Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the nature and evolution of rural
livelihood diversification in sub-Saharan Africa, and the situation regarding smallholders. It reveals mixed
findings about the causes and consequences of livelihood diversification on rural smallholders adopting this
strategy. A lot of evidence from the literature suggests that it is relatively better-off smallholders with sufficient
assets who achieve successful livelihood diversification, mainly by exploiting opportunities and synergies between
farm and nonfarm activities. Because of asset constraints, increase in incomes and wealth based on livelihood
diversification has not yet benefitted the large majority of smallholders.
livelihood diversification in sub-Saharan Africa, and the situation regarding smallholders. It reveals mixed
findings about the causes and consequences of livelihood diversification on rural smallholders adopting this
strategy. A lot of evidence from the literature suggests that it is relatively better-off smallholders with sufficient
assets who achieve successful livelihood diversification, mainly by exploiting opportunities and synergies between
farm and nonfarm activities. Because of asset constraints, increase in incomes and wealth based on livelihood
diversification has not yet benefitted the large majority of smallholders.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1125-1138 |
| Journal | Journal of Development Studies |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 Aug 13 |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Social and Economic Geography