GESI is a core priority for P4F in its second phase. The programme takes a deliberate approach to ensure that its activities do not reinforce existing inequalities, while expanding the reach and impact of its work so that women and marginalised groups can benefit.
Achieving P4F’s goals on deforestation and sustainable land use depends on the people and systems it works through—from smallholder farmers to investors and policymakers. Social and economic inequalities can shape who is able to participate, access opportunities, and benefit from these efforts. Addressing these barriers is therefore critical to ensuring that P4F’s interventions are both effective and sustainable over the long term.
Across its portfolio, P4F works to strengthen women’s participation and ensure they can benefit from programme opportunities. In many contexts, women play a significant role in agriculture but have more limited access to land, finance and investment, as well as less time to participate in training or business activities due to unpaid care responsibilities. Women-led businesses also continue to receive a disproportionately small share of investment. In some countries, a growing number of women-headed households face additional constraints, making them less likely to benefit from programmes without targeted support. These factors can also affect how women engage with projects and the extent to which interventions are successful.
In addition to a focus on women, P4F’s approach reflects the diversity of the landscapes and communities in which it operates. In some contexts, this includes targeted engagement with marginalised ethnic groups, indigenous communities, and other underrepresented populations, ensuring that programme activities are accessible, relevant and inclusive.