ABSTRACT
When gender is mentioned in forestry circles, questioning looks of confusion are sometimes the response. Most foresters have been trained—for a very long time—to focus on trees. But there has been a growing recognition in some circles that women and men make different use of trees and have different knowledge and preferences about them. The facts that forests are made up of plants and animals other than trees and can be used for purposes other than timber are increasingly recognized in the field, one that has also encouraged greater attention to gender, as, in many areas, women are more likely to use non-timber forest products and are the primary collectors of fuelwood and charcoal. The physical burden of such collection affects women’s health and reduces the time available to devote to other activities. Ignoring the crucial role that gender relations play in forestry not only undermines local resource conditions, it also prevents women and girls from realizing a full range of their capabilities.
