10 th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) EDSA Shangri-La Hotel October 1-2, 2007

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1 10 th National Convention on Statistics (NCS) EDSA Shangri-La Hotel October 1-2, 2007 Gender Participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project Among Barangays in Samal Island, Davao Province Region XI by Grace R. Plaza-Moralde For additional information, please contact: Author s name : Grace R. Plaza-Moralde Designation : Science Research Analyst Affiliation : Ecosystems Research and Dev t Service, DENR XI Address : Lanang, Davao City Tel. no. : DENR ERDS XI or gpmoralde26@yahoo.com.ph

2 Gender Participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project Among Barangays in Samal Island, Davao Province Region XI by Grace R. Plaza -Moralde 1 ABSTRACT People s participation is major factor causing the success or failure of any development projects. Their responses and participation to the project is a valuable tool for the project as well as policy assessment. The study was conducted to describe extent of men and women s participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. A Likert type scale was used to measure their participation to the project and their attitude towards the project. Moreover, gender disaggregation of data was used to describe and di fferentiate the roles played by men and women in mangrove rehabilitation. Findings revealed that men respondents have high participation in all phases of activities pertaining to the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. The women have high participation in mangrove/maintenance activities and attendance to training/meetings. They have low participation in the establishment of mangrove nursery, mangrove management activities, taking part in discussion and in presiding meetings. Moreover, women have limited participation in decision-making, planning and consultation. In every development projects in environment and natural resources, it is deemed important to measure people s participation through the used of Likert type scale in order to determine their receptivity to the project. Overall results indicted that the respondent s participation should be taken into consideration to mobilize them in carrying out future mangrove development plans. I. Rationale Mangroves in the Philippines are getting scarce. Data revealed that in Region XI, there were 6,000 hectares of mangrove covers left in 1999 (Philippine Forestry Statistics, 1999). However in 2001, the remaining mangrove covers fell to 3,823 hectares of which 203 hectares is located in Davao del Norte including Island Garden City of Samal (DENR XI Statistics, 2001). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region XI through the Ecosystems Research and Development Service, in its effort to continually conserve the remaining mangrove areas and rehabilitate degraded ones launched the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. The project is a community-based activity initiated by the People s Organizations (POs) of the barangays in close coordination with the ERDS-DENR XI to 1 Science Research Analyst, Ecosystems Research and Development Services, DENR Re gion XI, Lanang, Davao City

3 enrich and rehabilitate the degraded mangrove forest into a healthy ecosystem sustaining its services to different stakeholders. The PO members initiated the planting of mangrove propagules in the rehabilitation site. Except for the technical aspects of the activities by the DENR, the PO members and their respective families undertook the day-to-day maintenance and protection of the area ensuring a 24-hour vigil against possible vandal. The beneficiaries of the project are the three barangays, namely: Libuak,; San Isidro and Camudmud all in,babak, Island Garden City of Samal, all mangrove areas. Initial plant species assessment before the launching of the project showed that only 11 true mangrove and 19 associated species were found in the area. At present, a total of 27 species of true mangroves and 25 associated species are accounted thriving in the area. Dominant species are the bakauan (Rhizophora ) and the Pagatpat (Sonneratia). Before the project the coastal occupants experience storm surges, waves, tidal currents, minimal shells and fish catch were noted. After five (5) years since the project was launched, their fish catch have increased, no more flooding in the area and presence of migratory birds as well as other forms of animal life have likewise increased. However, in many development projects, success and failure depend on the community s active participation. It simply means participation of both sexes, men and women. The potential roles of women, alongside men, as partners in the protection and management of our mangrove resources are deemed vital in concerted moves to save our remaining mangrove areas. Women perform equal task with men, but then, women are not recognized in their efforts to conserve and manage our mangrove resources. Their potential contribution as well as the constraints faced by women in mangrove conservation and management activities are not given enough emphasis. There is still a dearth of information regarding the true picture of gender situation in the government project areas, specifically, in the mangrove community areas wherein not many studies on gender have been undertaken. Thus, a gender study, specifically, gender participation, would serve as benchmark information for project implementers and policymakers on its implication to the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. The result of the study will be used as a tool for policy formulation for the enhancement of community participation that would result to increase in mangrove stands in the area, and its corresponding increase in fishery resources with corresponding higher economic returns for marginal fisherfolks.

