Determinant of Livelihood Diversification among Crop Farmers in Ondo State Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Livelihood diversification is a vital strategy for enhancing rural household income and reducing poverty. This study investigates the determinants of livelihood diversification among crop farmers in Ondo State. Primary data were obtained from the respondents with the aid of structured questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed to obtain information from 287 respondents. The data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics and Multivariate Probit Regression (MPR) was used to identify factors that made the farmers to diversify their livelihood. The findings revealed that the farmers diversified into livestock rearing, diversified into fisheries and aquaculture, agroforestry and non-agricultural venture. It revealed further that older farmers tend not diversify their livelihood activities compare to younger farmers. The higher the educational level of the respondents the more they are likely to diversify; household with high income from crop enables farmers to invest in alternative livelihoods; limited land availability made the farmers to diversify to other activities, Seasonal income from crop farm also influence the farmers to diversify into other activities. Based on the findings of this study, farmers should source for credit through cooperative society or obtain loan from microfinance institutions at low-interest. Land should be made available to youths to encourage them to embark in crop production.