Gender - specific features in forest and tree uses in South and Southeast Asia

This study analyzes gender-specific patterns in the household collection and use of forest/tree products in South and Southeast Asia, using data from 26 communities in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The analysis, which is conducted at the regional, country, and community levels, concentrates primarily on two patterns: (1) behavior of men and women engaged as collectors of forest and tree products; and (2) gender patterns relating to the sources of products (e.g., government forests, private forests, home gardens). Men and women were found to behave differently in each of the studied communities. While home gardens and scattered trees on farms are the primary sources of supply for both sexes, men are more likely to use off-farm sources and purchased products as well. Women place higher priorities on products satisfying subsistence needs (e.g., fruit/food, fuelwood, and fodder). Although men are most heavily engaged in obtaining products for occasional uses and construction timber, they are not excluded from collection of products for daily consumption. Immediate research priorities should focus on the use of multipurpose tree species to meet the needs of both sexes.