4 It is important to determine the extent of participation of the community towards the project in order to determine the success and sustainability of the project, hence this study. Objectives of the Study Generally, this research undertaking describes extent of participation in different mangrove rehabilitation activities. Specifically, it attempts to: 1. Determine extent of participation performed by women and men in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project; 2. Identify factors that affect extent of participation; and 3. Determine the attitudes towards the project and its implementers II. Review of Related Literature People s Participation Castillo (1983) reported that people participate in any program depending upon how they perceive the benefits that they can get from the program. Thus, people consider participation as a benefit in itself rather than merely as a means of obtaining such benefits. People participation is an important variable in development administration complements such issues as access to government programs and services and this to answer the rhetorical question development for whom? Ferrer (1997) found that people s participation in the management of resources also provides a sense of ownership over the resource that makes the community far more responsible for its long-term sustainability. White (2001) stress that successful programs must have a sufficient support from the national and local government and non government partners and have a strong level of participation among the resource - dependent communities. The above contentions further suggest that Mangrove Rehabilitation Project will have no meaning to people if it does not benefit them.

5 Factors Affecting Participation Educational Attainment Pader (1993), in her study, found out that women s level of education was significantly related to the extent of their participation in community activities and income generating projects. Occupation and Income of the Respondent A study of Mabunay (1995) stated that active and inactive formal participants differed significantly, not only in education, but, also in income and occupation as well. Family income was significantly related to participation in terms of implementation. Visibility/Contact with Project Implementers Rural women who frequently meet the extension workers usually participate in the program once it was introduced to them. Chansawang (1977) concluded in her study that personal relationships between farmer s wife and project implementers in the community cause the farmer s wife to join and participate in various development programs. III. METHODOLOGY Research Design The descriptive survey design was used in the study. Using the quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study also involved co relational approaches. Instruments used were Interview Schedule which is complemented with Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Unit of Analysis The respondents of the study were the men and women members of the People s Organization in the area. They were the household beneficiaries of the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. They served as the primary source of data. The barangay officials and LGUs of the Island Garden City of Samal served as the source of secondary data.

6 Sampling There were a total of 115 household beneficiaries belonging to the organized People s Organization from the three barangays selected. The entire population (100%) of the household beneficiaries were the respondent of the study. Hence, a survey type of interview was done using the purposive sampling method. Table 1 below shows the sampling distribution. (Please see Annex A). Data Analysis Data gathered were classified, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using the following statistical tools: frequency counts and percentages, weighted mean, ranking, Likert Scale and Pearsons Correlation Coefficient. IV. Results 2. Profile of the Respondents Majority of the respondents were married whose ages ranged from 28 to 78 years old. The women respondents mean age is 43 years and the men respondents mean age is 46 years. More than half of the respondents belonged to the young age group (28-38 years old). Most of the PO member respondents were literate and reached elementary grades. They had a small family size of three dependents. Majority were natives to the place and have been staying in the area since birth since sources of income are available and the community is relatively peaceful. Except for barangay Libuak, where Tausug is the predominant ethnic group, most of the respondents were Cebuanos. Men respondents derived their income from fishing while women were housekeepers and at the same time they help augment their family income from fish vending and other business. It was learned that the income of their husband can not suffice. Men respondents have an annual income of only P10, P30, per year which is far below the poverty line whereas women have no fix income. 2. Attitude towards the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and Extention Workers Table 2 (Please see Annex B) shows that all positive statements have favorable responses. The respondents disagreed on negative statements. Meanwhile, the same pattern of responses was observed for both sexes. It appears that on the whole, the respondents were positive about their attitude towards the project and its extention workers. They definitely know that the project is

