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Diversification of Livelihoods in Urban Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

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  • Stellah Mong’ina Masese

    (Kenyatta University, Kenya)

Abstract

Sustainability of Communities in informal settlements who live in vulnerabilities can be addressed by tapping into the asset bases they have. This in turnis helpful when there is diversification of their livelihoods activities. Diversification of livelihoods is often influenced by many factors, which include but not limited to, seasonality, finance and credit markets, labour market, risk strategies, coping behaviour/adaptation and asset strategies. This paper discusses the influence of financial assets on the diversification of livelihoods in the informal settlements of Nairobi.It is based on a study carried out in Mukuru slums in Nairobi City County which used a cross-sectional study design and was based on a sample of 397 heads of households. It was found out that; men were the majority among the sampled respondents, in which self-employment was the main source of income for the households. As part of securing the livelihoods, challenges were faced while trying to meet the basic needs of monetary income. To address these challenges they relied on different credit sources such as from friends, family and groups. Through these sources they are able to secure their basic needs and also engage in other varied livelihood activities. In order to diversify the livelihoods of slum households there is need to develop and strengthen the different available credit sources and thereby secure a sustainable livelihood for the dwellers of informal settlements.

Suggested Citation

  • Stellah Mong’ina Masese, 2021. "Diversification of Livelihoods in Urban Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(2), pages 546-553, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:2:p:546-553
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