Factors Influencing Rural Livelihood Diversification: Implications for Poverty Reduction
[1]
Glory E. Edet, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
[2]
Nsikak-Abasi A. Etim, Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
In Nigeria, agriculture is the principal source of food and livelihood for many rural households making it a central component of programs that seek to reduce poverty and attain food security. Since the sector is faced with many challenges, rural households are compelled to develop strategies through diversification to cope with increasing vulnerability associated with agricultural production. A study to investigate the factors influencing rural farmers livelihood diversification was conducted in Abak, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. A total of 150 rural farmers were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique. With the aid of questionnaire, primary data were obtained from the farmers. Data were analyzed using the Tobit regression model. Result of analysis indicated that the most critical factors influencing rural livelihood diversification were household size, farm income, farming experience, membership in farmers association, non-farm income, asset base of household and farmers access to credit. Policies to encourage farmers to access credit and belong to associations were likely to enhance the drive for diversification.
Diversification, Factors, Livelihood, Poverty
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