INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

INFLUENCE OF GENDER ON SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of gender on the sustainable management of forest resources in Abia State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of male and female forest users; identify the forest resources harvested by both genders; analyze the gender division of labor in forest management activities; determine the level of participation of men and women in sustainable forest management (SFM) practices; analyze the influence of gender on the adoption of specific SFM practices; and identify the constraints faced by both genders in the sustainable management of forest resources. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 240 respondents, comprising 120 male and 120 female forest users, from communities around forest reserves in the three senatorial districts of Abia State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, a Participation Index, a Gender Division of Labor Index, and a Binary Logistic Regression model. The findings revealed a clear gender division of labor in forest use and management. Men were predominantly involved in timber harvesting, hunting, and the collection of medicinal plants, while women were primarily engaged in the collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as fuelwood, snails, and vegetables. The participation index showed that men had a significantly higher level of participation in formal forest management activities, such as tree planting programs and community forest committee meetings, while women’s participation was mainly limited to informal activities. The logistic regression analysis showed that gender, level of education, membership in forest user groups, and access to extension services were significant determinants of the adoption of sustainable forest management practices. The major constraints identified were lack of access to credit, limited access to alternative sources of fuel, and a lack of awareness about sustainable practices, with these constraints being more pronounced for women. The study concluded that gender is a critical factor influencing the use and management of forest resources, and the exclusion of women from formal management structures undermines the potential for sustainable forest management. It was recommended that policies aimed at promoting sustainable forest management should be gender-responsive, ensuring the active inclusion of women in decision-making processes and providing them with access to the same resources and opportunities as men.

Chapter One – Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Forests are among the most valuable natural resources on the planet, providing a wide array of ecological, economic, and social benefits. They are critical for climate regulation through carbon sequestration, the conservation of biodiversity, the protection of watersheds, and the prevention of soil erosion. For millions of people around the world, particularly in developing countries, forests are also a primary source of livelihood, providing food, fuelwood, medicine, timber, and a host of other non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The health and sustainability of forest ecosystems are therefore intrinsically linked to human well-being. (Food and AgricultureOrganization [FAO], 2020).

The concept of sustainable forest management (SFM) has evolved as a central paradigm in forestry. The FAO defines SFM as a dynamic and evolving concept that aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations. This holistic approach recognizes that forests are not just sources of timber but are complex ecosystems that provide a multitude of services. SFM seeks to balance the competing demands for these resources, ensuring that their exploitation does not compromise their long-term health and productivity. (FAO, 2020).

Nigeria is endowed with significant forest resources, although they have been under severe pressure for decades. The country’s forests, which range from the mangrove forests of the Niger Delta to the tropical rainforests of the south and the savannah woodlands of the north, are rich in biodiversity. However, deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, unsustainable logging, fuelwood collection, and urbanization, has led to a drastic decline in forest cover. The rate of deforestation in Nigeria is among the highest in the world, posing a significant threat to the environment and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. (Federal Ministry of Environment [FMEnv], 2021).

Abia State, located in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, falls within the tropical rainforest belt. The state’s forests are a vital resource for its predominantly agrarian population. These forests provide timber, fuelwood, and a wide range of NTFPs that are essential for the livelihoods of rural households. However, like the rest of Nigeria, the forests of Abia State are under immense pressure from over-exploitation and land-use change. The challenge of managing these resources sustainably is a critical issue for the state’s environmental and economic future. (Abia State Ministry of Environment [ASMoE], 2020).

Gender is a fundamental social category that shapes the relationship between people and their environment. It refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. These gender roles are not static; they are dynamic and vary across cultures and time. In the context of natural resource management, gender is a key determinant of who uses which resources, how they use them, and who benefits from them. It also influences the knowledge, skills, and priorities that different groups bring to the management of these resources. (Agarwal, 2019).

