The rainforests are increasingly topical in today's eco-conscious society; yet people remain ignorant of the many issues hidden by the language and methods of international development policy. This volume discusses these issues and analyzes the causes and effects of such policy. Concentrating on the women pioneers of the poorer developing nations, the book employs a variety of contrasting methodologies - from life histories to questionnaire surveys - to suggest a range of answers to an increasing global concern. Focusing on the role of women in the clearing of rainforests of Central and Latin America, the authors argue for local, "grassroots" action and emphasize the need for women to play an integral role in the creation and implementation of development policy. The book provides an analysis not only of the development concerns faced by poorer nations, but also a discussion of the role that feminist theory can play in providing solutions to these economic and gender inequalities. Previous publications by Janet Townsend include "Geography of Gender in the Third World" (Hutchinson Education, 1987); and "Indigenous Peoples: A Fieldguide to Development" (OUP).

The rainforests are increasingly topical in today's eco-conscious society; yet people remain ignorant of the many issues hidden by the language and methods of international development policy. This volume discusses these issues and analyzes the causes and effects of such policy. Concentrating on the women pioneers of the poorer developing nations, the book employs a variety of contrasting methodologies - from life histories to questionnaire surveys - to suggest a range of answers to an increasing global concern. Focusing on the role of women in the clearing of rainforests of Central and Latin America, the authors argue for local, "grassroots" action and emphasize the need for women to play an integral role in the creation and implementation of development policy. The book provides an analysis not only of the development concerns faced by poorer nations, but also a discussion of the role that feminist theory can play in providing solutions to these economic and gender inequalities. Previous publications by Janet Townsend include "Geography of Gender in the Third World" (Hutchinson Education, 1987); and "Indigenous Peoples: A Fieldguide to Development" (OUP).