Abstract:
Natural gas extraction contributes substantially to the economy of many
countries around the world were natural gas resource is found. Despite its
potential benefits, it is not known to what extent the benefits are equally
enjoyed by both men and women in the respective host communities. The
existing studies focus more on benefit-sharing at the national level and lack
gender analysis. Using a cross-sectional design, a study was conducted to
establish gendered access to indirect benefits from natural gas extraction.
Quantitative data were collected from 373 households and qualitative data
through focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and participant
observation Findings revealed that about 53% of community members
categorized access to indirect benefits to be of high level. The indirect benefits
largely cut across investments and support in education, health, water, and
employment opportunities. The study concludes that, while investment by
Extractive Companies (ECs) has managed to improve health services the
shortage of technical staff has remained unsolved. Likewise, while various
benefits revealed to exist in education the chronic problem on girls drops out of
school remains to be a challenge. Therefore, the study recommends various
strategies to be adopted to address the remaining gender-related challenges
that limit fully enjoyment from ECs investment among men and women.
