Outcomes of Livelihood Diversification among Agro-Pastoral Households in Laikipia County, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Irungu, Martin Waithaka
Kabaria- Muriithi, Joan
Njue, Jane Rose
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
jpid
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose aimed to investigate livelihood diversification strategies and livelihood
outcomes among agro-pastoral households in Laikipia North Sub-county, Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted a cross sectional survey design where a sample of the
population was selected, and from these individuals, data was collected to help answer the
research questions. A total of 422 households were systematically sampled. Data were collected
using two instruments; household interview guides and key informant interview guide. Data
analysis was done using SPSS (version 20) computer software program. Frequency tables, pie
charts and bar graphs are used to present the findings of the study. Descriptive statistics were
presented using maximum, minimum, mean, percentage, and standard deviations. Significance
correlation between descriptive variables was tested using Chi square test and Spearman
correlation coefficient at 0.05 level of significance.
Results: The findings of the study revealed that there was a response rate of 90.3% with more
than half of the respondents being household heads. The average number of years the
respondents had lived in the area was 43. The researcher sought livelihood strategies pursued in
the past, presently and enumerated the reasons for disparity where it existed. Climate change was
cited as a major cause of disparity at 40.7% followed by increased levels of education, changing
land use and need to increase income and availability of market in that order. Assets (physical,
financial and social) were found to have a significant influence on livelihoods outcomes.
Challenges the respondents faced however was found to have no significant influence on the
livelihood outcomes (χ=1.017, df =1, p=0.313). Finally, there was significant relationship
between the adopted livelihood strategies and livelihood outcomes (χ2
=14.730, df =1, p=0.000,
r=-0.197).
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The government should strengthen
Cooperative Development and Trade and Industry to the ward level. Such efforts will enhance
the formation and effective running of cooperative societies as well as equip local community
members with skills of running profitable businesses.
Description
Article
Keywords
Livelihood Diversification Strategies, Livelihood Outcomes Agro-Pastoral Households
Citation
irungu, M. ., Muriithi, J. ., & Njue, J. (2021). OUTCOMES OF LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION AMONG AGRO-PASTORAL HOUSEHOLDS IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY, KENYA. Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development, 6(1), 1 – 17. https://doi.org/10.47604/jpid.1422