Rural Non-farm livelihood diversification among farming households in Saharti Samre Woreda, Southeastern Tigray
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Non-farm livelihood diversification is a multi-dimensional concept which encompasses
engagement on various activities other than agriculture. This research is aimed at assessing
rural non-farm livelihood diversification among farming households in Saharti Samre Woreda,
South Eastern Tigray in general. Exploring the determinants of non-farm livelihood
diversification across two agro-ecologically distinct rural settings (weynadega and qola), types,
gender dimensions and outcomes of rural non-farm livelihood diversification, constraints of nonfarm
livelihood diversification and the role of government on non-farm livelihood diversification
in particular are the detailed objectives of this study. Cross-sectional survey was used as a
survey design due to the nature of the study. Purposive sampling for sampled Tabias and simple
random sampling for sampled farming households were used. Household survey, in-depth and
key informant interviews and focus group discussions were used as data collection methods so
as to generate firsthand information. Although farming households predominantly pursue
agriculture as their major livelihood strategy, they also pursue non-farm livelihood
activities due to various reasons. Factors regarded as push rather than pull play significant
role in influencing households to diversify their livelihoods to the non-farm sector. Household
size and farm land holding size was among the determinants of diversification. Seasonality of
agriculture was also found significant determinant of non-farm livelihood diversification. Besides,
the increasing price of agricultural inputs was also found as a driving force for diversification.
Income earned from non-farm livelihood activities help households to reduce different
vulnerability contexts, improve use of agricultural inputs, and asset building. Wage labour, sale
of cooked food and local drinks, handicrafts, trade and quarrying and traditional mining are nonfarm
livelihoods that farming households mostly engaged in the study area. The role of
government on the development of rural- non-farm livelihoods is very weak
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Keywords
Rural Non-farm livelihood Diversification ; Farming