Further, research have shown that the forest is central to lives of rural women in Africa, and hence, they play a major and critical role in conserving this storehouse. In addition, the time spent in forests, gathering woodfuel, has taught women the many uses of forest resources, including providing fibres for cloth, mat-making and basketry. Many indigenous forest resources are used as a source of food, offering vegetables, nut fruits and even vines.
Women also know the uses of traditional medicinal resources of various plants.
Hence, their role as managers and caretaker of the environment, community forest, and its biodiversity is an acknowledged phenomenon. Hence, we strongly believe that rural women must be involved right from the inception of key policy decisions that seek to develop rural Africa countryside. Moreover, research have shown that the use of indigenous knowledge and practices, often enhances the conservation of biodiversity and, can be used as the basis for rural development. Further, we believe that African governments should implement strong policy framework, that seeks to protect the already dwindling community forests, as a starting point to the conservation of our biodiversity. Thus, if fully implemented, such a programme should in the long run, help in the conservation of our already dwindling storehouse of genes, species and eco-systems.