“But with training, […] You learn to reforest, not burn the forest, if you want to earn money.”
In the Brazilian Amazon, women are driving transformation. Through collective microenterprises, rural women are not only enhancing their leadership and gaining access to decision-making spaces, but they are also contributing to more sustainable land-use practices.
In a recent paper published in Tropical Forest Issues 63 – Women as Stewards of Forests, we explore how holistic support from governments, NGOs, and the private sector can strengthen these grassroots initiatives, driving sustainable development while promoting gender equality.
Drawing on interviews with 65 women involved in 11 collective microenterprises across the states of Acre and Pará, our research highlights the multidimensional empowerment these enterprises bring. Their transformative effect ripples through social dynamics and resource governance alike.
Area of study. Map by CIFOR-ICRAF Brasil
Beyond income
Economic empowerment extends well beyond financial independence. Women participating in these enterprises have gained greater influence household financial decisions and increased their involvement in community organizations. This engagement has enabled them to advocate for their rights, increase their visibility in local governance and access essential support networks.
Collective microenterprises are helping to reinforce leadership, shape policies and tackle key issues such as land tenure and access to resources. These women’s roles as stewards of the Amazon’s natural assets draw a powerful link between economic agency and conservation, benefiting both communities and ecosystems. Notably, 42% of participating households reported shifting their land-use practices to prevent deforestation and fires, opting instead for sustainable approaches such as reforestation, soil fertility management and responsible cultivation techniques.
“I never dreamed of working with bees,” said one woman from Nova Timboteua, Pará. “But with training, I learned how to care for bees and what plants they need. You learn to reforest, not burn the forest, if you want to earn money.”
Growing collectively
“Before joining the microenterprise, I had no say in household matters”
Women’s participation in microenterprises has led to significant economic gains, with 60% of household income now stemming from their work. This financial stability has enabled more informed spending and investment decisions, with 16% of income allocated to productive assets such as açaí processing and beekeeping.
The collective nature of these enterprises strengthens resource pooling, the growth of local marketplace development and broader community resilience.
Beyond income generation, these initiatives have strengthened food security. Sixty-three percent of participants reported improved access to fruits, vegetables and animal protein. Revenues are also supporting children’s education, healthcare needs and community-based financial aid.
Training programmes, led by women’s associations, government institutions and private initiatives, have equipped participants with technical skills in agroforestry, beekeeping and handicrafts. With 72% of training delivered within communities, entire families have joined the learning process, fostering shared knowledge and collaboration.
Continuous learning has strengthened self-efficacy, resource stewardship and market awareness, fuelling business growth and local advocacy. Women’s economic participation has boosted their recognition and respect within families and communities, raising self-confidence and positioning many as leaders and mentors to others. Sixty-four percent of women surveyed reported improved joint decision-making over finances, contributing to greater household equity and reducing exposure to economic or domestic abuse.
“Before joining the microenterprise, I had no say in household matters,” one respondent shared. “Now, my husband and I discuss everything together—from expenses to investments.”
Participation has also enhanced women’s influence in community organisations, where they are advocating for fairer market prices, greater government support and more equitable distribution of natural resources.
Unfinished business
Despite these achievements, structural challenges remain. Limited access to credit, formal markets and essential services continues to hamper the growth and durability of women-led enterprises. These constraints highlight the need for stronger cooperativism and long-term partnerships with NGOs, private actors, public institutions and financial organisations.
Policymakers and practitioners have a crucial role to play in supporting gender equity and sustainable development in the world’s largest rainforest. Targeted efforts—such as capacity building, inclusive land governance, mentorship initiatives and long-term research on gender equity—are key to ensuring the resilience and success of these women-led microenterprises.
We thank Tropenbos International for supporting the publication of this research. Sharing these findings helps elevate the voices of women at the forefront of forest stewardship, contributing to the wider dialogue on gender equality and sustainable development.
You can access the Tropenbos International magazine and read the full article on this link: TFI63: Women as Stewards of Forests – Tropenbos International
For more information on this topic, please contact:
Denyse Mello at d.mello@cifor-icraf.org or Lidia Lacerda at L.lacerda@cifor-icarf.org
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