The research reveals that in general, rural incomes are very unevenly distributed, with fifty percent of households living in poverty. Women suffer clear discrimination in labour markets and tend to work in activities with the lowest income. Women also suffer reduced consumption and additional work in poorly-rewarded jobs during difficult times. A marked inequality of income distribution exists between the villages - all smallholding communities. Average incomes are well above the poverty line but half the households live in moderate poverty and one third in extreme poverty.
Incomes vary largely depending on level of education and access to informal loans.
Liberalisation had not led to increased private investment. Services previously provided by state agencies had not been replaced. Limited regional or national demand for village produce, the rising costs of inputs, and the lack of services and information has severely harmed livelihoods. Farming, the cornerstone of the rural economy, needs effective technical assistance, market information and access to capital, which the markets do not provide. All rights reserved.