Women, wood and work in Kenya and beyond

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 two 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.

[agroforestry, sustainabable Ag abstract] This article discusses the need for tree production in Kenya to meet growing fuelwood needs. Because of the role of women in society, projects have been directed specifically towards women. Women's clubs provide information and assistance for women to develop nurseries. The author notices weaknesses in the program which include:

1. no participation among the poorest, most burdened women,
2. over-centralized project management,
3. project sustainability may depend on a single person, and
4. socio-economic and political constraints.

Despite these barriers, women can gain valuable experience, resources, and income throughout developing countries with the introduction of these nurseries.