Survival Strategies of Poor Women in Urban Africa

Book excerpt: Urban poverty is increasing alongside growing urban populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Women constitute a significant proportion of the urban poor, but their role is often neglected by development projects. This publication highlights the range of strategies that women have devised for themselves in order to cope with difficult economic circumstances in present-day Zambia. Natural resources figure prominently in urban women's activities, not only as a source of food and fuel, but as a source of income through trading activities. Ways in which women's livelihoods can be improved are also discussed.