systems, including tools and computer systems, that could potentially benefit African women. For example, in advanced economies, a number of computer systems for dairy farm operations have been created as a result of information technology: the animal simulation model (e-Cow) forecasts dairy cows’ herbage consumption, milk production, and changes in weight (Baudracco et al., 2012).

The ability to create advanced ICT and expand the use of currently available strategies is important to transitioning to a low-carbon economy. Creating an institutional and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and the use of advanced technology is necessary for such significant transformations (Adenle et al., 2015). Capacity building in Africa should reflect extensionist and stakeholder perspectives regarding climate change mitigation (FAO, 2013). As stakeholders in climate change, African women must develop a thorough understanding of climate change threats, variability concerns, and functional adjustment strategies (Maka & O’Donovan, 2019). Furthermore, agricultural extension workers providing technical advice to farmers should be trained on contemporary policy initiatives and engage with relevant stakeholders, including African women, for innovative technology interventions (FAO, 2013). It is believed that productivity would increase with improved connectivity, facilitation, partnerships, and cohesive integration of technology. Research institutions, centres, and universities should be committed to developing more reliable green technologies and exploring how ICT can be effectively utilised to provide renewable energy solutions and innovations to achieve climate change mitigation and energy sustainability for African women. Additionally, more research is needed to examine a wider variety of digital technologies in Africa’s quest for a greener environment.

In conclusion, the adoption of advanced digital technologies (ICT) in Africa has the potential to enhance climate change mitigation efforts and promote sustainable development, especially for African women. However, achieving this will require concerted efforts from governments, research institutions, extension workers, and other stakeholders to build capacity, promote innovation, and ensure inclusive participation in the digital revolution.