This guide aims to encourage RNRKS programme managers and project leaders to address gender more explicitly and effectively in their work. They might ask ‘how can a natural resources research programme, being largely technical in content and emphasizing research with generic applications, effectively address gender, particularly issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment?’ There is no simple answer to this question. The guide focuses upon opportunities to address gender during programme design, monitoring and implementation. It begins with a discussion of what gender means, why gender is an issue of central importance to development strategies targeting poverty in the natural resource sector, and the risks of ignoring gender. This is followed by sections on gender bias in projects, gender blindness, and whether or not gender is better addressed separately, or as an integral part of socio-economic analysis. Conceptual frameworks for conducting gender analysis are discussed briefly. The second major part of the guide is concerned with programme and project-level issues and the extent to which constraints on mainstreaming gender can be overcome. A reading list is offered to those looking for more specific examples in relation to the various natural resource sectors, more detailed general gender guidelines, and greater enlightenment on conceptual and analytical issues relating to gender
