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The contribution of female non-farm income to poverty reduction

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  • Seebens, Holger

Abstract

There is a widely held view that off-farm income in developing countries tends to reduce poverty, leading to the conclusion that policies should focus on the further diversification of income options of rural households. However, much off-farm employment might be initiated rather as a survival strategy but as a sustainable way to reduce poverty in the long run. Using a rich data set from Tanzania, this study examines the potential income increases generated by off-farm income with a particular focus on off-farm income contributed by women. The findings indicate that women’s contributions to household income through off-farm activities are limited and smaller as compared to those of men. Investigating the possible reasons, fetching water and collecting firewood as well as the number of dependants limit women’s time that can be spent on off-farm activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Seebens, Holger, 2009. "The contribution of female non-farm income to poverty reduction," 2009 Conference, August 16-22, 2009, Beijing, China 51762, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:iaae09:51762
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    File URL: http://purl.umn.edu/51762
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Jensen, Eric R, 1990. "An Econometric Analysis of the Old-Age Security Motive for Childbearing," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 31(4), pages 953-968, November.
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    11. repec:ilo:ilowps:388076 is not listed on IDEAS
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Income diversification; off-farm employment; women; Agricultural and Food Policy; Consumer/Household Economics; Food Security and Poverty; International Development; Labor and Human Capital; D1; D6; J22; J4;

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • D6 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J4 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets

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