3.7 Gender
69
Social systems act as the first opponents of deforestation. For example, in
Chad, communities’ seasonal movements are crucial for fertilizing the soil and
the creation of a natural buffer against deforestation. This is an act of nomadic
pastoralism whereby the communities migrate when there is depletion of pasture
for their animals. The movement is determined by seasons, thus allowing the land
to regain its capacity to produce more pasture before the communities can come
back. Similarly, pastoralism has played an important role in the success of the Sahel
Green Great Wall Initiative, a flagship initiative by Africa to tackle the impacts
of climate change and desertification. Spearheaded by the African Union (AU), its
major aim is to change the lives of many people through the creation of productive
landscapes across the Sahel and North Africa. Pastoralism ensures that available
resources are used responsibly and pastoralist communities are at the forefront
of protecting resources as their livelihoods depend on them (Olson 2017). They
view resources as their heritage that is crucial for sustenance. For a long period,
indigenous communities have been at the forefront of combating desertification and
regenerating vegetation. Overall, the socio-political system plays an indispensable
role in environmental conservation and promoting the Green initiative.
3.7 Gender
Gender equality and empowerment is heralded as being among the major determinants of sustainability. Gender equality remains an important aspect of the world
today. Research suggests that societies that value gender equality tend to have
slightly better progress compared to those that are still characterized by gender
inequality (Shiva and Mies 2014). Reduction of maternal mortality and attainment
of universal access to reproductive health has been identified as crucial for sustainability. According to Starbird et al. (2016), meeting the needs of women by
planning their pregnancies would result in lower population growth. Consequently,
there would be a reduction of global carbon emissions by about 8–15%, which is
equal to the stoppage of all the current deforestation (Starbird et al. 2016).
Women play a pivotal role in resource conservation, protection, and stewardship
because of their unique relationship. For instance, women are the collectors of
resources in some parts of Africa, including firewood for fuel and water for domestic
purposes. As they are responsible for the management of these resources, they
play a crucial role in ensuring their sustainability (Kassinis et al. 2016). In Africa,
there are numerous examples of women who play crucial roles in protecting natural
resources. An example is Ilaje women who are best-suited to protect their water
bodies as they require them in the future. The Ilaje women occupy Ondo State in
Nigeria, which has been adversely affected by resource degradation (see Fig. 3.7).
Since they use these resources for obtaining water and food, they are best placed to
ensure that people do not misuse them as it would directly negatively impact their
lives.
69
Social systems act as the first opponents of deforestation. For example, in
Chad, communities’ seasonal movements are crucial for fertilizing the soil and
the creation of a natural buffer against deforestation. This is an act of nomadic
pastoralism whereby the communities migrate when there is depletion of pasture
for their animals. The movement is determined by seasons, thus allowing the land
to regain its capacity to produce more pasture before the communities can come
back. Similarly, pastoralism has played an important role in the success of the Sahel
Green Great Wall Initiative, a flagship initiative by Africa to tackle the impacts
of climate change and desertification. Spearheaded by the African Union (AU), its
major aim is to change the lives of many people through the creation of productive
landscapes across the Sahel and North Africa. Pastoralism ensures that available
resources are used responsibly and pastoralist communities are at the forefront
of protecting resources as their livelihoods depend on them (Olson 2017). They
view resources as their heritage that is crucial for sustenance. For a long period,
indigenous communities have been at the forefront of combating desertification and
regenerating vegetation. Overall, the socio-political system plays an indispensable
role in environmental conservation and promoting the Green initiative.
3.7 Gender
Gender equality and empowerment is heralded as being among the major determinants of sustainability. Gender equality remains an important aspect of the world
today. Research suggests that societies that value gender equality tend to have
slightly better progress compared to those that are still characterized by gender
inequality (Shiva and Mies 2014). Reduction of maternal mortality and attainment
of universal access to reproductive health has been identified as crucial for sustainability. According to Starbird et al. (2016), meeting the needs of women by
planning their pregnancies would result in lower population growth. Consequently,
there would be a reduction of global carbon emissions by about 8–15%, which is
equal to the stoppage of all the current deforestation (Starbird et al. 2016).
Women play a pivotal role in resource conservation, protection, and stewardship
because of their unique relationship. For instance, women are the collectors of
resources in some parts of Africa, including firewood for fuel and water for domestic
purposes. As they are responsible for the management of these resources, they
play a crucial role in ensuring their sustainability (Kassinis et al. 2016). In Africa,
there are numerous examples of women who play crucial roles in protecting natural
resources. An example is Ilaje women who are best-suited to protect their water
bodies as they require them in the future. The Ilaje women occupy Ondo State in
Nigeria, which has been adversely affected by resource degradation (see Fig. 3.7).
Since they use these resources for obtaining water and food, they are best placed to
ensure that people do not misuse them as it would directly negatively impact their
lives.