Women’s solidarity economy initiatives to strengthen food security in response to disasters: Insights from two Philippine case studies
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the knowledge gained from the experiences of community-based, women-led organizations of workers in the informal economy which strengthen food security, enhance livelihoods in peri-urban areas through solidarity economy initiatives, and advance women’s empowerment as they respond to disasters arising from climate change.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on case studies of Buklod Tao in San Mateo, Rizal, and the PATAMABA chapter in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. The study was conducted within the tradition of gender-responsive participatory action research anchored on a human rights-based approach.
Findings
Experience of flooding motivated mature organizations of women informal workers to establish community-based peri-urban gardens connected to other solidarity-based sustainable livelihood initiatives to address food security concerns, increase income, and mitigate the impact of similar disasters. Although women have been empowered through these initiatives, much still has to be done to transform gender relations in various spheres.
Research limitations/implications
This research process lends itself toward unearthing gender inequalities which would otherwise remain hidden.
Practical implications
The solidarity-based initiatives documented in these case studies may be adopted by women informal workers’ organizations in similar situations to advocate for and attain food security.
Originality/value
Solidarity-based strategies to attain food security among women informal workers are rarely documented for assessment and knowledge sharing. How they are or can be further empowered by these initiatives is a significant contribution to the literature on gender and disasters.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the funding support, through a research and creative writing grant, of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) of the University of the Philippines System.
Citation
Ofreneo, R.P. and Hega, M.D. (2016), "Women’s solidarity economy initiatives to strengthen food security in response to disasters: Insights from two Philippine case studies", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 168-182. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-11-2015-0258
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited