Natural Resource Use Conflicts: Gender Opportunities and Constraints in Conflict Management

Abstract

Natural resources conflicts arise due to disagreements or inequitable access to, control and use of natural resources. Competition for natural resources and lack of formal rules and regulations to access natural resources can cause conflict. The causes of natural resources conflicts can be divided into different types; however this review identified four major causes; Rapid population growth, resource depletion, unequal resource access and political instability. Countries have high value resources like timber, diamonds, gold; other minerals and oil which are most susceptible for conflict. Since most of these resources are non-renewable and can be exhausted when not be managed in sustainably. Insuring of the involvement of gender in natural resource use conflict management can reduce resource depletion. However, the participation of women in natural resources conflict management issue might be limited by different factors such us gender inequality expressed in less exposure to new technology and low participation in natural resource related decisionmaking. Strong encouragement and skill enhancement can strengthen women participation in conflict resolution. Encouragement woman is crucial at all levels of society from grass root to national leadership. Full participation of women at all levels; particularly in decision-making related to natural resource issue is very important. Promoting gender equality in the policies to enhance natural resource management and resolve when conflicts arise and protect at early stages. Institutions need to ensure that women’s and men’s concerns and of natural resource use conflicts.