Gender-specific spatial perspectives and scenario building approaches for understanding gender equity and sustainability in climate-smart landscapes

Abstract

The nexus of gender, land use, landscapes and climate change is very complex and multidimensional. However, understanding these interactions may reveal important aspects for achieving food security and improving livelihood resilience to climate change impacts, especially during extreme events. After all, the concept of the landscape does not merely refer to a geographic space, but includes the social construct of a �??theory of place�?? based on diverse cultural and individual perceptions regarding the livelihood (or everyday life) of individuals and rights of social strata. For many communities in West African countries, the meaning of landscape is rooted in each persons�?? life history and experiences; and if misread and misunderstood, the landscape is misrepresented (Fairhead & Leach, 1996)