Determinants of Livelihood Diversification Among Agro-Pastoral Households in Bero and Gorigesha Woredas, West Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of livelihood diversification among agro-pastoral households in Bero and Gorigesha Woredas, West Omo Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Primary data for this study was collected from 371 households, complemented by secondary sources. The analysis was carried out using both descriptive and econometric technique of analysis. Descriptive analysis revealed four main livelihood strategies; on-farm, on-farm + non-farm, on-farm + off-farm, and on-farm + off-farm + non-farm with the majority (36.66%) engaged in on-farm + off-farm activities. Further, the econometric analysis was conducted using a multinomial logit model (MNL), and identified age, education, family size, credit access, input use, saving status, distance from main road, cooperative membership, and risk management practices as significant determinants of livelihood diversification in the study area. Except for family size, which negatively influenced livelihood diversification, all factors positively affected engagement beyond solely on-farm activities. Furthermore, the results indicate that both socioeconomic and institutional factors shape households’ livelihood strategies. Enhancing diversification requires targeted interventions of concerned bodies which include improved access to credit, provision of agricultural inputs, promotion of saving practices, risk management training, and expanded educational opportunities. These measures are essential for strengthening household resilience, income stability, and sustainable development in the study area.