Efficacy of watershed development programmes in Kerala : a gender perspective
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Date
2012
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Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara
Abstract
Watershed development programmes were taken up under different programmes launched by GOI. As a prelude to these, a number of programmes were implemented viz. DPAP, DDP and IWDP etc with a common objective to conserve the soil and water resources for sustainable management. In 2008 GOI formulated common guidelines for watershed development projects in order to have a unified perspective by all ministries. There is a need to know the perspective about the watershed development programme, the beneficiaries’ knowledge level etc. So far no attempt has been made to such aspects. Hence the study was designed with the following objectives, to explore the gender issues involved in watershed development programmes in Kerala, to find out the dimensions of watershed development programme at various levels of formulation and implementation and the constraints from a gender perspective and to access the training needs of women stakeholders in watershed development programme. The study also intends to suggest various measures for effective gender mainstreaming in watershed development programmes in Kerala.
The study was taken up in two panchayaths of Akathethara of Thrissur and Wadakkanchery of Palakkad. Random sampling procedure was adopted to select 15 each from male, female and the implementing officers to form a total sample size of 90 from both panchayath. A pretested interview schedule, observations technique as well as group discussion method were the tools used for the data collection.
The knowledge level of women stakeholders was very high. There is no differences in the knowledge level of men and women. There exists no relationship between the knowledge level and the characteristics of respondents. The training needs of women and men were one and the same. There exist a negative relationship between the education and training need of the stakeholders.
Regarding the dimensions perceived by the beneficiaries under the planning phase by the Wadakkanchery and Akthethara panchayath were one and the same except two dimensions additionally perceived in the Akathethara and the same was perceived by men also. Under the implementation stage also the same trend was observed in two panchayaths. Men and women perceived the same dimensions consistently. Under the withdrawal and follow up phase the perception by men and women as well as panchayaths were one and the same.
The linkage study indicates the Wadakkanchery panchayath perceived soil conservation office as most essential institution where as Akathethara perceived the same as least essential. The horizontal integration results revealed that “grama sabha” and “watershed committee” having a direct linkage with the “soil conservation office” and “krishi bhavan” at Wadakkanchery. The Akathethara panchayath showed a direct and close linkage with the “krishibhavan”. The institutions like the "PHC”, “watershed development team” and the “veterinary” shows a direct linkage but less involvement, the least involvement with the research station.
The following gender issues were explored viz. “The role of women in decision making are less”, “Women have no title deed of property”, “Women involvement in WDP is proxy”, “Wage differences” and “Work drudgery is more among women”
The following suggestions are made out of results and experiences of researcher. The need base training should be imparted to the stakeholders. The youngsters must be encouraged to participate and should be given preference for including in the groups and committee. Vertical and horizontal linkages must be strengthened so as to ensure the participation of the institutions.
Watershed development programmmes will be more effective and a successful programme if it is implemented effectively with a wholistic approach.
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