The plight of rural widows in Ciskeian agriculture

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Periodical article

Title:	The plight of rural widows in Ciskeian agriculture
Author:	Steyn, G.J.
Year:	1989
Periodical:	Africa Insight
Volume:	19
Issue:	2
Pages:	96-100
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa Ciskei
Subjects:	women farmers widows agriculture Cultural Roles Family Life Marital Relations and Nuptiality
Abstract:	In a farming systems study of two rural areas of Ciskei, Nyaniso location and Lujiko location, it was found that widows had become an increasingly important component of rural communities. In 1984-1985, 23 percent and in 1985-1986, 32 percent of households had been headed by widows. This article examines the plight of these widows by focusing on possible income from crop production, livestock production, old-age pensions, monthly remittances (by sons or daughters) and employment. The conclusion is that a wife after her husband's death, unless he was living away from home, experiences great changes. She loses much of her ascribed status and has to assume a new or greatly altered role and status. Another conclusion is that the present systems of support, both formal and informal, are inadequate. Ref.