This occasianal paper for Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is authored by WOCAN member Carol J. Pierce Colfer.
Recognising widespread uncertainty about how to address gender within the forestry world (from researchers, as well as natural resource, development and conservation practitioners), this paper strives to provide targeted guidance. The paper divides the gender methods into three main approaches, based on the availability of resources. The first section includes a brief discussion of theory and method. Then, after discussing some all-purpose methods, methods are classified loosely into categories; systematic ‘academic’ studies; and collaborative studies. The paper argues that although there is legitimate space for all three approaches, the last is the most likely to result in long-term and meaningful improvements in forests and human well being.
