The Traditional Framework: Limited Participation and Ownership

Despite the matrilineal tradition, women still face challenges in fully utilizing their land rights and participating in broader decision-making processes and land ownership has long been skewed in favor of men. Women have had limited access to land, making their economic independence and decision-making power constrained. In agriculture, women participate in both food and commercial crops, though they are more involved in producing food crops like spinach, chilli, tomatoes, and fruits to feed their families, while men predominantly concentrate their efforts on cash crops such as cashew nuts, sesame, and maize. This division has historically limited women's financial independence.

Emerging Change: The Rise of Women in Conservation and Agriculture

Despite these challenges, women in the Ruvuma Landscape are beginning to rise. The Darwin Project’s interventions in human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and conservation efforts have created new opportunities for women. The introduction of agroecological farms—focusing on organic, sustainable agriculture—has seen increased female participation. These farms, primarily centered on vegetable and food crop production, have drawn more women into sustainable farming practices, improving household nutrition and providing a source of income.

Men have been less engaged in these agro-ecological initiatives, possibly due to their preference for high-value commercial crops. Nonetheless, the project has encouraged both men and women to collaboratively plan farming activities, ensuring a shared approach to agricultural development.


Similarly, the composition of Village Game Scouts (VGS), who play a crucial role in community-based protection of natural resources, has remained predominantly male. Women who joined the VGS teams often faced challenges, including lack of support and societal expectations that made long-term participation difficult. In Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), female representation has remained minimal in Authorised Associations (AA), the official bodies that govern WMAs.

Economic Empowerment: Strengthening Women’s Roles

A significant turning point in gender inclusion has been the rise of Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). Many women have joined these groups, gaining access to financial resources that allow them to invest in small businesses and farming activities. Through these savings and investment strategies, women are increasing their economic resilience and gaining a stronger voice within their households and communities.
Furthermore, conservation education spearheaded by the VGS and supported by community meetings has led to broader acceptance of women’s roles in environmental protection. While the number of female VGS remains low, there is growing recognition that women bring valuable perspectives to conservation efforts.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Women continue to face barriers in land ownership, representation in conservation leadership, and participation in decision-making processes. Cultural expectations and household responsibilities often limit women’s ability to engage fully in conservation and agricultural initiatives. Additionally, the use of chemical pesticides in farming has exposed women to health risks, as they often handle crops after men apply chemicals. The lack of effective food storage facilities to food crops increases their exposure to human-wildlife encounters, adding another layer of risk to their daily activities and discouraging their business initiatives.

Furthermore, women bear a disproportionate burden from environmental stressors such as climate change, including heavy rainfall and droughts. Since they are primarily responsible for feeding their families, these extreme weather conditions intensify their struggles, making it even more challenging to maintain food security and livelihoods.

Lessons from the Darwin Project have highlighted the importance of tailoring interventions to address these gender-specific challenges. For example, the co-designing of conservation strategies that included separate discussions with women has helped in capturing their unique perspectives and needs

The Road Ahead: Sustaining Gender Inclusion

To sustain and enhance gender inclusion in the Tunduru and Namtumbo districts, several key actions must be prioritised:
●      Strengthen support systems for female VGS members to ensure long-term retention and participation.
●      Expand agro-ecological farming initiatives to promote safer, chemical-free farming methods, particularly benefiting women farmers.
●      Improve market access and storage facilities for agricultural produce to enhance women’s economic opportunities.
●      Continue targeted gender discussions to ensure women’s experiences and knowledge shape conservation and agricultural strategies.
●      Promote equal representation in decision-making structures, ensuring that women have an active role in shaping the future of natural resource management.

Conclusion: A Landscape of Possibilities

The journey toward gender inclusion in the Tunduru and Namtumbo districts is ongoing. While challenges persist, the steady rise of women in conservation, farming, and economic activities signals a hopeful future. By fostering collaboration between men and women, strengthening economic empowerment, and addressing cultural barriers, the region is moving toward a more inclusive, sustainable and integrated approach of natural resource management. The transformation has begun—one where every voice counts, and every hand shapes the land’s future.