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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
social sciences
Small-scale farming in semi-arid areas: Livelihood dynamics between 1997 and 2010 in Laikipia, Kenya
Journal of Rural Studies, Volume 28, No. 3, Year 2012
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Description
The rural population of semi-arid lands in Kenya face multiple challenges that result from population growth, poor markets, land use and climatic changes. In particular, subsistence oriented farmers face various risks and opportunities in their attempt to secure their livelihoods. This paper presents an analysis on how livelihood assets and strategies of smallholders in Laikipia County, Kenya, have changed within the last decade and discusses the implications for development interventions. The analysis is based on bi-temporal data from 170 semi-structured household interviews in 1997 and a follow-up survey of 30 households conducted in 2010. Well-being indicators were developed and livelihood portfolios compared. The results show a striking persistence in low asset endowment for the majority of smallholders from an aggregated perspective, whereas transitions into and out of better livelihood conditions become evident from a household perspective. The investment in, and accumulation of, conventional buffer or productive assets, such as grain stocks, livestock or land, does not shield households from adverse shocks and stresses as smallholders were shown to easily slip back into poverty. Household portfolios display particular constraints for smallholders in expanding natural resource related activities and a substantial decrease in livestock numbers. While off-farm activities could possibly increase well-being, the prevailing low income levels and high insecurity for the majority who are engaged in off-farm employment, limits the ability to increase livelihood assets in the area. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Ulrich, Anne
Germany, Heidelberg
Universität Heidelberg
Ifejika Speranza, Chinwe I.
Switzerland, Bern
University of Bern
Kenya
Centre for Training and Integrated Research in Arid and Semi-arid Land Development Cetrad
Roden, Paul
Germany, Heidelberg
Universität Heidelberg
Kiteme, Boniface P.
Kenya
Centre for Training and Integrated Research in Arid and Semi-arid Land Development Cetrad
Wièsmann, Urs
Switzerland, Bern
University of Bern
Nüsser, Marcus
Germany, Heidelberg
Universität Heidelberg
Statistics
Citations: 96
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1016/j.jrurstud.2012.02.003
ISSN:
07430167
Research Areas
Environmental
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Cohort Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Kenya