Expanding women's opportunities: the potential of heifer projects in sub-Saharan Africa
Ssewamala, F.M.
Development in Practice 14(4): 550-559
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0961-4524 DOI: 10.1080/09614520410001686133Document Number: 653997
This paper looks at one initiative, i.e. the Heifer Project, to address the socioeconomic needs of women in sub-Saharan Africa. The Heifer Project is an income-generating project in which poor women are given heifers with the aim of improving their situation as well as that of their families. The idea is that if a cow (a productive asset) is given to a woman and her family, they will be empowered economically and socially in ways that will eventually reduce social and income inequalities. Following a brief review of women's status in Africa, an evaluation is presented of the Uganda Red Cross Heifer Project based on interviews with 15 recipients from areas surrounding Kampala and 5 project staff. It is shown that the project had a significant positive impact on household income and employment levels. Of special concern, however, is the issue of increased workload, which may eventually adversely affect the health of women and constrain their participation in community meetings.