Livelihood Structure and Composition of Farming Households in Southeast Nigeria: The Sustainable Livelihood Approach

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the structure and composition of the livelihood of farming households in Southeast Nigeria. Primary data were utilized in the study, and were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire administered to 360 farm households through a multistage random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and composite livelihood index. Results showed that natural assets had the highest index (0.415), while human capital had the least index (0.069). About 52% and 42% of the farmers had experienced communal conflicts and the occurrence of natural disasters, respectively. Further results showed that the average age and household size of the farmers were 56 years and 8, respectively, while their average level of education and farming experience were 8 years and 18 years, respectively. The farmers had an average farm size of 1.4 ha with majority (69%) of them cultivating on communal lands. The average farm income of the farmers was N348,600.00 per annum. The study recommended for policies that will strengthen the human, physical and financial assets of the farmers.