短语讲解：

1. Instead of women carrying heavy loads, they can tie the bullocks to the vehicle.

instead of 代替…， （是…）而不是…， （用…）而不用…
例句：A spirit lamp burns spirits instead of oil.
酒精灯里点的不是油而是酒精。

2. But in fact, they bought animals worth $400 or $500 and kept the rest of the money.

in fact 实际上
例句：They were in fact casual.
事实上，他们确实不修边幅。

3. An FAO spokesman says his agency was not involved in animal traction projects in the area.

involve in 使参与[陷入，牵扯到]
例句：Head teacher is more involve in administration than in teaching.
校长的行政工作比教学工作多。