The following is a framework outlining the specifically relevant considerations to examine in different contexts. Each analysis should begin by disaggregating issues at the project site because asking certain questions about different parts of the community can help clarify each community sub-group and its relationship to project beneficiaries. In many parts of the world it is a matter of honour that a man be counted as head of household even though he may be absent because of death, divorce, migration, or abandonment. A first wife may have privileges of land tenure that the third wife does not have. A man may own a tree, but the women may control its leaves or fruit.
Taboos surrounding the use of animals and animal products are frequent.
In many areas, very little meat is eaten, especially by women, and parts of the animal, even a chicken or fish, are relegated by gender, age and status. Among the Shona in Zimbabwe, for example, cattle are used for manure, for ploughing, to enhance male status and as payment to a bride's father. Seldom are cattle used for beef. Women frequently care for small livestock - calves, chickens, rabbits while men care for large animals. The management of specific crops is often closely related to gender.