Agroforestry and Forestry in Sulawesi series: Women

Women and men have different understandings of and knowledge about the natural resources in their
environment. These differing knowledge bases influence their practices in managing and extracting
natural resources, leading to different results and impacts. This study assesses the respective roles of
women and men in households with agroforestry-based livelihoods in Gorontalo Province, Sulawesi,
and seeks to show which gender receives the greatest benefits and which faces the greatest challenges
in such partnerships. It also seeks to show how couples adapt and coexist in these households and in the
wider community. The research findings provide guidance for designing equitable and effective
development programmes that ensure that agroforestry livelihoods create more benefits than burdens
for both women and men.