IWE-50806 Gender in Land and Water Development
Course
Credits 6.00
| Teaching method | Contact hours |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Literature study | |
| Problem-based learning | 24 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Self-study |
| Course coordinator(s) | prof. dr. ir. MZ Zwarteveen |
| Lecturer(s) | prof. dr. ir. MZ Zwarteveen |
| Examiner(s) | prof. dr. ir. MZ Zwarteveen |
Language of instruction:
English
Contents:
Many international statements make explicit reference to the crucial importance of women as users, guardians and managers of natural resources. Development policies frequently refer to women as the 'local experts'about water, soils, forests and seeds. The aim of this course is to look beyond policy rhetorics by offering concepts for understanding and strategies for accommodating the linkages between gender relations and natural resource use and management. While the course has a clear focus on water management, it also deals with other natural resources and includes treatment of agro-biodiversity, nature conservation and environmental sustainability. Different frameworks (gender and environment, feminist political ecology, eco-feminism) for analyzing gender and environment linkages are presented and discussed. Gendered assumptions of current policy approaches to the management of natural resources are critically examined. Concepts such as participation, cost recovery and accountability are discussed for their gender implications. In addition, the course provides an introduction to gender sensitive planning methods in watershed, forestery and irrigation management projects.
Aims:
In the course, students learn to understand how feminist questions interact with environmental questions. After having followed this course, students:
- are able to unravel gendered assumptions implicit in current approaches to natural resource development, conservation and management;
- know concepts and methods for analyzing gendered implications of natural resource and environmental development interventions;
- understand the linkages between natural resources management and gender;
- know methods and approaches for gender sensitive natural resources management and environmental planning processes.
Activities:
The course consists of:
- plenary sessions and (guest) lectures;
- literature study;
- group discussions;
- presentations and written assignments, including an essay.
Examination:
A course reader is provided before the course.
Literature:
Students are examined on the basis of the written assignments and presentations (1/3), and an examination (2/3).