Disempowered on Household Plots: A Study on Gendered Division of Labor in Small-Scale Agroforestry Practices in Lamala Sub-District, Banggai Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Understanding gender aspects in the management of small-scale agroforestry is important to creating an inclusive and sustainable model in subsistence agriculture. This research aimed to analyze the actualization of the gender dimension in productive, reproductive, and social-political activities in small-scale agroforestry management among subsistence farmer groups in Lamala Sub-District, Banggai Regency, Indonesia. The study employed a mixed-methods case study approach using the Harvard Analytical Framework (HAF) to analyze the gender-based division of labor, integrating observations, interviews with 5 key informants, and a questionnaire administered to 50 respondents. The data collected were then analyzed thematically and descriptively. The results showed a gender imbalance in the management of small-scale agroforestry. HAF mapping indicated that women were involved in only 52.63% of the identified productive activities, whereas men were involved in all productive activities. In contrast, women carried out all identified reproductive activities, while men were involved in only 33.33% of them and only occasionally. In socio-political activities, women were involved in 66.67% of the identified activities, again only occasionally, whereas men were involved in all activities and dominated 66.67% of them. These findings suggest that small-scale agroforestry is not gender-neutral, as its productive, reproductive, and socio-political activities are structured through unequal gender relations. This research recommends education for small-scale farmers on gender and productivity, helping the community understand gender equality in efforts to improve access, productivity, and outcomes through equitable, egalitarian role distribution.

Keywords: agroforestry, community empowerment, gender equality, Harvard Analytical Framework, subsistent farmer