How can gender-sensitive approaches to natural resource management be implemented, particularly in contexts were women do not traditionally participate in such activities? In Nigeria, the construction of a tourist resort on the Obudu plateau led to deforestation and exacerbated pre-existing pressures on water resources and the environment. Local Becheve women spoke out about extra time taken in water collection, poor quality and quantity of water and consequently poor family health.

In many of the world's drylands, women's traditional knowledge of and roles in natural resource management and food security are crucial. Women across the developing world spend considerable proportions of their time using and preserving land for food and fuel production, and for generating income for their families and communities. They are therefore severely affected when erosion and diminished soil fertility result in decreased crop and livestock, productivity and reduced income derived from these products.

While agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa forms the backbone of many nations' economies, women are largely locked out of land ownership, access to credit and productive farm inputs, as well as support from extension services. This report seeks to focus international attention on the impediments that African women farmers face, presenting the clearest evidence to date on the breadth and depth of the resulting gender gap in agricultural production.