The Role of Non- and off-Farm Activities in Rural Household Livelihoods: The Case of Gubalfto Woreda, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region
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Date
2008-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study tries to explore the characteristic of non-and off-farm activities and their role in rural
household livelihoods in Gubalaflo Woreda of Amhara Regional State. The challenges of
undertaking non-and ofJ-farm activities of the study Woreda and local government institutional
support to non-and ofJ-farm activities are also explored.
The study used household survey, focus group discussions, key-informant in- depth interviews,
andjield observation to generate primary data.
Descriptive statistical analysis was utilized to present results and discussions. The study jinds
that orientation toward non-and off-farm activities in the study area is a result of historical
factors, transforming structures and pressures arising from declining agricultural production
and productivity. Findings indicate that households were forced to undertake additional
activities in order to compensate failures in agricultural income and in order to maintain their
social and economic viability. Non-and off- farm activities of the study area are survival oriented
seasonal supplementary activities, but their contribution to household livelihood security is of
great value in economic and social terms.
The implication of the study is that stimulating the non-farm sector requires interventions
ranging from well organized, planned and demand driven institutional support at local and
regional level through developing existing niches to expanding large and medium scale
irrigation at local level.
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Keywords
Rural Household Livelihoods: