Gender perspective in community-based natural resource management in Punakha District, Bhutan | |
| Author | Yangzom, Tashi |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-07-18 |
| Subject(s) | Natural resources--Bhutan--Management Women in conservation of natural resources--Bhutan Women and the environment--Bhutan |
| 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-07-18 |
| Abstract | The study investigates and explains how gender roles in natural resource use and management at both intra-household and inter-household level have been shaped in the context of a triangular interaction between traditional gender norms, people's socioeconomic conditions, and CBNRM interventions in rural Bhutan. It explains the influences of gender norms as well as socio-economic factors on typical gender specific roles in both CBNRM activities and decision-making processes in rural agrarian society of Bhutan. The study involved 70 respondents drawn from four villages in Lingbu Geog in Punakha district in western Bhutan and also reviewed the CBNRM project documents. The study investigated the changes of gender division of labour both at intra-household and interhousehold level after the introduction of CBNRM project and the impact of the project intervention on lives of women. The analyses carried out were based on triangulation of data through Focus Group discussions, key informants' interviews and the household survey. Critical assessment of the project document was also done to show the short comings of the project policies on gender issues. The study shows that women are the major forest users are in a suitable position to be effective managers of the forest resources. However, because of the social gender norms as well as low literacy level have confined their roles which are within the household vicinity. In spite of women's traditional involvement in use and management of natural resources, their participation in the groups and committees in forest management is marginal. Women's lack of participation in decision-making body denies women's needs and rights. Women's major constraints are not only lack of availability of time and increased work burden, but also lack of opportunities and supportive interventions. Providing women to have equal participation in the executive membership can ensure their needs and sustainable management of natural resources. The assessment of CBNRM project document have found out that the project is gender blind and have failed to include women's participation equally in the project activities. The project has failed to study differences between men and women in terms of productive activities that are NRM based and non NRM based. The inequalities between women and men through knowledge and skills; actual use of resources, which include time and effort; rights of access and use, control, rights to benefits and to meaningful participation in all levels are over-looked. The project only mentions about the community participation as a whole, not considering the heterogeneity of the society |
| Year | 2007 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-07-18 |
| 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) | Kusakabe, Kyoko; |
| Examination Committee(s) | chmidt-Vogt, Dietrich;Routray, Jayant K;Doneys, Philippe; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | NORWAY; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |