This article draws on research the author carried out in Ghana and Burkina Faso to explore the impact of a transboundary water governance project on poor people

While REDD presents opportunities for positive social outcomes, it also brings risks of serious negative outcomes. The current discussions on REDD mechanisms and impacts have paid little attention to the gender differentiated impacts of REDD, in
terms of the increased vulnerability of rural women to its negative consequences and the opportunities that REDD presents for women.

Understanding the issues and perspectives of the community, giving voice to their ideas and facilitating institutional building are key in bringing about a sustainable and equitable change. Bringing a

Forests provide a number of goods and services to the people. The dependence is very high especially amongst the tribals who live close to nature and collect food, fuelwood, timber, bamboos, medicinal plants and other non-wood products from the forests.

Giant wind farms may grab the headlines but plans to develop local off-grid electricity will have bigger impact on Africans and carbon emissions.