African Women and the Law (Law/Gender/Social crossover) | 27 May 2000
Women's Forest Management Committees in Ethiopian Highlands: Resource Access, Use Efficiency and Climate Resilience Evaluation
M, i, s, s, G, e, r, a, l, d, i, n, e, G, r, i, f, f, i, n, ,, Y, i, l, m, a, A, s, s, e, f, a, ,, H, o, l, l, i, e, B, a, k, e, r
Abstract
In the Ethiopian Highlands, community-led forest management committees play a crucial role in sustainable resource use and climate adaptation. The study employed participatory action research methods involving interviews, focus groups, and document analysis among 50 community members and committee leaders in four highland regions. Women's committees demonstrated significant improvements in resource management practices with a 30% increase in tree cover density compared to pre-committee levels. The findings suggest that women’s active involvement in forest management can lead to enhanced environmental sustainability and community resilience. Policy makers should prioritise the empowerment of women through targeted training and support for their committees to ensure long-term ecological benefits. Women, Community Forest Management, Resource Access, Efficiency, Climate Resilience