The role of non-farm activities in sustaining rural livelihood: The Case of Enderta wereda

Abstract

The research was conducted with the objective of examining and studying the role of non-farm activities in sustaining the livelihood of respondents in Enderta Woreda .In order to achieve this objective a primary data was collected from 190(one hundred ninety) systematically selected households using structured and unstructured questionnaires. Moreover; key informants and focus group discussion had been also used to obtain detailed information .For the data analysis purpose; descriptive statistics including mean, frequency and percentages were used to describe the livelihood resources/assets of Enderta woreda, non-farm rural diversification. It was identified and analyzed the key constraints and opportunities as well as the contribution of nonfarm activities existing in the study area. Generally, the study showed that rural households in the study Tabias have diversified incomes engaged in diversified activities importantly nonfarm livelihood diversification‟s a result the livelihood of the rural household have been changed. They have also Lack of access to sufficient fixed and working capital which is a major constraint to undertake high-return non-farm activities. Here, the skill and knowledge are the key inhibitors of diversification, infrastructure and market imperfection due to brokers that are found to constrain diversification. Finally, farm households should be aware to nonfarm diversification; further more efforts should be made to improve skill and knowledge of farmers through provision of training. Furthermore, it should be work intensely in access to credit service and increase the amount of money saved. Key words: Sustainable rural livelihoods, livelihood asset, livelihood strategy, nonfarm