Papers by Cynthia McDougall
Taylor & Francis eBooks, 2020
Content in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDeri... more Content in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.
1 ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Australia. Correspondin... more 1 ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Australia. Corresponding author: [email protected] 2 WorldFish, Honiara, Solomon Islands. 3 WorldFish, Penang, Malaysia. 4 Promundo, Washington, United States. 5 A comparative global research initiative examining gender norms and agency in natural resource management (https://gennovate.org/). Sustainable and improved livelihoods are often entry points to enhance human well-being and the management of natural resources (Allison and Ellis 2001; Sulu et al. 2015). Yet research shows that many of these livelihood initiatives still proceed as “gender blind” or “gender reinforcing” (e.g. Kleiber et al. 2019a; Lawless et al. 2017; Stacey et al. 2019). A gender-blind initiative fails to account for the norms (i.e. roles, rights and responsibilities of women and men) and relations (i.e. the power dynamics among and between women and men) influencing how individuals experience opportunities and outcomes differ...
acknowledge the technical support of Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted, WorldFish, for reviewing the checkl... more acknowledge the technical support of Dr. Shakuntala Thilsted, WorldFish, for reviewing the checklist of the questioners for its nutrition component. Special thanks to the women and men of the communities in Bogale, Pyapon, Meiktila and Yin Ma Bin who were willing to participate in the research process, devote their time and share their knowledge. We also acknowledge the contribution of Dr. Khin Maung Soe, WorldFish, for helping with the Burmese translation of the questioners, as well as Htar Shwe Yee Oo from Maubin University and Win Ko Ko, from the DoF, for their assistance during the data collection. We also sincerely thank the staff members from Yangon University and the DoF who undertook the coding of the interviewees. Finally we acknowledge the GENNOVATE intiatives (Enabling Gender Equality in Agricultural and Environmental Innovation) for developing the qualitative data collection tools from which we adapted to and used in our context.
This working paper aims to synthesize and share learning from the experience of adapting and oper... more This working paper aims to synthesize and share learning from the experience of adapting and operationalizing the Research in Development (RinD) approach to agricultural research in the five hubs under the The CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems. It seeks to share learning about how the approach is working in context and to explore the outcomes it is achieving through initial implementation over 3 ½ years. This learning can inform continuation of agricultural research in the second phase of the CGIAR research programs and will be useful to others aiming to implement research programs that seek to equitably build capacity to innovate in complex social-ecological systems. Each of the chapters in this working paper have shown that RinD has produced a range of outcomes that were often unexpected and broader in scope than might result from other approaches to agricultural research. RinD also produces innovations, and there is evidence that it builds capacity to innovate.
B reeding is a technical pillar of CGIAR research: the animal/fish breeds, and plant varieties de... more B reeding is a technical pillar of CGIAR research: the animal/fish breeds, and plant varieties developed are international public goods that contribute to agricultural development for low-income contexts worldwide. Gender equality and women's empowerment are critical social dimensions underpinning agricultural development in these contexts. Progressing toward gender equality in agriculture requires that women, as well as men, have equal capabilities to make decisions about agricultural innovation, and specifically technology choice. Current evidence, however, suggests the situation here is not yet equal. Nevertheless, despite ongoing inequalities, there is a dearth of literature on the connection between gender and breeding in agricultural research. This chapter critically examines what has been done to address gender dynamics in (current) breeding structures and processes, and what more can be done so that breeding programs contribute to advancing gender equality. We are specifically concerned with technology choices in relation to the plant variety or animal/fish breed by resource-poor smallholders in low-income countries. The chapter explores how CGIAR and public breeding programs generate options based on user needs, preferences, and constraints, and the institutional requirements needed to develop them in such a way that they contribute to gender equality and women's empowerment. We begin with a discussion on why gender matters for breeding. Here, we also position this chapter within a technology, society, and gender frame, and briefly look at how the incorporation of gender dimensions in breeding processes have evolved, starting with the Green Revolution. We next introduce our conceptualization of how breeding relates to gender equality, emphasizing, in particular, technology options and the power to choose. We deepen this by presenting an impact pathway that can be used to
Adaptive Collaborative Management in Forest Landscapes, 2021
Women, men, youth, government and NGO practitioners, children, the poor, the elderly, rich busine... more Women, men, youth, government and NGO practitioners, children, the poor, the elderly, rich business men, members of the private sector, all sitting together in a meeting.