The gendered division of labor is a prominent feature of forest use in many communities. In Nigeria, and specifically in Abia State, men and women often interact with the forest in different ways and for different purposes. Men are typically associated with activities that are considered more “productive” or commercially oriented, such as timber harvesting, hunting, and the collection of certain high-value medicinal plants. These activities often require greater physical strength and involve travel deeper into the forest. They are also often linked to formal, cash-based markets. (Rocheleau, Thomas-Slayter, & Wangari, 2018).

Women, on the other hand, are often the primary collectors and users of NTFPs, such as fuelwood, wild fruits, vegetables, snails, and mushrooms. These activities are typically carried out closer to home, are often for subsistence or small-scale local trade, and are integrated with their other domestic responsibilities. Women’s knowledge of forest resources, particularly of the diverse species used for food and medicine, is often profound. However, their contribution is frequently undervalued and overlooked in formal forestry management and policy. This gendered division of labor has significant implications for the sustainability of forest management. (Shiva, 2016).

The roles and responsibilities of men and women in forest management are not just different; they are often unequal. This inequality is manifested in access to resources, control over the benefits derived from the forest, and participation in decision-making. Women, despite being primary forest users, are often excluded from formal forest management institutions, such as community forest committees or government forestry boards. Their voices are rarely heard in the formulation of policies and rules that govern the use of the very resources they depend on. This exclusion is a major barrier to achieving sustainable forest management. (Agarwal, 2019).

Theories of gender and environment, such as ecofeminism and feminist political ecology, provide valuable frameworks for understanding the gender-forest nexus. Ecofeminism draws parallels between the domination of nature and the subjugation of women, arguing that both are rooted in patriarchal systems of thought. Feminist political ecology, on the other hand, focuses on the gendered power relations that shape access to and control over environmental resources. These theories highlight the importance of analyzing gender as a key variable in understanding environmental degradation and in designing effective conservation and management strategies. (Rocheleau et al., 2018).

The influence of gender on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices is a critical area of inquiry. SFM practices, such as agroforestry, reforestation, selective harvesting, and the use of fuel-efficient stoves, require the active participation of all forest users. However, the willingness and ability of men and women to adopt these practices may differ significantly. This can be due to differences in their access to information, credit, land tenure security, and their different priorities and needs. For example, a practice that requires significant capital investment may be more accessible to men, who often have better access to credit. (Doss, 2018).

The issue of land and tree tenure is central to the gender dynamics of forest management. In many parts of Nigeria, including Abia State, women’s rights to land and trees are often insecure. Land is typically inherited through the patrilineal line, and women’s access is often mediated through their husbands or male relatives. This insecure tenure acts as a major disincentive for women to invest in long-term sustainable practices, such as planting trees, because they cannot be sure they will reap the benefits in the future. Secure tenure rights are a fundamental prerequisite for encouraging sustainable management. (Quisumbing & Pandolfelli, 2018).

The participation of women in community-based forest management is increasingly recognized as a key factor for success. Studies have shown that when women are actively involved in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of forest management activities, the outcomes are often more equitable and more sustainable. This is because women bring unique knowledge of the forest’s diverse resources, particularly NTFPs, and they often prioritize the long-term health of the ecosystem over short-term economic gain. Their inclusion leads to better decision-making and more effective rule enforcement. (Agarwal, 2019).

Despite this recognition, the full and meaningful participation of women in forest governance remains a challenge in many contexts. Cultural norms, time constraints due to domestic responsibilities, and lower levels of formal education can all act as barriers to women’s participation in public meetings and decision-making bodies. The problem is not just about inviting women to the table; it is about creating an enabling environment where their voices are heard, and their contributions are valued. Tokenism, where women are present but have no real influence, is not sufficient. (FAO, 2020).

The specific context of Abia State, with its rich forest resources and its patriarchal societal structure, provides an important case study for examining the influence of gender on forest management. The state’s forest-dependent communities are grappling with the challenges of deforestation and degradation. Understanding how gender roles shape the use and management of these resources is essential for designing effective and equitable policies and programs. The question of whether the current approach to forest management, which often marginalizes women, is ultimately sustainable is a central concern. (ASMoE, 2020).

