Women's role in fishing communities : a case study of Xai Oudom village at the Nam Ngum Reservoir, Lao PDR | |
| Author | Duangchith Viravongsa |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.RD-00-1 |
| Subject(s) | Women in agriculture--Laos Fisheries--Nam Ngum Reservoir |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Development efforts over the last few decades have made it clear that sustained improvement in the productivity and in the lives of fisherfolk depend upon recognition of the crucial role of women. The strategy for fisheries Management and Development endorsed by the FAO World Conference on Fisheries Management and Development in 1984 particularly stresses this role and postulates that fisheries development programmes should further enhance it (FAO, 1998). Despite women’s contribution to the family support system they are rarely recognized as individual farmers. This study therefore aimed to identify the various works done by women and men in fishing, fish cage culture operated and household activities, and their respective work contribution to household. Further, an attempt is made to access women’s constraints in developing their fisheries related activities and to suggest the ways of strengthening women’s role in fisheries development. The study was conducted in Xai Oudom village located in Nam Ngum reservoir area, Keo Oudom district, Vientiane province, Lao FDR. A total of ten households consist seven fishing households and three fish cage culture households were surveyed, and 10 men and 10 women were taken as in-depth analysis of their various activities performed by them in 24 hours. The research studied the work contribution of women and men in fishing, fish cage culture, and household activities by using Harvard Analysis Framework, the activity profile. The survey revealed that there is gender division of labor in fishing and fish cage culture, and household activities. Some works are sole responsibilities of men and some works are exclusively done by women. Time use study showed that women’s work is for longer hours, tedious, full of drudgery and fragmented. Men’s work is concentrated and is for shorter periods. Women’s total work in fishing, fish cage culture and household activities were significantly higher than men’s work. There has been gender bias in development policy and its implementation because they did not pay attention to women’s role, needs and problems faced. The cage culture project has ineffectively supported existing women in credit and training. The study concludes with further recommendations for enhance of women’s role and benefit by giving suggesting on gender relation and income generation activities as key factors in future planning and intervention. |
| Year | 2000 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Dale, Reidar;Kelkar, Govind; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) Mekong River Commission; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2000 |