This guide is intended to make a contribution to the larger efforts worldwide at improving forest... more This guide is intended to make a contribution to the larger efforts worldwide at improving forest management, human well-being, and the sustainability of natural resources. In order for it to do so, three important points should be noted by anyone intending to use the Guide: 1) As with any such tool, everything in this guide needs to be considered in, and adapted to, the local context in which it is to be used. We consider it not a 'blueprint', but a 'springboard' to appropriate action… 2) Successful implementation of the approach suggested in this guide relies on adequate understanding of, commitment to, and skills in participatory approaches and processes. This does not mean that only "professional participation practitioners" should use it. It means rather that if there is a lack of any or all of these, this gap should be addressed prior to and during the C&I processes (for example, through the readings or contacts suggested in the reference section). Furthermore, in relation to point 1 above, as the approach to CMF C&I and processes for monitoring are adapted for use locally, it is extremely important that these adaptations build in and maximize opportunities for shared learning and ownership of the processes. For example, while the guide may offer some ideas for 'structuring CMF C&I', it does not go in depth into the kinds of participatory tools that can be best used in different groups to do this. We look to the implementers of the guide to bring in the participatory tools and adaptations that will be needed in each context. We anticipate that across all contexts, this will include such adaptations as: • Locally appropriate games to introduce ideas • Shifting from written word to pictorial representations or other activities as literacy levels dictate • Developing strategies to overcome barriers to participation (such as gender, caste, etc) 3) This is a work in progress! CIFOR and collaborators are continuing work in this area, and we would welcome input and feedback on this guide. This manual is the product of the cumulative efforts and insights of many people over a period of years. We would especially like to express our gratitude to the member of the communities of Akak/Bitetele and Eyek II (Central province, Cameroon), Cachoeira do Maró and São Pedro (Pará, Brazil) and Bedigong and Darok (West Kalimantan, Indonesia) who participated in the CIFOR CMF C&I field tests, and without whose generous participation and wisdom this publication would have been impossible. We also thank and applaud the work of the interdisciplinary team members, facilitators, and supporters involved in that research-too numerous to mention specifically, but all of their efforts are valued and valuable. We can at least thank and name the lead collaborating institutions here: the GTZ-Indonesian Ministry of Forestry funded Social Forestry Development Project (SFDP) (Sanggau, Kalimantan); FERDA (Bogor, Indonesia); ONADEF (Cameroon); WWF-Cameroon; the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais de Santarem (STR-Santarem), and Projecto Saude e Alegria, Santarem, Brazil. Within CIFOR, Drs Ravi Prabhu, Godwin Kowero and Michael Spilsbury all provided excellent commentary and encouragement. Yvonne Byron is recognised for her editorial contributions, Gideon Suharyanto for his creativity and guidance in the layout and Rahayu Koesnadi for ongoing support of all kinds. Last, but not least, we also extend thanks to the funding agencies who made this manual possible-the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Ford Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation-as well as the European Union (EU), the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), and USAID who supported the CMF C&I research on which this publication draws. Not only the resources, but also the encouragement, wisdom and patience have been much appreciated. 1 We use the term 'community management of forests' or 'community managed forests' (CMF) rather than 'community forest management' (CFM) in order to keep the frame of reference quite broad. While we do include areas that are under exclusive management of a community or communities, we also are referring to areas managed in part by communities, including instances of collaborative or co-management between communities and other stakeholders. We recognise that this latter case of multiple stakeholder management presents many challenges which are not fully addressed here. We plan to continue to explore these through our research and communication with others, and address them more fully in future publications. 2 Burford de Oliveira (1999) and Burford de Oliveira et al. (1999).
Critérios e Indicadores-é uma abreviatura comumente usada para representar toda a hierarquia rela... more Critérios e Indicadores-é uma abreviatura comumente usada para representar toda a hierarquia relacionada, ou seja, não apenas Critérios e Indicadores, mas Princípios, Critérios, Indicadores e Verificadores.
Box 1.1: Definitions used during the C&I tests for community managed forests Box 1.2: The CIFOR C... more Box 1.1: Definitions used during the C&I tests for community managed forests Box 1.2: The CIFOR C&I for CMF test sites Box 1.3: Locations for the Cameroon test Box 1.4: Signs and corresponding indicator classification Box 3.1: Strategies to adapt to natural scarcity Box 3.2: Forest management C&I of multiple use Cameroon test Box 3.3: C&I on multiple benefits Box 4.1: Selected C&I: Landscape mosaic Box 4.2: C&I: Population and migration controls Box 4.3: Selected C&I: Minimising the impact of agriculture on forest integrity and health Box 4.4: C&I: Biodiversity and landscape diversity (forest management, Cameroon) Box 4.5: Selected C&I: Management of water resources Box 4.6: C&I: Flooded forest areas (Brazilian ecology subset) Box 4.7: C&I: Matching soil properties to use categories (Indonesian forest management subset) Box 4.8: Some implications of agricultural soil preferences to forest conservation Box 4.9: C&I of fire management (Brazil test) Box 5.1: C&I: Zones and boundaries (Brazil, forest management) Box 5.2: C&I: Boundaries and their relationship to land tenure Box 5.3: Community timber extraction Box 5.4: Tembawang forest gardens and natural forest conservation Box 5.5: C&I: Abundance of game species (Brazil, ecology) Box 5.6: C&I: Strategies to control hunting (Cameroon, ecology) Box 6.
