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BIODIVERSITY AND MARGINALITY: DILEMMA OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by MARICEL CASTILLO PINIERO (Under the direction of Dr. Virginia D. Nazarea) ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of economic development on women and biodiversity in two rural communities in Ecuador. The level of women’s integration into the development process as influenced by age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, are analyzed. The effects of the economic change on biodiversity using homegardens as its indicators are also evaluated. The gradients of integration in politics, economy, and agricultural production are examined using life histories of three women from each of the two sites. Assessment of the development impact on women’s private and public spaces is examined, emphasizing how women are empowered or marginalized at various levels of integration. Using wealth ranking, women’s perceptions and indicators of wealth are explored. Women’s homegarden maps of three time periods were utilized to look into the changes of plant biodiversity. The results show that women prioritized food such as grains and vegetables mainly because of the deteriorating condition of the country’s economy. Comparison of women and researchers’ maps demonstrates that women emphasized features of homegardens that are salient in coping to their daily needs while researcher’s maps show the actual physical representation of plants cultivated in the homegardens. Women’s social networks are explored where links among women with kins and different groups illustrate the importance of informal networks in performing their responsibilities at home and in the community. The analysis shows that women rely heavily on their families and women friends for financial, social, and emotional support. Women’s time allocation is also investigated, underscoring that both ethnicity and economic status affect how women spend their time. Women from the indigenous community allocate the majority of their time in household chores including food preparation while mestizo women spend more time in agricultural activities and petty business. In terms of economic groups, high-income women allot more time in agricultural activities while low-income women spend more hours working as wage laborers. Middle-income women allocate most of their time engaging in petty-business. Drawing on the condition of middle-income women in the two communities, issues of marginality and empowerment in connection to border theory and borderlands are likewise evaluated where women’s space is viewed not just as marginal conditions but places where various negotiations take place. INDEX WORDS: Economic Development, Biodiversity, Marginality, Women, Border Theory, Border Women, Social Networks, Homegardens, Ecuador BIODIVERSITY AND MARGINALITY: DILEMMA OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by MARICEL CASTILLO PINIERO B.S. Human Ecology, University of the Philippines, Philippines, 1990 A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY ATHENS, GEORGIA 2002 ¤ 2002 Maricel Castillo Piniero All Rights Reserved BIODIVERSITY AND MARGINALITY: DILEMMA OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by MARICEL CASTILLO PINIERO Approved: Major Professor: Virginia D. Nazarea Committee: Theodore Gragson Linda Grant Michael Olien Robert Rhoades Electronic Version Approved: Gordhan L. Patel Dean of the Graduate School The University of Georgia May 2002 iv DEDICATION For my dad, Mr. Tirso Bulayan Piniero and my mom, Mrs. Arsenia Castillo Piniero v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am indebted to the women of La Calera and Palmitopamba who willingly shared their time, stories, and lives with me. They were very hospitable, patient, understanding, friendly, and had an enormous sense of humor that made my fieldwork an unforgettable experience. The people and staff of Jambi Mascaric and UNORCAC, particularly Maggie, Inez, Alfonso, and mami Berting and her family of Palmitopamba, who welcomed me in their lives and tried to understand my “street Spanish,” especially during the first few weeks of my field work; I am so grateful for all the help they gave me by accepting me into their families. I would not have finished my work without the help of our research assistants: Luz Dary, Estella, Sandra, Rosita, and Carlos. Their hard work, “young attitude”, and friendship helped me tremendously in coping with the various problems that a researcher faces in a foreign country. This research was funded by the Andean Project of the Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (SANREM). I am very grateful to Dr. Robert Rhoades who risked putting me into the Andean program after learning that I could not do it in my own country, the Philippines because of the lack of funds. My deepest appreciation goes to my mentor, my major professor, Dr. Virginia D. Nazarea whose support goes beyond a student-professor relationship. Without her friendship and guidance, I don’t think I would have made it to graduate school. Her shoulder was always there everytime I needed someone to cry on especially at times when I did not understand any of the anthropological theories that I read and heard in class. Her words of encouragement “Kaya mo yan, konting hakbang na lang andoon ka vi na” (You can do it, just a few more steps and you’ll get there) have always been a guiding light on my way. I appreciate the way she always pushed me to the edge that lead me to realize the things that I am capable of doing. The jokes, laughter, and tears that we have shared have made graduate school easier to handle. Lastly, her never ending patience in reading and re-reading this dissertation which I know caused her a lot of headaches and use of “white flower” ointment, is greatly acknowledged and appreciated. Ma’am Ving, salamat ng marami. I would like to thank my other committee members: Dr. Michael Olien, Dr. Theodore Gragson, Dr. Linda Grant, and Dr. Robert Rhoades for their suggestions on how to improve this dissertation. I particularly want to thank Dr. Robert Rhoades who acted as my other mentor. He has given me not just the “academic” support but also acted as my moral booster who never failed to mention that I can do it especially at times when I was almost ready to give up. I am also indebted to those people who helped me in their own ways in writing this dissertation and in simply making my graduate life bearable. Ms. Charlotte Blume, for her unselfish support for graduate students. I will never forget the laughter that we have shared during lunch break. Edwin, Erla, Rebecca, Adam, and Chris for their friendship and for making me feel that there is another world besides the laboratory, library, and classroom. Gabriela, Eleanor, Mika and Eric for their friendship and for always being willing to read and edit my reports, papers, and presentations. My labmates, Crystal and Katie, who always give a helping hand. Ching and Juana, for their thoughtfulness and moral support. vii My brothers and sisters and their partners also helped me get through this stage of my life; Kuya Boyet and Ate Beng, Kuya Ne and Ate Em, Ate Gigi and Kuya Tino, Ate Nonie and Kuya Boyet, Kuya Jojo and Ate Des, Bunso and Joey, I know in their thoughts, they are always praying for my safety and happiness. All my nephews and nieces have always been my inspiration because of their innocence and curiosity always brighten my day. I hope the determination that I show will guide them to follow their own dreams. It was during my father’s wake when I received the news of my acceptance into the Anthropology program in Athens, Georgia. At that time, it was difficult for me to make the decision because my mother would be left alone if I decided to come. My mother, who has always been very supportive of my dreams, encouraged me to go and follow them. She also reminded me that my father would be very happy if I finish my PhD. Even though my father is no longer around to see what has become of me, I know he and my mom, are very proud and happy that I finally put an end to this chapter of my life. I am about to start the next chapter and I know my mom and dad (even if he’s not physically present) will be there to guide me. They will always be the source of my strength, my happiness, and the guiding force that will lead me to search for a better future. Mom and dad, I know you know how grateful I am for what you have sacrificed for us, your children. SALAMAT PO NG MARAMI! viii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.................................................................................................v LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................. xi LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... xii CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem...........................................................................................1 Organization of Dissertation......................................................................................6 Description of Research Sites ....................................................................................8 Development Strategies in Ecuador.........................................................................23 Research Methodology ............................................................................................39 II. A LONG ROAD TO

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