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.