Agriculture and Human Values, 2013
ABSTRACT Forests are a significant component of integrated agriculture-based livelihood systems, ... more ABSTRACT Forests are a significant component of integrated agriculture-based livelihood systems, such as those found in many parts of Asia. Women and the poor are often relatively dependent on, and vulnerable to changes in, forests and forest access. And yet, these same actors are frequently marginalized within local forest governance. This article draws on multi-year, multi-case research in Nepal that sought to investigate and address this marginalization. Specifically, the article analyzes the influence of adaptive collaborative governance on the engagement of women and the poor in community forestry decision making. A description of adjustments to governance processes and arrangements is followed by the consequent changes in engagement observed, in terms of: efforts made by female and poor members to be involved, express views and exercise rights; leadership roles played by female and poor members; and the extent to which the user groups’ priorities and actions reflect the marginalized members’ interests and needs. The main finding is that the engagement of women and the poor increased across sites with the shift from the status quo to adaptive collaborative governance, although not without challenges. The article explores interconnected factors underlying the changes, then considers these through the lens of the “three-gap analysis of effective participation.” This leads to specific insights concerning the conceptualization and strengthening of engagement in community forestry including the central roles of power and learning.
lmost a quarter of a century after the Beijing Declaration, and with 10 years left to meet the Su... more lmost a quarter of a century after the Beijing Declaration, and with 10 years left to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, The Guardian announced the SDG Gender Index's finding that, "Not one single country is set to achieve gender equality by 2030" (Equal Measures 2030 2019, Ford 2019). This aligns with the most recent Global Gender Gap Index, which signals that, on the current trajectory, it will take approximately 170 years to achieve gender equality (WEF 2016)-a wait of seven generations, or two and a half lifetimes for the average woman. 1 While there has been progress through legislative reforms and targeted interventions in education, health, and social protection, gender inequalities remain particularly pervasive in agriculture-dependent and low-income countries. In the SDG Gender Index, for example, no country in sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East and North Africa, or Latin America and the Caribbean has achieved a good category score. 2 Moreover, progress toward gender equality "… is hugely variable, hard to advance at pace and, in places, in retreat… discriminatory gendered norms prevail and resistance to progress is common" (Pantuliano et al. 2019, 2). Girls and women continue to have insufficient control over economic, social, and political resources, and "stark disparities between women remain, influenced by intersecting social identities such as gender, age, disability, ethnicity and class" (Pantuliano et al. 2019, 2). These inequalities are embedded in complex and dynamic socioeconomic-environmental contexts, 1 The estimated current lifespan for women is 72 years globally (CIA n.d.). 2 On a five-point scale: very poor-poor-fair-good-excellent (Equal Measures 2030 2019). Fragility of context is also a factor: the 10 lowest-scoring countries (
The goal of WorldFish’s research on markets and value chains is to increase the benefits to res... more The goal of WorldFish’s research on markets and value chains is to increase the benefits to resource-poor people from fisheries and aquaculture value chains by researching (1) key barriers to resource-poor men, women and other marginalized groups gaining greater benefits from participation in value chains, including barriers related to the availability, affordability and quality of nutrient-rich fish for resource-poor consumers; (2) interventions to overcome those barriers; and (3) mechanisms that are most effective for scaling up of value chain interventions. This paper aims to promote and document learning across WorldFish’s value chain research efforts in Asia and Africa. It has three main objectives: (1) to take stock of WorldFish’s past and ongoing research on value chains; (2) to draw out commonalities and differences between these projects; and (3) to provide a synthesis of some learning that can guide future work.
