Songs of Freedom: Rural Women’s Experiences of Poverty and Development in Jamaica

Abstract

This study examined poverty alleviation strategies of the Government of Jamaica, through an evaluation of the impact of the Rural Economic Development Initiative project on a sample of rural women. Using Sen’s capability approach, a broader understanding of poverty and human development in rural communities emerged. The project had an impact on all dimensions of poverty, but the process of development valued by the women was not the same as that of the government.