Examining the Gendered Dimensions in Using Open Access Water for Production Among Rural Market Gardeners

Abstract

" • 70% of Zimbabweans live in rural areas. • Rural livelihoods linked to access, use and management of natural resources (subsistence and income generation). • Water entry point to poverty alleviation and livelihoods protection. • Water strategic resource for development (IUCN 2005). • Women traditionally recognised and accepted as main users of water • However gender relations limit their access to, control and use of water. • Most households in Goromonzi depend on surface water to produce food and earn an income. • Mutsvati dam located in Goromonzi district • Irrigation infrastructure appears uniform (water pumped from dam or seasonal river to gardens) • Buckets, simple technology treadle pumps, hand pumps and motor powered water pumps used to apply water to the fields. • Gardens watered and cultivated by individuals or families (women mainly performing the work)."