Gender, Local Knowledge and Lessons Learnt in Documenting and Conserving Agrobiodiversity

Abstract

This paper explores the linkages between gender, local knowledge systems and agrobiodiversity for food security by using the case study of LinKS, a regional FAO project in Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Tanzania over a period of eight years and now concluded. The project aimed to raise awareness on how rural men and women use and manage agrobiodiversity, and to promote the importance of local knowledge for food security and sustainable agrobiodiversity at local, institutional and policy levels by working with a diverse range of stakeholders to strengthen their ability to recognize and value farmers' knowledge and to use gender-sensitive and participatory approaches in their work. This was done through three key activities: capacity building, research and communication. The results of the LinKS study show clearly that men and women farmers hold very specific local knowledge about the plants and animals they manage. Local knowledge, gender and agrobiodiversity are closely interrelated. If one of these elements is threatened, the risk of losing agrobiodiversity increases, …/.

Gender and Biodiversity: A New Approach to Linking Environment and Development

“…Protecting agrobiodiversity throughout the world is vital for food security and environmental conservation and depends on understanding the linkages between gender and local knowledge systems (Lambrou and Laub 2006). In the development and environment discourse, there is a growing consensus that incorporation of gendered knowledge and practices are not only necessary and relevant but also essential for sustainable development.…”

Gender and agrobiodiversity: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…Protecting agrobiodiversity throughout the world is vital for food security and environmental conservation, and depends on understanding the crucial linkages between gender and local knowledge systems (Lambrou & Laub, 2006). In the development and environment discourse there is also a growing consensus that incorporation of gendered knowledge and practices are not only necessary and relevant, but also essential for sustainable development.…”

Agrobiodiversidad, género y soberanía alimentaria en Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca

“…The first one analyzes the properties of domesticated species in their environment (Momsen, específicos (Momsen, 2007;Hellin et al, 2010). El género es una construcción social que asigna distintas responsabilidades a hombres y mujeres en el manejo de recursos, determinando así su acceso a los mismos (Lambrou y Laub, 2006). Finalmente, la soberanía alimentaria defiende la habilidad de los pueblos para producir y consumir alimentos cultural, ambiental y económicamente viables.…”

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