Gender and pastoralism Carola von Morstein, GIZ GmbH, Germany Division 45 Rural Development and Agriculture Conference on Advancement of Sustainable Pasture Management (SPM) in Central Asia GIZ Bishkek, November 2014 Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 1
AGENDA The gender gap Situation of pastoral women The Mera Declaration of the Gathering of Women Pastoralists Conclusions Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 2
The gender gap what is it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udm828tpvpy The gender gap: The agriculture including the livestock sector are underperforming in many developing countries, in part because men and women do not have equal access to the resources and opportunities they need to be productive. Increasing women s access to land, livestock, education, financial services, extension, technology and rural employment would boost their productivity and generate gains in agricultural output, food security, economic growth and social welfare. The gains in agricultural production alone could lift 100 150 million people out of hunger. Closing the gender gap is not only the right thing to do. It is crucial for agricultural development and food security (FAO). Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 3
The gender gap The Global Gender Gap Index examines the gap between men and women in four fundamental categories: a) economic participation and opportunity, b) educational attainment, c) health and survival d) political empowerment. Gender Gap Index 2013 of the World Economic Forum (WE) out of 110 countries : Tajikistan 90 th rank with a score of 0,688 Kyrgyzstan 63rd rank with a score 0,695 Kazakhstan 32nd rank with a score of 0,722 Usbekistan 2009: 58th with a scor of 0,691 Turkmenistan no figures available Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 4
Situation of pastoral women (1) World-wide great differences between and even inside pastoral societies but also similarities are found!!! Little recognition of the gender-specific distribution of labour in livestock keeping and processing Effected by sedentarization -- increased domestic and income generating burden -- need for alternative cash income ++ better access to health services and education Effected by degradation and encroachment due to climate change -- more time to graze animals, collecting water and firewood -- decreasing natural resources for economic activities Marginalization of women within the family (male dominated societies, little female decision making power, little ownership on land and livestock, limited mobility) Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 5
Situation of pastoral women (2) Poor access to health care services, high maternal mortality rates Poor nutritional status Education is highly priced less investment in female education (short education, little secondary and vocational training) Limited access to land and financial, veterinary and other services Rarely addressed by the extension services Limited contribution in marketing activities Conflicts (access to land and physical threats to women and girls) Marginalization of female pastoralists by (national) development agendas (limited political participation and decision making power) Limited contribution to livestock production and economic power Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 6
Situation of pastoral women (3) Increased social and political participation through female individuals and / or women groups Increased access to livestock services /credit/ knowledge / markets / technology / training Increased social and economic contribution to livestock production and empowerment of female pastoralists Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 7
The Mera Declaration of the Gathering of Women Pastoralists 2010 2. ENSURE the equal rights of pastoralist women and recognize their key role in society. 5. PROTECT the rights of pastoralists and provide security in nomadic areas including the enforcement of laws that guarantee the safety of women. 9. ADAPT existing legislation to take into account the specificities of pastoralist ways of life and differentiate nomadic and transhumant pastoralism from intensive livestock production. 10. PROMOTE regional policies and treaties that take into account transborder pastoralism and respect traditional grazing territories and migratory patterns. These are to be negotiated in consultation with pastoralist women. 11. DEVELOP specific policies that promote the sustainability and welfare of pastoral ways of life and the ecosystems we rely on for survival. The policy-making process must include meaningful participation, and consultation, with pastoralist women. Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 8
The Mera Declaration of the Gathering of Women Pastoralists 2010 13. ALLOW year-round access to grazing lands, including some lands that are currently within wild life preserves and conservation areas. These grazing spaces are to be established in consultation with pastoralist women. 15. ENSURE proportionate representation of pastoralist women in all levels of governance. 16. RESPECT the right of pastoralist women to education, both formal and informal, and including secondary education. Provide support to shift perceptions around the full educational needs of girls. 17. DEVELOP accessible and appropriate programs for pastoralist children to access education. Special emphasis is to be given to pastoralist girl children. These are to be developed in consultation with pastoralist women. 19. DEVELOP and implement programs that support women s health in pastoralist communities. Information and training on health, particularly reproductive health, should be given priority. Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 9
The Mera Declaration of the Gathering of Women Pastoralists 2010 20. CREATE and support programs that promote the economic development and diversify economic opportunities for pastoralist women, including micro-credit financing. These programs must be developed in consultation with pastoralist women. 21. SUPPORT pastoral women through capacity building, including direct access to markets and training to improve the quality and marketability of their work and managerial skills. 22. SUPPORT training programs focused on leadership and communication to enable pastoralist women to effectively participate in negotiations in all issues affecting their ways of life. Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 10
Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 11
Conclusions (1) WHAT IS NEEDED: Understanding the women's particular role, basic needs and threats as well as on-going changes Understanding how women influence decisions and what resources they have a greater control over Supporting women s empowerment in the production system how to become more market oriented how to benefit from economic empowerment Supporting women s access to productive resources and main assess (land, water, wood, markets, knowledge) Support income-generating activities (processing and selling of livestock products, forage, nurseries, aromatic and medical plants, wildlife products, handicrafts) Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 12
Conclusions (2) Offer time-saving opportunities (improved stoves, water collection and harvesting methods, ) Strengthening women s role in decision-making in the family, the community and in agricultural societies Incorporate pastoral women s concerns in project design Ensure their active project participation and involvement Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 13
Conclusions (4) Example from Tajikistan 1. Involvement in decision making processes Constraints: Participation in decision making processes is difficult Solutions: Facilitation and creation of opportunities linked to forest and land use where women can meet in groups, f. e.: - Joint collection and processing of forest products - Joint production of seedlings and seeds Facilitate formulation of women`s interests regarding forest and land use Strengthening existing mechanisms for participation in decision making processes: - Capacity building for women leaders/women authorities /representatives from women committees - Organization of exchange visits Picture: Caritas Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 14
Conclusions (3) 2. Avoiding additional burden and increasing efficiency of female working processes related to forest and land use Constraints: Traditional division of tasks between men and women is linked Solutions: Avoid additional burden and increase efficiency Establishment of community bread bakery that helps to safe firewood and contributes to empowerment of women - Introduction of a professional herding system - Common child care taking facilities and possibilities Pictures: Azal Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 15
Conclusions (4) 3. Ensuring equal opportunities/access for women and men to JFM contract conclusion Constraints: The main criteria for JFM contract conclusion remains the capability of the household to manage the plot Solutions: Efficient and transparent examination of plot granting. This includes the possibility that sons or brothers of the women could support the household regarding the plot. Picture: Caritas Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 16
Conclusions (5) 4. Income of women from forest and land use is increased Constraints: Traditional income and cash management Solutions: Income generated within women group work is likely to be managed by the women themselves Options: Supporting the establishment of small scale forest product processing facilities (medicinal herbs collection and drying) the conclusion of JFM plots with women groups regarding increase and collection of cumin the establishment of joint backyard nurseries, seed collection and processing Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 17
Conclusions (6) Methodology Cooperation with local NGOs, which have strong experience in working with Village Organizations or Women Committees. Carry out separate and individual consultations with women during community mobilization - via female project staff. Assessment on gender situation and capacity of women in respect to involvement in decision making process and activities related to forest and land use Specification of objectives and activities for the specific project area development of a separate activity plan that addresses gender Careful implementation and monitoring of gender-sensitive activities Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 18
Thanks a lot for your attention!!! Sector Project Sustainable Management of Resources in Agriculture" Page 19