Dairy cattle rearing by landless rural women in Pondicherry: a path to empowerment
Ramkumar, S.; Rao, S.V.N.; Waldie, K.
Indian Journal of Gender Studies 11(2): 205-222
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0971-5215 DOI: 10.1177/097152150401100204Document Number: 251717
This study, based on data from 22 respondents, reveals that rearing one or two cows for milk is an important source of livelihood for landless women in Pondicherry in south India. Possession of dairy animals means more than increased income for them: it means financial security, status, self-confidence and an opportunity to have some control over their lives. Preferring this alternative to exhausting agricultural labour, the women are self-employed, with flexible working hours and maintain better health as a result. It is suggested that recognizing the importance of this resource for rural women should be the first step towards improving service delivery to poor landless women rearing dairy cattle.