Women Are Leading the Charge in WFP’s Climate Resilience Programs

KATE SINCLAIR © COURTESY OF WFP

Women Are Leading the Charge in WFP’s Climate Resilience Programs

“One of the biggest misconceptions about food insecurity is that it only affects people in developing countries,” explained Kate Sinclair, Head of Programme at the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

“While it’s true that food insecurity is a significant issue in many parts of the world, it’s also a pressing problem in developed countries. In fact, food insecurity exists in every corner of the globe, and it can impact anyone, regardless of where they live.”

Through her work with the WFP, Sinclair has seen every side of the hunger crisis, including the misconceptions surrounding it. However, a career with the WFP wasn’t something she had initially planned. While working on her PhD in Human Nutrition at McGill University, she seized an opportunity to join WFP in Sri Lanka as an intern.

“I’ve always had a keen sense of adventure,” she explained. “I love to travel, meet new people, and learn from different cultures. When the opportunity to join WFP came up, I jumped on it. That decision completely reshaped my career, and I’ve never looked back.”

Sinclair’s work with the WFP in Sri Lanka contributed to various nutrition and resilience-building programs, including school feeding and rice fortification. Little did she know this experience would make her part of a Nobel Peace Prize-winning team. In 2020, the WFP was awarded the prestigious prize for its life-saving work combating hunger and improving conditions for peace in conflict-ridden areas.

“The Nobel Prize was such an honour for all of us working at WFP,” Sinclair reflected. “It’s a humbling reminder of the importance of our work, and it motivates us to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.”

TACKLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS IN GUATEMALA

In 2017, Sinclair moved to Guatemala, taking on the role of Head of Programme to tackle one of the region’s most urgent issues: the climate crisis.

“The climate crisis has had a devastating impact on Guatemala’s rural and Indigenous communities, particularly those who depend on agriculture,” Sinclair explained. “Unpredictable weather, prolonged droughts, and frequent floods are making traditional farming nearly impossible, threatening not only food security but the livelihoods of entire communities.”

Under Sinclair's leadership, the WFP has implemented several innovative solutions to combat these challenges. From climate-smart agriculture to microinsurance for farmers, the focus is on building resilience. These strategies help farmers adapt by using drought-resistant crops and better irrigation systems, while microinsurance provides a safety net when climate-related disasters strike.

“We’re not just responding to immediate crises,” Sinclair emphasized. “We’re helping communities build long-term resilience, so they can withstand future challenges.”

EMPOWERING WOMEN, ONE DRONE AT A TIME

One of the ways the WFP is helping communities build resilience is through empowerment—in particular, fostering life-long skills that have real-world applications.

For example, the Resilient Women Drone Pilots Initiative is a groundbreaking program that empowers Indigenous women by training them to operate drones. This allows them to monitor agricultural assets and deliver vital climate data to their communities—an unprecedented opportunity for many marginalized women.

The program, which started with 14 women in Quiché, has seen incredible success. It is now expanding across three departments in Guatemala, impacting over 45,000 people. The women involved can master new and future-proof skills while contributing valuable information to help their communities adapt to climate change, prepare for disasters, and improve agricultural outcomes.

“I absolutely love this project— it’s so inspiring,” Sinclair said. “These women aren’t just learning technical skills; they’re becoming leaders in their communities, breaking down gender barriers, and creating new socio-economic opportunities. It’s truly empowering to see!”