The Earthscan Reader on Gender and Forests

"This is a valuable compilation of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks regarding gender and forests and their evolution in diverse contexts since the 1970s. For all those working on equitably strengthening the interface between communities and forests, the reader will be an excellent resource for better understanding the often invisible power relations determining whether women gain or lose from well intentioned interventions." – Madhu Sarin, The Campaign for Survival and Dignity, India

"Forestry is ultimately a social science if our aim is to benefit people. Often gender issues in forestry are addressed superficially, without adequate thought to underlying assumptions and theoretical frameworks or consideration of case examples. This volume—and its 2016 companion—thus fills a gap for planners, researchers and managers who care about improving how gender is represented in forestry." – Cynthia Mackie, U.S Forest Service International Programs, Washington D.C, USAMadhu Sarin, Campaign for Survival & Dignity, India, and Fellow of the Rights and Resources Initiative

"‘What can we do about gender?’ ask many research and development actors working to sustain forest landscapes globally. This book makes a compelling case that by pursuing gender-focused strategies and opportunities, all kinds of people, along with forests, trees and the environment, will be better off." – Patricia Kristjanson, World Agroforestry Center, Kenya

"This volume will educate and inspire those wishing to conserve forested landscapes and make the people living in and around forests better off. It thoughtfully analyzes critical gender issues related to forests and what we know about what works and what doesn’t. This will be valuable for researchers, development agencies, governments and civil society organizations interested in capitalizing on the positive role forests can play for all kinds of people and their environments." – Werner L Kornexl, Program on Forests, World Bank Group, Washington D.C., USA

"The 16 chapters, aimed at an interdisciplinary audience of professionals in the biophysical and social sciences and organized into seven distinct parts divided by region of the world, include studies from both developing and developed country contexts; theoretical and methodological discussions; case studies; and cross-national comparisons.

The book ambitiously seeks to build the theoretical grounding of analysis on gender and forests, and to consolidate understanding of methods, knowledge, and conceptual frameworks to fill lacks in the background of many scholars and practitioners in research, development, conservation and forest management. The editors took care to balance contributions across regions, method, and topics, including chapters focusing on both North and South, as well as women, men, and “others.” - by Marianne Schmink Professor Emerita, University of Florida, USA, in International Forestry Review Vol.20(1), 2018