Women, Wood and Work: In Kenya and Beyond

Abstract

"The fuelwood crisis is discussed in the context of broader issues relating to poverty and land use, in which women are involved. Kenya is taken as a case study to illustrate the potential and limitations of tree-planting projects. The National Council of Women of Kenya is one of the major women's networks in a country with a strongly developed national network of women's organizations. It has developed a strong and active tree-planting programme with 2 major components - the Green Belt movement and tree nursery development. The latter is a social forestry project; by 1982 there were over 50 nurseries and the project is expanding. A broader role is urged for women in decision-making and in wider political and economic influence."