This review examines the impact of desertification on women, their role in the management of natural resources and drylands, and the constraints they face.

The report presents the experiences of several IFAD supported programmes and projects in addressing women as natural resource users and managers in dryland areas, and highlights some of the approaches used to reach women more effectively. It also presents lessons learned from IFAD programmes and projects, and recommendations for expanding women’s roles in order to restore dryland areas.