Tropentag, September 20 - 22, 2017 in Bonn "Future Agriculture: Social-ecological transitions and bio-cultural shifts"

Gender, Species Priorities, and Domestication in South and Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Indonesia

Abstract

Women and men have different sets of knowledge, experiences, and strategies in addressing aspects of plant domestication such as plant propagation, management, utilisation and marketing. Identification of gender roles and knowledge related to tree domestication is important in planning for tree-based livelihood enhancement and sustainable environmental management, however, such identification has not yet been sufficiently researched to date. Thus, this study investigated gendered selection of economically priority species and their domestication in South and Southeast Sulawesi. With using ranking through pebble game as a method, we identify the top five priority species, along with domestication preferences and division labour by gender. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 300 community members (45% women) of 19 villages in 4 districts in South and Southeast Sulawesi province Indonesia. Men and women were disaggregated into different FGD groups. The study showed that both men and women give priority to tree species with high economic value; the management of those species is a stronger priority for men but is also expressed by women. However, specifically for their livelihoods, women are keen to domesticate vegetables and other annual crops that contribute directly to household food security and nutrition. Women focus their domestication activities on land near the home. Timber, as in many areas, were the domain of men. Women's contribution to timber domestication was lower than the engagement of men due to the lower interest/priority of women. Women's role in seed selection and propagation is crucial for agroforest development and biodiversity conservation. Their knowledge and skills, developed through the tasks they perform, are important aspects for agroforest management.

Keywords: Gender role, household decision making, tree domestication, tree prioritisation, women

Contact Address: Elok Mulyoutami, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Southeast Asia Regional Program, P.O. Box 161, 16001 Bogor, Indonesia, e-mail: E.Mulyoutamicgiar.org