Immobility and socio-economic marginalisation: a feminist critique of conservation-induced displacement and resettlement with the case of the Baka of Cameroon

Abstract

A looming gap in the research on livelihood effects of displacement and resettlement is a focus on gender differences. Consequently, this paper examines women's mobility or immobility and how it affects their abilities to take better advantage of the resources at their disposal following conservation-induced displacement and resettlement. This paper utilises a capability approach to investigate the marginalisation of women. More specifically, immobility through domesticity is put forward as a main factor which influences unfavourable livelihood outcomes for women following displacement and resettlement. In order to shed light on these propositions, research was conducted with displaced and resettled Baka communities, living around the Dja Reserve in Cameroon, Africa. Structured questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions were used to identify challenges faced by women. Findings confirm that following displacement and resettlement, Baka women are restricted in their mobility by domestic responsibilities which limit them to the domestic sphere. Consequently, their opportunities for personal development such as access to formal education and the labour market are severely limited. This paper reinforces the argument that capabilities should be the focus in interventions which seek to improve welfare. Poverty is not only seen as a lack of resources. Poverty is a lack of choices and opportunities.

Ecotourism a solution or deception for conservation: a case of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India

“…The locals get benefit through diverse employment opportunities, improved incomes (Teshome et al , 2022), improved social conditions, better community relationships (Wondirad, 2019; Wondirad et al , 2020), respect for own resources and environmental responsiveness (Honey, 2008) from ecotourism. However, ecotourism also results in increasing people–policy conflict for losses due to wildlife (MacKenzie and Ahabyona, 2012), displacement from own land, denial of access to PAs (Awuh, 2021; Cernea and Schmidt-Soltau, 2006), etc.…”