000			01237pab a2200157 454500
008			180718b1998 xxu||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
100			_aEllis, Frank
245			_aHousehold strategies and rural livelihood diversification
260			_c1998
300			_ap.1-38
362			_aOct
520			_aThis article reviews the recent literature on diversification as a livelihood strategy of rural households in developing countries, with particular reference to sub-Saharan Africa. Livelihood diversification is defined as the process by which rural families construct a diverse portfolio of activities and social support capabilities in order to survive and to improve their standards of living. The determinants and effects of diversification in the areas of poverty, income distribution, farm output and gender are examined. Some policy inferences are summarised. The conclusion is reached that removal of constraints to, and expansion of opportunities for, diversification are desirable policy objectives because they give individuals and households more capabilities to improve livelihood security and to raise living standards. - Reproduced
650			_aRural sociology
773			_aJournal of Development Studies
909			_a41590
999			_c41590 _d41590