7 beneficial to the community. The attitude of the respondents towards the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and on the extention workers good camaraderie, cooperation, and visibility in the project site were found to have significant relationship in the respondents participation to mangrove rehabilitation activities. They definitely want that the conservation effort of the DENR be continued. Moreover, as per ranking, it was found out that they were motivating factors that contribute to their rehabilitation effort are: their concern to bring back the beauty of their coastal resources. The second factor was for their children and the next generation to come. The third was their positive attitude towards the project and the extention workers good camaraderie, visibility in the project site, cooperation with the community and honesty. No political nor religious support ever influence the respondents in their participation to mangrove rehabilitation related activities. 3. Extent of Participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project Activities A. Participation in Mangrove Production activities Traditionally, mangrove plantations have relied on natural regeneration and propagules as planting materials for their establishment. The development of nursery technologies for instance the technology on mass propagation of pagatpat developed by the DENR XI ensures reliable source of planting materials for the POs. Respondent s participation in mangrove production activities varies from establishment of mangrove nursery to planting of mangrove seedlings. Men respondents have high participation in all of the mangrove production activities. Women respondents have low participation in establishment of mangrove nursery since this is considered under the domain of males. Findings revealed that in potting and preparation of planting materials women had medium participation. However, in mangrove planting activities women alongside men have high participation. It can also be noted that despite women s multiple burden, they still find time to participate in such activities outside the home. B. Participation in Mangrove Conservation/Maintenance activities Majority of the respondents have high participation in this activity. It only showed that the respondents were aware in the economic as well as ecological importance of mangroves and that their participation to such activities will somehow prevent the depletion of mangrove resources in the area. Participation in maintenance activities

8 are very crucial in mangrove rehabilitation since seedling quality depends on care and maintenance. It is worth noting that gender participation in this activity is high. C. Participation in Management of Mangrove Resources Findings revealed that the men respondents have high participation in all the management activities whereas the women represented a low participation on these activities. It can be noted that in the management activities, it was only men respondents who participated. Women have low participation in this activity. It is because women s role in planning, decision making and coordination in mangrove management were not given enough emphasis among Project Implementers. With no commitment in the management of mangrove resources, existing condition will remain or more likely get worse over time. Moreover, women's participation in decision-making is a critical aspect in good governance. D. Participation to Community trainings/meetings Majority of the man and woman respondents registered a high participation in attendance to trainings/meetings pertaining to mangrove conservation. However, women have low participation in speaking up and taking part in discussion during meetings/trainings because most of them are ashamed to stand up and speak and lack self-confidence. 4. Factors that Influence Participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project When correlated with some socio-demographic variables using Pearson s Correlation Coefficient, the following variables were found to have significance towards the respondents participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project. A. Type of Residency The result of the Pearsons Correlation Coefficient test revealed that among the socioeconomic variables the type of residency which is natives to the place were found to have high correlation with the respondents participation in mangrove production activities at 0.05 level. It means that since the respondents were natives to the place, they have sense of ownership over their mangrove areas and are directly responsible for it. It is one factor that contributes to wider participation since they are real day-to-day managers of the area.

9 B. Educational Attainment Educational attainment has a significant relationship to respondents participation to trainings/meetings with r value of.3. The higher the educational level of the respondents, the higher is their level of participation in attendance to trainings/meetings. Moreover, it is one of the means wherein housewives can get together and update their knowledge on everything that is going on, be it gossip or educational know-hows. C. Attitude Towards the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and Attitude Towards Project Implementors good camaraderie, honesty, sincerity and visibility in the area were found to be highly significant with their participation in the mangrove conservation and management activities. People participate in mangrove rehabilitation project because they are always in contact with the implementers who introduced the project to them. IV. CONCLUSION 1. Men respondents have high participation in all phases of mangrove rehabilitation activities. In mangrove production activity, women respondents have low participation in establishment of nursery since this requires labor intensive task and considered a men s domain. In potting and preparation of planting materials women have medium participation. However, there was a high participation in planting activity. 2. It was worth noting that, in the case of the mangrove conservation and maintenance effort in Samal Island, men and women s participation were notably high. Sustainability of the project rely on community s active participation in maintenance activities. Quality seedlings in the nursery depend on care and maintenance. By using materials started in the nursery, the PO minimizes reliance on purchase from external sources. Because of the trainings conducted by the DENR-ERDS staff on the technology on mangrove propagation, there was a 98% survival rate of mangroves. This technology was well adopted by the community, so much so that it has become one of the viable livelihood options especially among women in the area because this technology is compatible with them. With the knowledge they have gained, they can now sell potted mangrove propagules raised in the nursery. For every P5.00 potted propagules, they have a net profit of P3.00 since the P2.00 goes to the Organization where they belong. 3. In management activity, it was only men who have high participation. Women have low participation in decision making, coordination and planning since they were not motivated to be part in the decision making process.

