Message 2: Freddy Miranda

1 Why is it important to mainstream a gender perspective in agricultural water management?

Because in developing regions like Central America, formed by seven countries, women occupy a high percentage in the agriculture work force. In this sector the patriarchal and the macho vision predominates over women role in economy and in the social life. Despite that in Central America there are laws to guarantee women’s real equality; the macho culture is stronger among the rural population than what’s determined by the legislation. The water management is the most important issue in the environmental and agriculture agenda in Central America. The gender mainstream in the water management contributes to reinforce the general efforts to achieve a real gender equality in the rural areas of Central America.

2 What are the real issues that challenge the integration of gender concerns into water management and agriculture?

In the Central American case, there are issues referred to legislation, education, services and state infrastructure; and issues referred to culture. In the most undeveloped and poor areas the bigger issues are related with the dominant culture and the role assigned to women. In this case the presence of the State trough better services and basic infrastructure and the access to education, are key factors to overcome the barriers that prevent a better integration of gender concerns in the water management in agriculture.

3 Why is gender not mainstreamed in water management in agriculture?

In Central America the national and regional governments are a key factor in rural growth, water management and agriculture development. In this region there is very little political incidence for the governments to mainstream gender in the water and agriculture subjects.

Freddy Miranda Castro

Economista