Document Type
Case Study
Publication Date
1993
Abstract
This issue of SEEDS describes an innovative approach to rehabilitation of wastelands developed by Social Action for Rural and Tribal Inhabitants of India (SARTHI), a nongovernmental organization based in the Panchmahals District of Gujarat State in Western India. By assisting rural women to organize themselves around the rehabilitation of patches of degraded common land, SARTHI has been able to help them not only meet their needs for biomass in a more efficient and ecologically sound manner, but also to empower them to start asserting themselves in dealing with a broader range of problems. As primary gatherers and users of biomass, women are in the best position to implement wasteland development activities, since they possess both the knowledge and motivation to successfully carry out such programs. However, as women in a male-dominated society, they require assistance in overcoming a range of obstacles that have traditionally hindered them from working together, taking action, and asserting their influence within the community. This report highlights SARTHI's experience of organizing women around the development of wastelands and outlines important lessons learned in terms of both the management of natural resources and the empowerment of women.
DOI
10.31899/pgy4.1024
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Sarin, Madhu. 1993. "Wasteland development and the empowerment of women: The SARTHI experience," SEEDS no. 16. New York: Population Council.
Included in
Agricultural and Resource Economics Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, International Public Health Commons
Comments
Issue no. 16 of SEEDS, a pamphlet series developed to provide information about innovative and practical program ideas to address the economic roles and needs of low-income women.