The Role of Rural Women in Natural Resource Management in Pakistan

Abstract

Women, particularly those living in rural areas Pakistan, play a major role in managing natural resources such as forests, water, land and wildlife. They utilize and conserve these resources to supply basic needs for their families. Therefore conservation and sustainability of natural resources in rural areas cannot be achieved without the involvement and training of women. The women of rural Pakistan needs to be educated on the values, management and sustainability of natural resources as alternative sources of livelihood, so that they can play a significant role in reducing poverty and managing natural resources in a sustainable manner. But to have success, they must not only be appreciated as invisible land managers, but must benefit from relevant incentives in their cultural roles.

This paper examines the roles of women in natural resource conservation, their role in agriculture, land, water supply, forestry, the collection and use of fuel wood and livestock. It will also examine, the research gaps existing and why conservation and sustainability will only succeed if government and nongovernment conservation bodies targeting rural women.