According to KAAA studies in 1956-57, there were nearly 9,000 cases of extreme hardship amongst widowed women in rural areas. Many had lost their husbands during World War Two. Widows survived by working odd-jobs such as hillside grass cutting. They had no regular source of income. With loan funds in place for established farmers since the late 1950s, the need for donations diminished, these resources were made available to poor widows.

Free gifts

Pigs
Pigs and pigsties were given to widows who were capable of raising pigs. Each were given 4 pigsties and 2 pregnant sows.

Cattle
Those with arable land but no farming stock were given cattle.

Chickens
Older widows were given 18 hens and 2 cocks. Raising chickens and selling eggs gave widows more than three times the amount they could earn through casual labour and grass cutting. Old and infirm widows were given cash, food and medical treatment.

Living with pride

Poultry and beasts of burden brought more than mere economic value to widows. Living in an agrarian community where cow owners enjoyed status and respect, widows who owned cattle were able to sit in council meetings and were treated with greater respect from the community. KAAA staff also noticed a change in the usually timid village women’s temperament, as they began to proactively seek advice from staff about current farming activities on distribution days.