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Livelihood diversification strategies, incomes and soil management strategies: a case study from Kerio Valley, Kenya

Author

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  • Miyuki Iiyama

    (University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa)

  • Patrick Kariuki

    (The International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Patti Kristjanson

    (The International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Simeon Kaitibie

    (The International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Joseph Maitima

    (The International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya)

Abstract

African farmers diversify their livelihood strategies through on-farm and off-farm activities. We cluster households according to similar livelihood diversification strategies and explore the implications for income levels and sustainable soil management practices. Five main livelihood diversification strategies were being pursued. Households with off-farm income, and those pursuing higher return agricultural activities earned more than twice as much as the lowest income groups, which were the least diversified. They also were more likely to implement soil conservation measures. Policies aimed at improving household well-being need to take into account a wide range of household asset endowments and livelihood strategies being pursued. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Miyuki Iiyama & Patrick Kariuki & Patti Kristjanson & Simeon Kaitibie & Joseph Maitima, 2008. "Livelihood diversification strategies, incomes and soil management strategies: a case study from Kerio Valley, Kenya," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(3), pages 380-397.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:20:y:2008:i:3:p:380-397
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1419
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    11. Maria Mwaipopo Fibaek, 2021. "Working Poor? A Study of Rural Workers' Economic Welfare in Kenya," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 41-69, January.
    12. Savath, Vivien & Fletschner, Diana & Peterman, Amber & Santos, Florence, 2014. "Land, assets, and livelihoods: Gendered analysis of evidence from Odisha State in India:," IFPRI discussion papers 1323, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    13. Tiah A-K. Mahama & Keshav L. Maharjan, 2018. "Generalised Ordered Model for Conceptualising and Ascertaining the Determinants of Livelihood Satisfaction in Ghana," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1195-1216, April.
    14. Diiro, Gracious M. & Ker, Alan P. & San, Abdul G., 2015. "The role of gender in fertiliser adoption in Uganda," African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, African Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 10(2), pages 1-14.
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