A gender-sensitive commitment to forestry
Javorcik, Beata S. | Li, Yue
Women are major actors in forest resource management throughout the developing world. Women and children are the primary collectors of fuel wood and fodder for home consumption and for sale at local and urban markets. This alone gives women a major role in the management and conservation of forest resources. When convinced of the economic benefits and practicality of a forest improvement or management scheme as well as ensured of appropriate rights for forest resources such as usufruct rights and tenure, women can form a powerful lobby to persuade the entire household or community to invest the resources necessary to make the scheme work. Involving women in forestry projects often makes the difference between achieving or not achieving project objectives, particularly for long-term sustainability of interventions. Because of their traditional reliance on forest resources, women are often the chief repository of knowledge concerning the use and management of trees and other forest plants. Women also comprise a large share of the labor force in forest industries-nurseries, plantation establishment, logging, and wood processing and are increasingly involved in agro-forestry, including commercial fruits, and cash crop trees as well as fuel and fodder species. Women are often the main collectors and users of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), such as plant fibers, medicinal plants, herbs, fruits and nuts, seeds, oils, and resins. Until recently, recognition of women's role in forestry projects has been inadequate, and their full involvement in the planning and implementation has produced less than optimum project results.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]