Deforestation Threatening Practical and Cultural Livelihoods: Lessons Learned from Participation in Tree Planting by Rural Women of Kenya and Ghana

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Date

2016-06

Authors

Bethel, Flannery

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

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Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

Deforestation is impacting the lives of rural women across the world as climate change proliferates, and these threats go beyond affecting their functional livelihoods. This article examines how deforestation jeopardizes the livelihoods and cultural identities of rural women in Kenya and Ghana, and their efforts to combat the deforestation through tree planting. Based on case studies conducted in various rural regions and diverse ethnic groups of Kenya and Ghana and testimony from the rural women, deforestation is a heavier burden on women than men. But the fundamental connection between these women and trees that is reinforced by societal customs and values that have placed them in unique positions as managers of natural resources, their contribution to sustainable forest management is essential.

Description

71 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of International Studies and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Arts, Spring 2016.

Keywords

International Studies, Deforestation, Gender, Africa, Agroforestry, Culture, Mental Economy

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