Abstract:
Land is central livelihood asset with the power to shape the livelihood strategies of rural poor.
An understanding of dynamics of livelihood strategies induced by land and associated resources
is vital to ensure the sustainability of rural livelihood. The main objective of this study was to
investigate the dynamics of livelihoods strategies of farm households in response to land using
cross-sectional survey addressing both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Techniques such as
household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interview and observations using
different tools were used to generate data. The results of the study showed that the land
ownership of most farm households in the study area was emanated from traditional land
ownership system and there exist very high disparity among households. Formalizing land
ownership and use is also found to be unfinished business of the study area. Land and associated
problems as pushing factors and market, support from government system, availability
infrastructure and existing potentials of area as attracting factors have conditioned and shaped
the livelihood activities and strategies of farm households. The dynamics of livelihood activities
and strategies are demonstrated by the change in terms of farm enterprises and management; and
changes in different activities by shifting between agricultural and non agricultural activities.
Recommendations from the findings of the study include activity diversification and capacity
building to development practitioners.
