Female single parenthood, poverty and livelihoods strategies in rural area: Evidence from Cameroon

Abstract. In Sub-Saharan Africa, female single-parent families of rural areas face many difficulties in their daily lives. This article analyses the determinants of single parenthood and the livelihoods strategies of single parents facing poverty in the Abang and Longo localities, located in the Nanga-Eboko Sub-division, in Cameroon. The observation of these populations and the analysis carried with the semi-structured interview method in 2021 reveal that these single-parent families suffer from poverty, due to their vulnerable situation. In response to this, in order to meet their basic needs, they develop livelihoods strategies based on family solidarity, social support and small income-generating activities, mainly in the informal sector of the local economy.Keywords. Single parenthood; Poverty; Livelihoods strategies; Cameroon, Daily life.JEL. A13; D10; Z10