GENNOVATE program report on the CGIAR Research Program FISH Acknowledgments Executive summary 1. ... more GENNOVATE program report on the CGIAR Research Program FISH Acknowledgments Executive summary 1. Introduction Additionally, the study found that women in the contexts perceived that their strategic decisionmaking power increased significantly over a period of 10 years, while men's perception of their own decision-making power did not decrease. This implies a shift toward increased contributions of both spouses to decisions rather than a zero-sum shift from one to the other. Poverty was viewed by respondents to be associated with a lack of jointness of intra-household decision-making and women's disempowerment, including over their own bodies and how many children to have. Although men are strongly identified as innovators by development partners, 6 men find it hard to change what they have always done to earn a living when their livelihoods are threatened. The findings suggest that men's involvement with rice and fish are part of how "being a man" is defined locally. However, young men are finding this definition increasingly problematic, though no clear alternatives are being offered. Older men, too, are finding it difficult to find ways out of livelihoods that no longer generate sufficient income but are considered "what men do." The findings indicated that women in the study were relatively more successful in innovating their way out of difficulty, particularly through recourse to off-farm livelihoods in the case of the Philippines. Lessons from FISH: Entry points for constructive change around gender norms The distinction between accommodative and transformative gender approaches needs to be examined and worked with care. In Bangladesh, women are working to meet their practical and strategic needs within an overarching gender ideology that does not necessarily support open articulation of these needs. In this situation, women are deploying their agency carefully in ways that might outwardly support men as the primary decision-maker, while less overtly working toward their own strategic gender needs. Detailed recommendations for research, FISH in particular, are provided in the final section of this report. They are summarized here: Develop a model of change based on social norm theory. Gender norm literature and empirical insights should be built upon to develop a model of change that describes, analyzes and develops programmatic responses to concepts outlined in this study and elsewhere. As part of this, factors driving change will need to be identified, including farmers' own perceptions of what drives change. Working with and building on their perceptions is likely to leverage change more rapidly. Continue to target women. Recognition and promotion of women and their capacities by external actors is integral to women's empowerment processes. This includes enhancing their status at the community level and strengthening their voice in intra-household bargaining. Support equity in intra-household decision-making processes. Household methodologies (HHMs) promote family togetherness and empower men as well as women to take charge of their lives. HHMs are effective in promoting men's participation in household and care work because men realize that the "family vision" cannot be realized if they do not share this work with women. It is important also to include discussions on food and nutrition security, and on women's reproductive health, as part of a HHM intervention. Combine technical training on innovations with gender-transformative approaches. Participatory social consciousness-raising exercises should be added, as well as dialogue and reflection on enabling and harmful norms, as part of technical training packages. These include use of other fun methods so as to help people think about and remove social constraints for adopting technologies. Key decision-makers influencing women's participation in innovation processes, for example in-laws and community gate keepers, should be included in the process. Help adult and young men diversify their livelihood portfolios. Collapsing men's livelihoods put immense strain upon women to take up the slack. Empirical evidence shows that diversifying men's livelihoods can lead to women losing control over crops and livestock previously considered to lie within the women's domain. However, encouraging men to take up different options in conjunction with promoting a HHM will encourage gender-equitable livelihood diversification. Support men to shift toward norms, attitudes and behaviors that support gender equality and equity. Strategies should be considered to support men as they begin to confront and question norms that inhibit gender equality and equity. These norms shape their identities at home, in their community, in innovation processes and in the media. Similarly, strategies should be investigated that
Beyond the Biophysical, 2010
Page 1. 167 Abstract Viewing resource management essentially through a biophysical lens has provi... more Page 1. 167 Abstract Viewing resource management essentially through a biophysical lens has provided too restricted a perspective for understanding complex political pro-cesses surrounding forest management. The case ...
PLOS ONE
Over the last decade, Egypt's aquaculture sector has expanded rapidly, which has contributed subs... more Over the last decade, Egypt's aquaculture sector has expanded rapidly, which has contributed substantially to per capita fish supply, and the growth of domestic fish markets and employment across the aquaculture value chain. Despite the growing importance of aquaculture sector in Egyptian labour force, only a few studies have explored the livelihoods of Egypt's women and men fish retailers. Even fewer studies have examined gender-based market constraints experienced by these informal fish retailers. This study uses sex-disaggregated data collected in 2013 in three governorates of Lower Egypt to examine the economic and social constraints to scale of enterprises between women (n = 162) and men informal fish retailers (n = 183). Specifically, we employ linear regression method to determine the correlates of enterprise performance. We found that both women and men retailers in the informal fish market earn low profits and face livelihood insecurities. However, women's enterprise performance is significantly lower than that of men even after controlling for individual socioeconomic and retailing characteristics. Specifically, the burden of unpaid household work and lack of support therein impedes women's ability to generate higher revenues. These findings strengthen the argument for investing in understanding how gender norms and attitudes affect livelihood options and outcomes. This leads to recommendations on gender-responsive interventions that engage with both men and women and enhance the bargaining power and collective voice of fish retailers.
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Papers by Cynthia McDougall