Effects of income diversification strategies in Rural Kenya: The case of non-farm activities and poverty in Tetu Division, Nyeri District

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of income diversification strategies in rural Kenya. It focuses on the non-farm activities and poverty in Tetu division, Nyeri district. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was obtained through reviewing relevant literature while primary data was collected using quantitative and qualitative approaches. A survey was conducted in the sampled households through interviews using questionnaires. Also, key informants and chronically poor households were interviewed and the observation method was used where appropriate. The findings of the study show that the types of non-farm activities that are carried out in the study area vary with households socio-economic characteristics such as income and education. Also, participation in the activities was found to relate with a households poverty status. The chronically poor households participate in non-farm activities that earn them very low incomes and are inadequate in uplifting them from the poverty status. In line with the findings, the study makes recommendations for promotion of the rural non-farm sector and productive activities. This can be achieved by addressing factors that hinder households' participation in productive activities through interventions such as easing access to credit, and promoting acquisition of skills in entrepreneurship and education beyond the primary level. Rural development efforts should strive to balance attention to both the farm and non-farm sector and foster productive linkages. o The study also recommends development and implementation of strategies that will help the chronically poor households participate in activities that have a potential of uplifting them from the poverty status effectively. Such activities should yield high and stable incomes. Antipoverty programmes should identify the specific needs of the chronically poor and target them.