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“Not All Income is Equal”: Rural Livelihood Diversification and Diet Quality in South–Western Kenya

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  • Davis Muthini

    (AGRA| Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems)

  • Jonathan Nzuma

    (University of Nairobi)

  • Beatrice Daniel

    (World Bank Group, Poverty and Equity Global Practice)

Abstract

In the rural areas of developing countries, where agriculture is central to livelihoods and undernourishment is prevalent, population pressure is driving a shift towards off-farm livelihood diversification. Despite this observed trend, empirical research on the effect of these changes on diets remains scarce. Using panel data from 763 households in Southwestern Kenya, we analyze the linkages between livelihood sources, income, and dietary diversity. Our findings reveal that certain sources, such as crop and livestock production, and self-employment, are significantly associated with improved diet diversity, while others exhibit inverse relationships. Unlike previous studies that often advocate for these livelihood sources in isolation, our analysis underscores the complementary roles of both on-farm and off-farm income sources, albeit with varying effects. These results underscore the need for initiatives that simultaneously boost agricultural production while promoting off-farm self-employment to enhance the dietary quality of rural Kenyan households.

Suggested Citation

  • Davis Muthini & Jonathan Nzuma & Beatrice Daniel, 2025. "“Not All Income is Equal”: Rural Livelihood Diversification and Diet Quality in South–Western Kenya," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 37(3), pages 548-568, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:37:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1057_s41287-025-00688-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-025-00688-7
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