Abstract: In developing countries, poverty continues to pose livelihood challenges among rural populations. One of the subtle impacts of livelihood assets on livelihood choices is their implication on poverty. Most studies regarding poverty overlook implications of livelihood assets on rural livelihood choices. The purpose of this study is to investigate how livelihood assets influence household livelihood choices in Kieni East and West sub counties of 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. Log linear analysis was applied in the determination of influence of livelihood assets on livelihood choices. Based on the analysis, the effect of human, physical, financial, natural and social assets was determined on forest, crop, livestock, and off farm activities. Results show only human and financial assets affects the entire four livelihoods, physical assets three activities and natural and social assets only affected two of the livelihood activities. The asset with the most significant influence was human (education and health) on forest activities [λ=0.470], while local institutions had least influence on forest activities [λ= -0.159]. The results of the study demonstrate that household assets determine livelihood choices, which in the long run affect household wellbeing. The study concludes with some recommendations for policy consideration.
Keywords: Household, livelihood, livelihood assets, livelihood choices, poverty, household wellbeing, arid and semi-arid lands, rural areas, Kenya.
Title: The Influence of Household Assets on Livelihood Choices in Kieni Sub Counties, 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)
Research Publish Journals
