THE DYNAMICS OF AGRICULTURAL BASED LIVELIHOODS STRATEGIES IN RESPONSE TO LAND: THE CASE OF QUARA DISTRICT IN NORTH-WESTERN ETHIOPIA

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.