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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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    5. Ojo, T.O. & Ogundeji, A.A. & Belle, J.A., 2021. "Climate change perception and impact of on-farm demonstration on intensity of adoption of adaptation strategies among smallholder farmers in South Africa," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    6. 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).
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    10. Ojo, Temitope & Ogundeji, Abiodun A. & Belle, Johannes A. & Demont, Matty, 2021. "A Three-Stage Approach of Understanding Climate Change Perception and Adaptation Strategies Among Smallholder Farmers in South Africa," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315854, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
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    14. Xiaonan Zhao & Feng Lan, 2023. "The Impact of Livelihood Capital Endowment on Household Poverty Alleviation: The Mediating Effect of Land Transfer," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-17, July.
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    17. Tesfaye, Yemiru & Roos, Anders & Campbell, Bruce M. & Bohlin, Folke, 2011. "Livelihood strategies and the role of forest income in participatory-managed forests of Dodola area in the bale highlands, southern Ethiopia," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 13(4), pages 258-265, April.
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