Many Zambians rely on wetlands, lakes, and rivers for their livelihoods. Social
norms and power relations restrict access to natural resources provided by these
aquatic agricultural systems for certain social groups, thus differentially impacting
livelihood security (especially for women). A gender transformative lens and the
concept of the “masculine rural” helps exploring poverty in the Barotse Floodplain
in western Zambia. We use qualitative data to investigate whether poverty is a consequence
of women’s limited access to natural resources or a cause that further exacerbates
gender inequalities. Sorting cause from consequence in such a context
may help inform policies and research and development interventions that aim to
facilitate equitable conditions for women who depend on resources provided by
aquatic agricultural systems to secure their livelihoods.