Gender-land degradation-livelihood nexus: lessonsfrom Ndome and Ghazi, Taita Taveta, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2004
Authors
Waswa, F.
Mutheng, Kimanzi
Kutsch, Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Network for Agroforestry Education (ANAFE
Abstract
As the world continues to grapple with the realities of sustainable development, it is becoming
increasingly acceptable that meaningful progress cannot be made without active
involvement of women and the youth at critical levels of decision-making. Research and
experience from Ndome and Ghazi in Taita Taveta in Kenya showed that marginalisation of
women and the youth is still particularly high in household labour distribution, ownership
of essential assets and production decision-making, resulting in persistent land degradation
and household poverty. Further, gender insensitivity in these areas was ~ot based on
ignorance on the part of men but was deliberate and had its foundation in deep-rooted
sociocultural beliefs that gave men unfair advantage over women. Institutionalising gender
equity is thus a critical requirement in building agricultural and natural resource capacity
in Africa. Although simultaneous use of education, incentives and the rule of law are
required in this endeavour, rapid positive change in Africa requires a 'needs-driven' and
not a 'rights-driven' approach, as is common in developed countries
Description
Book Chapter