This study is therefore designed to investigate the influence of gender on the sustainable management of forest resources in Abia State. It will analyze the gendered division of labor in forest use, compare the levels of participation of men and women in SFM practices, and identify the key factors that determine their adoption. By using a gender lens, the study aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the social dynamics of forest management that is essential for developing more effective and equitable conservation strategies. (Rocheleau et al., 2018).

The findings of this study are expected to be of significant value to policymakers, forest managers, developmentorganizations, and the local communities themselves. By highlighting the specific roles and constraints of men and women, the study will provide an evidence base for designing gender-responsive forest policies. It will contribute to the growing body of literature on gender and natural resource management in Nigeria, and it will ultimately support the goal of achieving both environmental sustainability and social equity in the management of Abia State’s precious forest resources. (World Bank, 2021).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The forests of Abia State are facing a crisis of degradation and deforestation, driven by unsustainable exploitation and land-use change. The core problem is that the current approaches to forest management have not been effective in halting this decline, partly because they have failed to adequately account for the gendered dimensions of forest use. The exclusion or marginalization of women, who are key users and custodians of forest resources, from formal management structures is a significant oversight that undermines the potential for achieving sustainability. (ASMoE, 2020).

A fundamental problem is the lack of recognition of the gendered division of labor in forest resource use. Men and women interact with the forest in different ways, harvest different products, and possess different types of knowledge. The problem is that formal forest policies and programs are often designed with a “gender-blind” perspective, assuming that all forest users are the same. This failure to recognize the distinct roles and needs of men and women leads to policies that are ineffective and may even exacerbate existing inequalities. (Agarwal, 2019).

The problem of women’s exclusion from decision-making processes is particularly acute. Despite their significant role as collectors and users of NTFPs, women are often absent from community forest management committees and other formal decision-making bodies. The problem is that the rules and regulations governing forest use are often made by men, for men’s interests, without considering the needs and priorities of women. This lack of representation means that women’s knowledge is not utilized, and their concerns are not addressed, leading to management systems that are both inequitable and ineffective. (Rocheleau et al., 2018).

There is a significant problem with the unequal access to and control over forest-related benefits. While men often dominate the commercial harvesting of high-value resources like timber, the profits from these activities often do not trickle down to the household level in a way that benefits women. The problem is that men may control the income from forest products, using it for personal consumption, while women are left to bear the burden of providing for the family’s daily needs, including fuelwood and food. This unequal distribution of benefits creates a disincentive for women to support conservation efforts. (Shiva, 2016).

The problem of insecure land and tree tenure for women is a major barrier to sustainable management. In many communities in Abia State, women have only usufructuary rights to land, which are contingent on their relationship with a male relative. This insecurity of tenure means that women are hesitant to invest in long-term sustainable practices, such as planting trees or establishing agroforestry plots, because they cannot be assured of reaping the benefits of their investment. The problem is that the existing tenure system is biased against women and undermines their ability to act as stewards of the forest. (Quisumbing & Pandolfelli, 2018).

The issue of differential access to resources and services is a critical problem. Women often have less access than men to credit, agricultural extension services, and information about sustainable forest management practices. The problem is that extension programs are often targeted at men, who are perceived as the primary agricultural producers, and the information they provide is often not tailored to the specific needs and constraints of women. This information gap means that women are less likely to be aware of or to adopt the practices that could help them manage forest resources more sustainably. (FAO, 2020).

The problem of the “invisible” contribution of women to forest management is a systemic issue. The work that women do in collecting NTFPs, managing on-farm trees, and conserving biodiversity is often unpaid, unrecorded, and undervalued in national statistics and policy-making. The problem is that this invisibility means that women’s needs and priorities are not factored into the allocation of resources for forest management. The result is a persistent under-investment in the very areas—such as NTFP management and fuel-efficient technologies—that could have the greatest impact on both livelihoods and forest sustainability. (Doss, 2018).

