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Abstract

This qualitative study explores multiple domains of exclusion of female farmers from water access at the community level and uncovers different challenges they face in agricultural water management. Through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, the study uncovers the experiences of female farmers in one of the most densely populated regions of Uzbekistan.

The findings highlight the differentiated access and marginalization of all female farmers and in particular, single women-headed households and smallholder farmers. These women are excluded from access to an important agricultural resource due to gender roles and stereotypes, power imbalances, conflicts over water and exposure to gender-based violence, lack of participation in water management meetings and decision-making, the influence of societal norms, and poor water management mechanisms. Applying alternative informal practices to irrigate their farms puts these women at risk of gender-based violence and has negative implications on the reputation of these farmers. In addition, these farmers do not receive any support from water management institutions or from local community.

Poor access to irrigation water results not only in economic constraints and loss of land and livelihoods but also in the exploitation of these farmers and their children exacerbating their poverty and vulnerability. In addition, these challenges decrease their adaptive capacity to climate change since their livelihoods depend on subsistence farming.

The findings of the study emphasize the necessity of improving water supply services to satisfy the needs of the marginalized sections of the population in rural areas, combating corruption in water distribution and involving all water users in decision-making about water in communities focusing on households headed by women.

The study uncovers important implications of the lack of irrigation water and the necessity to conduct further research on the nexus between gender-based violence, climate change, and conflicts over water.