10 4. In attendance to trainings and meetings, both men and women have high participation. However, women have low participation in taking part in discussion, speaking up and presiding meetings. Most of them were ashamed to stand up and to express their opinion. 5. There was a positive attitude towards the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and its extension workers. Respondents definitely want the conservation effort of the government through the DENR be sustained. 6. Among the factors that influence gender participation to mangrove rehabilitation activities were: concern for coastal resources, for their children and the next generation to come, positive attitude towards the project and the extension workers good camaraderie and visibility in the project site. 7. Enhanced gender participation results to an increased in mangrove stand in the area that corresponds to an increase in fishery resources and higher economic returns alongside environmental protection among the barangays. With the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project, the beauty of the coastal ecosystem was restored. Presence of migratory birds can be seen resting on mangrove trees. The presence of diverse mangrove species are a refuge to the scorching heat of the sun. Floods and tidal waves were no longer experience by the dwellers and the increase in their fish caught were seen by the fisherfolks. V. Recommendation: Based on the result of the study, the following are recommended: 1. Participation in mangrove production especially nursery maintenance should be sustained; 2. Strengthen the livelihood project especially among women which are compatible with them. such as mangrove seedling production as a means of increasing income ; 4. In crease awareness on the role of women in environmental protection; 5. Factors found to have influenced the respondents participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation should be taken into consideration to mobilize the community in further conservation effort. 6. Institutionalize gender mainstreaming as a strategy to promote gender equality in all Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) project processes.

11 References Chansawang, A. The Role of Thai Farmer s Wife, Ph.D Dissertation, UPLB, College, Laguna, Deguit, Evelyn T. et.al. Involving Communities in Coastal Management. Cebu City: CRMP, Philippine Forestry Statistics, DENR DENR XI Statistics, 2001.

12 ANNEX A Table 1. Sa mpling Distribution of Respondents Barangays Name of P.O. No. of Sample Size Households Man Woman 1. Libuak Fishermen s Association of Libuak (FAL) 2. San Isidro San Isidro Fishermen s Association Inc. (SIFAI) 3.Camudmud Basao, Camudmud Fishing and Farming Association (BCFFA) T O T A L Table2. Respondents level of Attitude Towards the Mangrove Rehabilitation Project/Project Implementer. S T A T E M E N T 1. There are manifestations that the government succeeds in rehabilitating mangrove areas, hence, I am willing to support it. 2. The objectives of the Mangrove Rehab. Project is extravagant and Unrealistic. 3. There are no absolute receivable beneficial impact in conserving mangroves hence, Mangrove Rehab. Project could be dispensed with. 4. Project implementors are sincere, honest and dedicated. 5. The Mangrove Rehabilitation Project should be continued because it is beneficial to the community 6. Project implementors are corrupt & unapproachable. 7. Project implementers maintain good camaraderie and cooperation MAN WOMAN Mean Attitude Mean Attitude with the community and target clienteles 8. In my opinion, Mangrove Rehab. is a waste of money considering insufficient accomplishments, hence, should be stopped MAN WOMAN 9. The program A C is T one I V best I T solution I E S to Mean PARTICI- Mean PARTICIthe worsening mangrove situation PATION PATION 10.Project Implementers are regularly A. Mangrove Production Activities visible in the area. * Establishment of Mangrove Nursery 2.51 High 1.43 Low Table 3. Extent of Participation in Mangrove Rehabilitation Project

13 * Potting activities 2.7 High 2.04 Medium * Preparation of planting area 2.8 High 1.86 Medium *Planting Activity 2.65 High 2.54 High B. Mangrove Conservation and Maintenance Activities * Report illegal cuttings of mangroves 2.98 High 2.52 High * Removal of waste in the area 2.96 High 2.67 High * Protects Mangroves from 2.95 High 2.62 High barnacles and other diseases * Coastal clean-up 3.00 High 2.57 High C. Mangrove Management * Planning activities 2.81 High 1.52 Low * Decision making 2.75 High 1.48 Low * Coordinating with project Implementers 2.67 High 1.48 Low * Consultation with other community 2.79 High 1.62 Low Members Participation to trainings/meeting * Attends meeting/training 2.91 High 2.62 High * Chairs meeting 2.54 High 1.29 Low * Makes suggestion 2.61 High 1.57 Low * Takes part in discussion 2.63 High 1.52 Low