FEMALE HEADED HOUSEHOLDS LIVELIHOODS IN EASTERN CAPE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The research was on the livelihoods of female headed households in Eastern Cape. The central aim of the paper was explorative in nature paying attention to livelihood strategies of the female headed households (FHH). A Qualitative methodological instrument in form of in-depth interviews with 15 female heads was conducted to elicit thick descriptions with regard to how they earn a living and challenges they face. The study uncovered that female headed household’s gained income from state transfers, remittances, petty trading and savings groups. Households survived according to their access to natural capital and off-farm income. The study concluded that female heads engaged in low return livelihoods hence continued to be locked in perennial vicious poverty however; this does not discredit the significance of such livelihoods.