Women and decision-making in sustainable land use and natural resource management in rural KwaZulu-Natal : case studies of Ekuthuleni and Platt Estate.

Abstract

Many rural communities suffer from the poor management of natural resources they

depend on. Natural resources such as land, water and forests are the source of their daily

needs. It is well known that the sustainable use of natural resources is important,

however, in the process of natural resource management some people are excluded from

the decision-making process, especially rural women. This study examines the efficiency

and equity consequences of natural resources and land management institutional practices

in land reform projects in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in relation to gender

issues. Case studies of two land reform projects in KZN, Platt Estate (restitution) and

Ekuthuleni (redistribution) are used. Both quantitative (questionnaire surveys) and

qualitative (focus group discussions, venn diagrams, mental mapping and ranking

exercises) methods were used. The study examines the main links between women's

needs and concerns as well as their participation in decision-making over land use and

management of resources. Another noteworthy aspect that is examined is the way in

which changing and differentiated patterns of control, access and use of land resources at

household and community levels affect the ways in which resources are exploited and

managed, especially in relation to women. Generally, the research findings illustrate that

sustainable land use and natural resource management at the community and household

levels in rural areas cannot be neglected or ignored in areas where high levels of poverty

persist and where the re-invention and re-assertion of tradition is prevalent, especially

traditional governance structures and patriarchy. In all two communities, structures

pertaining to land management exist but the functionality, sustainability and viability of

these structures and their ability to address development and environmental needs that

impact on the social, economic, political and environmental quality of life are major

concerns. Furthermore, women's participation in these structures is limited and several

problems are experienced.