Assessment of Gender Barriers to Marine Resources Access: A Case Study of Inhaca Island, Mozambique

Abstract

The coastal and marine environment supports livelihoods to the communities adjacent and far beyond it. The ability of men and women in the access and utilization of these resources has been found to differ profoundly. These variations provides for inequalities in resources access. This research therefore aims to assess the gender barriers to marine resources access in the islands. The study was conducted in Inhaca Island off Maputo bay in the Indian Ocean. The specific objectives of the study were to characterise and map the marine resources of the Island; to examine the challenge that women and men experience in accessing the resources and finally to understand the role of management and institutional structures in promoting sustainable and fair access and management of the marine resource. Semi-structured questionnaires were designed for different sets of purposed sampled respondents. A total of 130 questionnaires were administered. Analysis of the data both qualitative and quantitative was done systematically including the use of SPSS software and MS Excel. Gender analysis was applied in this study to determine the effects on marine resources access affecting different sets of gender. Results were presented in descriptive form, in tables, graphs and charts. The study recommends an all-inclusive and shared management and sustainable utilization as a policy intervention to address gender barriers in accessing marine resources.