Women and men as conservers, users and managers of agrobiodiversity: A feminist social–ecological approach

This feminist socio-ecological heuristic studies agrobiodiversity management, conservation and utilisation by men and women. Four approaches are characterised for an analysis of institutions, local knowledge, household economics and commodity chains. They are in turn linked to unveil their potential contributions towards a better understanding women's handling of, interests in and dependence on agrobiodiversity. The conceptualisation of a feminist framework aims at better informed research into the relationships between women, men and plants and is illustrated by examples from South Asia. Insights derived from a feminist socio-ecological perspective on agricultural biodiversity serve to generate gender-relevant policy recommendations towards establishing sustainable farming systems.

► This feminist socio-ecological heuristic links four approaches. ► We analyse institutions, local knowledge, household economics and commodity chains. ► The potential lies in a better understanding of men and women in agrobiodiversity. ► This feminist framework is illustrated by examples from South Asia. ► Insights derived may serve to generate gender-relevant policy recommendations.