There is a lack of empirical evidence on the specific influence of gender on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices in the context of Abia State. Most existing research on forest management in Nigeria is gender-blind or focuses on other regions. The problem is that policymakers and program designers lack the specific, localized data they need to understand how gender shapes the use and management of forest resources in this particular context. Without this evidence, interventions are likely to be poorly targeted and less effective. (ASMoE, 2020).

The problem of increasing pressure on forest resources from population growth and climate change is exacerbating existing gender inequalities. As resources become scarcer, competition for them intensifies, and women, who are often at the bottom of the power hierarchy, are the most vulnerable. The problem is that the time and effort women must expend to collect fuelwood and water is increasing, reducing the time they have for other productive activities. This “time poverty” is a significant dimension of the gender-environment nexus that is often overlooked. (World Bank, 2021).

The lack of gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation frameworks in forestry projects is a problem. Many projects do not collect data disaggregated by sex, making it impossible to assess their differential impacts on men and women. The problem is that without this information, it is difficult to know if a project is benefiting both genders equally or if it is inadvertently worsening existing inequalities. This lack of accountability means that gender issues are often not addressed in the implementation of forest management programs. (FAO, 2020).

The problem of cultural and social norms that restrict women’s participation in public life is a deep-seated barrier. In some communities, it is considered inappropriate for women to speak in public meetings or to challenge the authority of men. These norms can silence women’s voices and prevent them from asserting their rights to participate in forest management. The problem is that addressing these deeply entrenched social norms requires a long-term, community-based approach that goes beyond simple policy changes. (Agarwal, 2019).

This study is designed to address these problems by providing a rigorous, gender-focused analysis of sustainable forest management in Abia State. It aims to systematically document the gendered division of labor, measure the participation of men and women in SFM practices, and identify the key determinants of their adoption. The core problem this research seeks to solve is the lack of evidence-based, gender-responsive strategies for forest management, which this study will help to generate. (Rocheleau et al., 2018).

1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of gender on the sustainable management of forest resources in Abia State, Nigeria.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The specific objectives of this study are to:

1. Describe the socio-economic characteristics of male and female forest users in Abia State.
2. Identify the forest resources harvested by men and women in the study area.
3. Analyze the gender division of labor in forest management activities.
4. Determine the level of participation of men and women in sustainable forest management (SFM) practices.
5. Analyze the factors, including gender, that influence the adoption of sustainable forest management practices in Abia State.

1.5 Research Questions

The following research questions were formulated to guide this study:

1. What are the socio-economic characteristics of male and female forest users in Abia State?
2. What are the forest resources harvested by men and women in the study area?
3. What is the gender division of labor in forest management activities?
4. What are the levels of participation of men and women in sustainable forest management practices?
5. What factors, including gender, influence the adoption of sustainable forest management practices in Abia State?

1.6 Research Hypotheses

The following null (H₀) and alternative (H₁) hypotheses were tested in this study:

1. H₀: There is no significant difference in the level of participation in sustainable forest management practices between male and female forest users in Abia State.
   H₁: There is a significant difference in the level of participation in sustainable forest management practices between male and female forest users in Abia State.
2. H₀: Gender does not have a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices in Abia State.
   H₁: Gender has a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices in Abia State.
3. H₀: The socio-economic characteristics of forest users (age, education, income) do not have a significant influence on their adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
   H₁: The socio-economic characteristics of forest users (age, education, income) have a significant influence on their adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
4. H₀: Access to extension services does not have a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
   H₁: Access to extension services has a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
5. H₀: Membership in a forest user group does not have a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
   H₁: Membership in a forest user group has a significant influence on the adoption of sustainable forest management practices.

