ACDI/VOCA : gender perspectives on a voluntary resettlement program, Uganda

Main findings are as follows: (1) Upon relocation, many women began to see themselves as joint owners of the newly allocated land, which provided an opportunity for strengthening the traditionally weak landownership rights for women. (2) Women frequently reported changes in household gender relations following relocation, which in turn led to improved household welfare. Spouses spent more time together, men were drinking less, and most women were no longer required to seek permission from their husbands to access family land. Many women reported that community projects had taught them to express themselves in public and participate in local decisionmaking. (3) Training in farming methods and expanded extension services for relocatees resulted in increased farm productivity and thus greater land tenure security. Both these pursuits were conducted with sensitivity toward gender-related issues and patterns in local communities. (4) The project provided training in participatory approaches and the integration of gender into policies and programs for staff, local and district leaders, and local residents in and around the resettlement villages. (5) An emphasis on stakeholder involvement and participatory decisionmaking taught local residents the importance of consulting women on both family affairs and community projects (such as road-building and the restoration of forest and water resources). (6) Infrastructure projects in resettled communities including better roads, health and education services, access to safe water sources, and improved the quality of life. These efforts, as well as the formation of women"s groups, benefitted women greatly, primarily by easing labor burdens and mitigating health problems such as maternal mortality. In sum, the project"s approach enabled individuals and communities to overcome many barriers and led to both poverty alleviation and environmental protection. Study findings offer insight into how, when consulted and involved in decisionmaking, women can play a key role in both environmental protection and community development.