Gender equality and social inclusion in landscape management: the case of Mugina and Rugombo districts in Burundi

Abstract

Initiatives in landscape management are designed as sustainable solutions to confront environmental and social challenges. Effective management hinges on recognizing the unique needs of local communities. This study examines how gender interacts with multiple identities, including marital status, socioeconomic status, and age, in conjunction with power dynamics. It underscores the significance of these elements in determining access to resources, the dissemination of knowledge and skills, and their role in influencing participation in decision-making processes vital for effective landscape management in the sub-Nyamagana watershed, situated in the Imbo plain of the Mugina and Rugombo districts in Burundi. This is qualitative research founded on data collected in June 2024, which includes eight key informant interviews (comprising four men and four women), 20 household interviews (equally divided between ten men and ten women), and eight focus group discussions (four conducted with male groups and four with female groups). The results demonstrate that the Burundi government has enacted laws to support environmental sustainability and sustainable development. However, the experiences shared by farmers highlight that age, socioeconomic factors, and power relations significantly impact their rights to resources, their ability to express their opinions, and their representation in landscape management, which in turn affects the effectiveness of landscape management initiatives. The three primary key results and recommendations are presented below.

• Sustainable farming and natural resource management practices among both men and women farmers from diverse social groups are significantly influenced by their access to resources. Our result shows women, young individuals, and indigenous communities, such as the Batwa, often encounter varied levels of restricted rights to vital resources, including land, financial assistance, and essential information. This lack of access undermines their decision-making and investment potential, contributing to heightened poverty. To effectively address challenges, interventions should consider the varied needs, priorities, barriers, and difficulties of the diverse social groups, guaranteeing their access to essential resources, services, and benefits.

• There is disparity in access and valuation of knowledge which marginalizes certain social groups, including women and small communities such as the Batwa, which in turn leads to a decline in traditional knowledge. For instance, social norms that hinder marginalized groups’ mobility and limit their access to training contribute to the loss of critical knowledge and poor management of resources. Addressing the gaps in ecological knowledge for successful landscape management involves the integration of diverse knowledge systems. By merging the diverse traditional knowledge with modern agricultural techniques, it is possible to leverage these experiences to enhance conservation and resource management strategies.

• Men largely oversee natural resource management, which restricts the empowerment of women. Challenges such as domestic responsibilities and financial barriers frequently mute women's contributions, especially in economically disadvantaged households. This lack of varied involvement in landscape management fails to address women's needs, thereby sustaining poverty, reinforcing gender disparities, and leading to suboptimal resource management. To address the issues, it isrecommended that relevant stakeholders implement inclusive and gender transformative approaches to enhance equitable involvement in leadership roles and collaborative efforts.