Indigenous women and livelihoods on palm oil plantations : the case of the Mah Meri in Carey Island, Malaysia | |
| Author | Teng, Lai Wan |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-08-12 |
| Subject(s) | Indigenous women--Malaysia Indigenous peoples--Malaysia--Social life and customs |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GD-08-12 |
| Abstract | The study looks at the livelihoods changes of an indigenous group as a result of interplay between government policy and the global market demand. Malaysia stands as the world’s leading exporter of palm oil since 1970s. The monoculture industry continuously recorded impressive performance of exports earnings. However, the Mah Meri whom the village is located in Carey Island, Selangor state, they experienced the direct impact on changing livelihoods. The vast forest surrounded the Bumbun village was cleared for oil palm plantation. Majority villagers who are dependent on forest resources shifted to earn a living as wage labor in nearby plantation. The payment was low and working condition was tough. Later, they were displaced by large scale of Indonesian migrant workers. The second hit towards Bumbun villages was dated in 1990s which they were totally losing food resources when the remaining forest reserve was cleared for oil palm plantation. Inevitably, their dependence on cash is increased for food consumption. Presently, in most cases, the husband or the son were managed their own converted oil palm plantation. Women are left little room for on farm and mainly involved in non farm types of work. The changing of livelihoods strategies revealed the impact on gender relation. It is found out that women gain less important role in oil palm plantation. However, their involvement in non farm work bears the burden of improving household expenditure. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed in this research to explore the livelihoods changes and gender relation. Finally, recommendations were raised to the government and NGOs for more gender responsive programme as to improve the women situation. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-08-12 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Resurreccion, Bernadette P.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sajor, Edsel E. ;Doneys, Philippe; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | International Development Research Centre (IDRC); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |