The influence of gender-involvement in tree planting by Kubbi community farmers, Nebbi District Uganda

Abstract

Community participation in different activities is vital for sustainable development and environmental protection related issues. Community involvement in tree planting in Uganda is as old as modern agroforestry. This study was designed to establish the role of Gender involvement in tree planting. The study further assessed the effects of gender involvement in tree planting, determined the division of labour between women and men and established the benefits of tree planting. The study revealed that there was a significant difference gender involvement in tree planting as well as the division of labour between women and men and the benefits from tree planting. Findings from this study also show that, although there are no gender-based differences in perception of access to natural resources, there are cultural hindrances to the full participation of women in tree planting. Culture, to some extent, also influences choice of tree species, and site of tree planting in the homesteads. For example, the planting of the homestead hedges is confined to women, mainly, while there is a general interest to plant indigenous tree species, more specifically the Pinus caribaea, Cupresus lusitanica, Kaya senagalensis and Grevillae victoriae are valuable timber tree of the area. It is concluded that women are more involved in tree planting, access to household resources and receive extra benefits from tree planting. It was suggested that improving the environment could be through tree planting, proper waste management, sustainable use of environment and implementation Government policies on environmental conservation.