Household livelihoods in semi-arid regions: Options and constraints.

Abstract

This book looks at what the development community can do, or facilitate, to significantly improve livelihoods in semi-arid systems? The analysis is based on on two case-study sites in the communal lands of southern Zimbabwe - Romwe and Mutangi in Chivi. The main tool was a detailed livelihood questionnaire.

The main conclusions, through statistical analysis of the livelihood data, systems modelling and action research were that: (i) an integrated approach, covering several production activities, is required to make any sizeable impact on income; (ii) building the capacity of organisations can be as important, if not more so, than any focus on a particular production system; (iii) market development is critical to improved cash income; and (iv) macro-economic impacts on local livelihoods outweigh the effects that can be achieved through local development initiatives.

Citation

Campbell, B., Jeffrey, S., Kozanayi, W., Luckert, M., Mutamba, M. and Zindi, C. 2002. Household livelihoods in semi-arid regions: Options and constraints. Bogor, Indonesia: Center for International Forestry Research. 170 pp.

Household livelihoods in semi-arid regions: Options and constraints.

Published 1 January 2002