Gender and social dynamics in swidden and homegardens in Latin America

Abstract

Structure, composition, and functions of homegardens are said to be closely related to the social structure of households, but this issue is not often researched. An analysis of the literature on swidden and homegardens in Latin America shows that such interrelationships become transparent when examining the gender division of labor, gendered access to garden resources including land, trees, and other plants, and gendered control over subsistence and cash crops and income derived from them. Social status related to gardening, gendered knowledge distribution and transmission, and social dynamics leading to change in gardening and gardens are also important parameters in this matrix. A review of 39 Latin American case studies dealing with swidden or homegardens revealed that women are by far the prominent garden managers across its sub-regions. Aside from the multiple material benefits provided by gardens, other drivers that tend to ensure that women will strive to maintain them include their emotional and spiritual values and the positive social status that productive and beautiful gardens confer. Homegardening is a ‘respectable’ way for women to contribute to subsistence production and manifest specialized knowledge and skills without competing with men. However, commercialization may be undermining both women’s control and the benefits they derive from homegardening as well as the complex structure and function of homegardens.