Gender Roles and Utilization of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Management of Forest Biodiversity: The Case of Madondo Communal Lands in Zimbabwe

Introduction

Over the past century, Indigenous people have developed a close and unique connection with the land and environment in which they live. They have established distinct systems of knowledge, innovation and practices relating to the use and management of biological diversity (Omotayo, 2015). Much of this knowledge forms an important contribution to research and development, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and cosmetic products. In the context of these uses, Indigenous people claim that their rights as traditional holders and custodians of this knowledge are not adequately recognised or protected. They demand not only recognition and protection of this knowledge, but also the right to share equitably in benefits derived from the uses of this knowledge (Iloka, 2016).

The loss of biodiversity affects everyone. The degree to which degraded resources impact an individual depends on several key factors including economic status and gender. However, because women represent the vast majority of the world’s poor, women are ultimately impacted more severely than men with regards to natural resource degradation (Shandra, 2008). The availability of open access and common resource property is instrumental for obtaining sustenance and resources with which to generate income. As these resource bases disappear, the rural poor, particularly women, face increasing levels of poverty and their security is jeopardized (including food, water, energy, economic and health security). In general, household burdens are increased, poverty is increased, and health is diminished. These resource pools are lost for a variety of systematic reasons as well as external pressures such as demographic changes, economic growth, and climate change (UNESCO, 2011).