Livelihood Diversification Strategies among Rural Women in Selected Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Most poor rural households base their livelihood strategies on multiple activities to manage risky and stressful events, to achieve a sustainable stream of income over time, and to improve their wellbeing. It is on these bases, the study examined the livelihood diversification strategies among rural women in selected Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using multistage random sampling techniques. Interview schedule was used to elicit relevant information in line with the objectives of the study from one hundred and forty-four (144) respondents. Descriptive statistics and bar charts were used for data analysis and presentation. The results indicate that majority of the respondents were married (63.9%) with a mean household size of nine (9) people and only about half (51.40%) were having up to secondary school education. Findings from the study revealed that majority (90.3% and 89.6%) of the respondent’s reason for engaging in livelihood diversification is to improve their standard of living, to improve food security and to earn more income. The results also revealed that majority of the respondents were engaged in farm work in agriculture (75.7%) and off-farm self-employment (42.4%). Livestock farming (63.20%) was the highest diversification strategy employed by respondents in the study area. Other alternative diversification strategies include grinding mills (49.30%) and Small scale business enterprise and trading (40.30%). Lack of support for new income generating activities/opportunities (91.7%) and unavailability of credit (77.8%) were the major constraints that inhibited the livelihood diversification strategies of the respondents. The study recommends that a functional micro credit delivery system that will enable rural women to access loans in a simple and non-stressful way should be introduced in the study area to boost their financial capacity. This will play a significant role in increasing their income and enhancing their livelihood diversification activities. In addition, rural women should be trained on new and feasible business enterprises to open up opportunities for more livelihood diversification activities.