17 July 2014, IISD news - The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) released a guide on integrating gender into natural and social science research on agroforestry. In particular, the guide presents advice on the collection and use of gender-disaggregated data and on the application of gender analysis.

The guide recognizes that women often hold unique knowledge relevant to agroforestry, such as on the management of genetic resources and the use of medicinal and aromatic plants. However, it notes that the contribution of women to agroforestry is often neglected, in part due to insecure land and use tenure, limited access to credit and technology, and marginalization in the research process.

In response, the guide presents 15 methods for integrating gender into agroforestry research, ranging from participatory mapping to task assessment, and to agent-based modeling. Overall, each method can be used to capture gender-differentiated priorities for land use, divisions of labor, marketing strategies and methods for information exchange.

The guide is intended to strengthen and support gender-responsive participatory research in line with the Forest, Trees and Agroforestry Initiative Gender Strategy. ICRAF is part of the CGIAR consortium.

Source: http://forests-l.iisd.org/news/icraf-promotes-gender-considerations-in-agroforestry/