Gender Analysis in the Adoption of Natural Resources Management in the Highlands of Kabale, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

This study examines the gender dimensions of Natural Resource Management
(NRM) adoption in the Kabale Highlands in southwestern Uganda. The Kabale
Highlands are where Irish potatoes, sorghum, and beans are produced on a small
scale. Practices such as terracing, agroforestry, and water harvesting have been
advocated to stabilise soil and ensure sustainable productivity; however, their
adoption is uneven and context-dependent. This paper examines how assets, power,
and gendered identities shape NRM adoption. The study employed a qualitative
mixed-method research design comprising the literature, focus group discussions,
and participatory rural appraisals. For data collection, a multistage purposive
sampling was done to yield a sample size of 144. The analysis and findings show
that gender is one of the key determinants of Natural Resource Management (NRM)
outcomes. There is a steep difference in adoption trends with women, being the key
household managers, inclined to sustainable, labour-intensive practices to ensure
food availability. Conversely, men encourage capital-intensive methods, such as
massive terracing and commercial timber production, which are market-oriented.
The results also shed light on processes through which tenure security, credit
availability, and inclusive decision-making can influence NRM adoption. The
research serves a policy and practice information purpose, identifying leverage
points to bridge the gender disparity in NRM adoption and support environmental
resilience in Kabale and other highland settings.