Abstract: Poverty continues to present livelihood challenges among rural populations in the developing world. One of the important impacts of socioeconomic profiles of rural households is their implication on poverty reduction strategies. Often studies regarding poverty overlook implications of socioeconomic factors on rural poverty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the socioeconomic features of Kieni East and West sub counties households in Nyeri County. The study adopted cross sectional research design, involving mixed method approaches to collect data. Household survey was the main source of quantitative data collection, while the qualitative aspect of data was collected using semi structured interviews, participant observations, and desk reviews. Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling Technique was used to establish a 400 sample size in 10 sub locations. Data was analyzed using statistical descriptive techniques, and independent T-Test was applied to test statistical significance (p<0.05) at the two sites. Qualitative data was analyzed using grounded theory, discourse and narrative analyses. Results show that the proportion of female household heads and single headed households was 23% and 36% respectively. Illiteracy level for household heads was 11% with an average age of 55 years. Results also indicate that household heads have lived at their present land holding for an average of 28 years. The average family size was established at an average of four members and comprised of an the adult labour force(19-59 years) proportion of 57%. Also the study results show that the main household livelihood choices included cropping (77% of respondents), off-farm (61%), forest (49%), and livestock (40%) activities. The results of the study demonstrate that households in the study have unique socio economic features that contextualise poverty prevalence in the area. The study concludes with some recommendations for policy consideration.
Keywords: Household, livelihood, socioeconomic characteristics, poverty, household wellbeing, semi-arid areas, rural areas, Kenya.
Title: Analysis of Socioeconomic Characteristics That Contextualize Livelihoods in the Semi Arid Area of Kieni, Kenya
Author: Fred K. Wamalwa, Dr. Florence Ondieki – Mwaura, Dr.Frederick O. Ayuke
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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