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Working Poor? A Study of Rural Workers' Economic Welfare in Kenya

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  • Maria Mwaipopo Fibaek

Abstract

This study employs a mixed methods approach to investigate the poverty reduction potential of large‐scale farm employment in Kenya. A long‐run time series of real agricultural wages is created. The quantitative data are supplemented by life‐story interviews of agricultural workers. The analysis suggests that large‐scale farm employment can serve as a route out of deep poverty. However, to prevent wages from falling below the subsistence level, there is a need for a balanced rural development strategy whereby investments in smallholder agriculture and skills upgrades accompany the expansion of commercial agriculture. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

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  • Maria Mwaipopo Fibaek, 2021. "Working Poor? A Study of Rural Workers' Economic Welfare in Kenya," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(1), pages 41-69, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:33:y:2021:i:1:p:41-69
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3511
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