Shanana Rodsoodthi. Women empowerment in watershed management of the Khwai Noi upper river, Kanchanaburi . Doctoral Degree(Technology of Environmental Management). Mahidol University. : Mahidol University, 2004.
Women empowerment in watershed management of the Khwai Noi upper river, Kanchanaburi
Abstract:
Today women’s role is more and more seen as the key for managing social
interaction with nature and their role could be instrumental in dealing with the
current crisis in the Khwai Noi upper river watershed. This study investigated
women’s participation in watershed management at the household level using a
theoretical model based on a elements from gender socialization theory and
empowerment theory to find out what women know, how they manage, and what
factors are related to their empowerment. Data from questionnaires by 345 women in
31 villages were analyzed.
As regards women’s knowledge about watershed ecological systems and
their understanding of the watershed crisis, the study showed that women in the
Khwai Noi upper river area perceive a change for the worse in their watershed,
especially regarding soil fertility. Women in middle stream and downstream areas
indicated that they believe soil quality to be slightly worse than five years earlier.
This corresponded to data of spatial change derived from remote sensing and
geographic information system techniques indicating that the soil loss area now
constitutes three levels and that most of the upstream reach are at nature, while
quarter of the middle stream and most of downstream area is in crisis. The study
found that watershed management information is ordinarily conveyed through
unofficial women group meetings and discussions with the heads of households. As
to women’s participation in management, no difference was found between women
within and outside the household. Women’s knowledge and understanding of the
issue, their willingness to participate, their cooperation with others, their identifying
as women, and their use of the communication approach were found to be predictors
of effective participation in watershed management.
In short, women have the knowledge and can effectively participate and
manage natural resource within watershed using traditional techniques learn from
their ancestors if they get proper support from management agencies