1.7 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant value for a wide range of stakeholders. For policymakers in the Federal and State Ministries of Environment and Forestry , the findings will provide crucial evidence for the development of gender-responsive forest policies. The study will highlight the differential roles and needs of men and women, demonstrating why a “one-size-fits-all” approach to forest management is ineffective. The evidence will support the argument for ensuring women’s representation in forest governance structures and for allocating resources to programs that specifically address the constraints faced by women. It will also inform the design of strategies to promote the adoption of sustainable practices among all forest users.

For forestry departments and extension service providers, this study will offer practical insights into how to make their services more gender-inclusive. The analysis of the determinants of adoption will show the importance of targeting extension messages and training programs to both men and women, using communication channels that are accessible to each group. The study’s findings can help extension agents to understand the specific knowledge gaps and constraints faced by women and to develop training materials that are relevant to their activities, such as the sustainable harvesting of NTFPs.

For non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) working on environmental conservation and community development in Abia State, this study will provide an evidence base for designing and implementing gender-sensitive projects. The findings will help them to ensure that their interventions are equitable and that they reach the most marginalized members of the community. The study’s analysis of the division of labor will also be useful for advocating for a more equitable distribution of the benefits from forest resources within communities.

For researchers and academics, this study will contribute to the growing body of literature on gender and natural resource management in sub-Saharan Africa. It will provide a valuable case study from the Nigerian context, using robust quantitative methods to analyze the influence of gender on forest management outcomes. The study will also serve as a methodological reference for future research on the topic, demonstrating how to measure participation and analyze the determinants of adoption using a gender lens. Finally, it will contribute to a deeper theoretical understanding of the social dynamics of environmental sustainability.

1.8 Scope of the Study

This study is focused on the influence of gender on the sustainable management of forest resources in Abia State, Nigeria. The geographical scope is limited to communities located around major forest reserves in the three senatorial districts of the state (Abia North, Abia Central, and Abia South). The study involves a comparative analysis of male and female members of these forest-dependent communities. The analysis focuses on their use of forest resources and their participation in sustainable forest management practices during the 2022/2023 period. The study does not cover commercial timber companies or government forestry officials but focuses on the community-level users.

1.9 Limitation of the Study

This study is subject to certain limitations. The primary limitation is the reliance on self-reported data, which can be subject to recall bias and social desirability bias, where respondents may overstate their participation in practices they perceive as positive. The cross-sectional design of the study provides a snapshot of gender dynamics at a single point in time and cannot capture changes over time. The study is also limited by the challenges of defining and measuring “sustainable forest management” in a way that is both rigorous and locally relevant. Furthermore, the study’s focus on communities around forest reserves may not be fully representative of the dynamics in more remote or less forest-dependent communities. Finally, the quantitative nature of the study may not capture the full depth and nuance of the social and cultural factors that shape gender relations and forest use.

1.10 Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarity, the following terms are defined as they are used in this study:

1. Gender: The socially constructed roles, responsibilities, behaviors, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. It is distinct from biological sex.
2. Sustainable Forest Management (SFM): The management of forests to maintain and enhance their economic, social, and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations.
3. Forest Resources: All products and services derived from the forest, including timber, fuelwood, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), water, and biodiversity.
4. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs): All biological materials other than timber that are harvested from forests, such as fruits, nuts, vegetables, mushrooms, snails, medicinal plants, and fuelwood.
5. Gender Division of Labor: The allocation of specific tasks and responsibilities in forestry and natural resource management to men, women, or both, based on societal norms and expectations.
6. Participation Index: A composite measure used to quantify the level of involvement of an individual or group in a set of activities, such as sustainable forest management practices.
7. Forest User Group: A community-based organization or association of individuals who share a common interest in the management and use of a forest area.
8. Adoption: The decision and subsequent action of a forest user to integrate a new practice or technology into their management of forest resources.
9. Agroforestry: A land-use system that combines the cultivation of trees with crops and/or livestock on the same land, promoting ecological and economic benefits.
10. Tenure Security: The degree of certainty and legal recognition of an individual’s or group’s rights to use, control, and benefit from land and its associated resources.