Abstract

Women in developing countries have direct contact with the natural environment as they collect essential items for their everyday needs. There are also women consumers and or purchasers who have indirect link with the forest. As consumers, producers, and caretakers of their families and educators, women play important roles in promoting sustainable development through their concerns for the quality and sustainability of life for present and future generations. This study identified indicators of forest degradation, assessed forest protection programmes and policies among women in Michika local government of Adamawa state. Questionnaires and oral interview and focus group discussions were used in collecting data for the study. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results presented in tables. The result identified the indicators of forest degradation in the area to include; Decrease in products flow, Decrease in forest/canopy cover, Disappearance biodiversity/species, Erosion and Dominant of invasive species in Michika. The results of the focus group discussion indicates that women in the study area practice some form of forest protections programs and policies such as discourage clandestine cutting of tree species, sustainable forest development, land-use planning and infrastructural design. Thus, the study recommends involvement of women in community forest protection and Formation of Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) among others.

Key Words: Forest, Protection, Rural, Women, Program, Michika