This paper presents an analysis of the effects of a food-for-work programme (FFW) on the patterns of mcome d1stnbution m the rec1p1ent community. A relative mean income analysis of the size distnbution of incomes was undertaken. When the value of the food received from FFW is excluded from the analysis, FFW part1c1pants and nonpart1c1pants had virtually identical income levels, part1cularly in the lowest income groups. FFW resulted m more equal patterns of income distribution, with the lowest income groups bemg the ma1or benef1c1anes Those results are consistent with the aims of FFW to s1multaneously address the food needs of the poor and to provtde the basis for capital formation and improved mcome at the farm level. Effective programme design 1s essential to achieve the desired results.