Livelihood diversification in rural Uganda: impact of Africare's development activities on the livelihoods of Nyabyumba community.

Rahman M. H., Firdissa T., Bwalya B., Lund T. and Ghulam R. 2007. Livelihood Diversification in Rural Unganda: Impact of Africare’s Development Activities on the Livelihoods of Nyabyumba Community. Int. J. Sustain. Crop Prod. 2(6):36-43 The study was carried out to determine the livelihood strategies of Nyabyumba community and investigate the impact of Africare’s development activities on the livelihoods of the community between mid-August and mid-September 2007. Data were collected using a household survey questionnaire which was administered to 15 purposefully selected households (sample size was small because of the very remote area and total member of the group was 20) in Nyabyumba community-Kabale district, and using key informant interview with the chairperson of the community. The findings showed that crop production was the major income source for all the samples though there were large differences among the households in the types and quantities of crops grown. Surprisingly, few livestock ownerships were reported. According to the key informants, those households who did not own livestock were considered as poor, and the poor people in the area did not take part in community activities. Thus, the participation of the ‘real’ poor in Africare’s activities was found to be very small in Nyabyumba community. Informal discussions with some Nyabyumba residents revealed that some households were reluctant to join in Africare’s activities because of the pre-conditions which require land ownership. All the participants in Africare’s development activities were very enthusiastic about their continued participation. They alluded that they have been benefited from Africare projects, and they acquired new knowledge and skills which they will always have with or without Africare.