Beschreibung:
Local governance of natural resources is a key issue in the autonomous and inclusive development of indigenous territories. However, little attention has been given to the local dynamics that determine who governs what, especially gender dynamics. Through literature and field research, the study 'Gender, Tenure and Community Forests in Nicaragua' aimed at providing insights into understanding how indigenous women participate in the management of forests and forest resources. The study consisted of two main components. The first of these involved key informant interviews and the analysis of secondary information, national and regional laws and policies, and nongovernmental organisation (NGO) and donor projects regarding gender and natural resource management. The second involved focus groups in 18 rural indigenous communities to analyse women's participation in forest-related decisions. The study indicates that Nicaragua's laws and regulations on gender and on forests appear useful and reasonably comprehensive when considered separately; nevertheless, there are gaps between the two issues at all levels. That is, national laws are inclusive but have resulted in generic policies. Hence, to the extent that gender has been mainstreamed, it has made women’s issues invisible; the result is a lack of particular or targeted actions that would lead to more comprehensive and holistic alternatives for women and for forests. The study found that government actions on forests and natural resources, although mandated to include a crosscutting approach to gender, are diluted into larger development processes or remain at a simple quantification of men and women incorporated into projects ...