Dimensions and determinants of rural poverty
The disengagement of the government from marketing activities since 1986 has made it difficult for women to market their produce and has thus deprived women of their main source of income. As a result many rural women have opted for subsistence farming. The Structural Adjustment Programmes and the devaluation of the CFA (unit of currency) has resulted in food insecurity and left many people in a situation of not being able to satisfy their basic needs. Women are affected more severely by the increasing poverty because of their marginalization in society, lack of access to education and training, and their exclusion from decision-making positions. Agriculture is carried out with low-levels of technology and inputs, resulting in low productivity. Deteriorating road conditions hinder marketing. The systematic importation of food stuffs is a disincentive to farmers. The percentage of women farmers suffering from chronic calorie deficit increased from 23% in 1987 to 47% in 1992. In the rural areas, female-headed households represent 22.4% of total households.
Civil Status of Female-headed Households in Rural Areas, 1991
National Sectoral Report on Women, Agriculture and Rural Development, 1994
