Impacts of climate change on African mountain communities are more severe than we thought. Farmers report alarming shifts in weather patterns, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall, and more extreme climate events such as droughts and floods. These changes have disrupted agricultural practices, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study, based on data from eight African countries, emphasizes the need for tailored solutions that consider local environmental, social, and political contexts, especially in conflict-affected areas. Immediate action and global support are crucial to help the communities in these biodiversity hotspots to adapt and protect their livelihoods.

Globally, women’s workforce participation is about 25% lower than men’s, often due to barriers such as domestic responsibilities and cultural norms. Vocational training can increase employment opportunities, but women may not be able to attend training programs that require them to be away from home. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in collaboration with an international research team, explored whether hybrid distance learning can improve accessibility to job training for rural women in Nepal.