Factors Affecting Income Diversification of Rural Households in Sodo Zuria Distrct, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

In rural areas of developing countries income diversification is influenced by various factors. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify factors affecting income diversification among rural farming households in the Sodo Zuria District,Wolaita zone ,Ethiopia. The study drew a sample of 300 rural farm households through multistage sampling technique from six kebeles of the districts based on agro- ecological category. Data was collected using interview schedule and key informant interviews. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the collected data and the variables. The findings of the study indicate that rural household’s income diversification activities which account about 62% of the households combine agriculture with other activities. Finally, among 15 independent explanatory variables included in logistic regression computation, seven variables such as skill training, education of households, market distance, credit access, extension service, vulnerability to risk/drought, and livestock ownership were very strongly significant. Government and non-governmental organizations and any other concerned stakeholders should emphasis on encouraging agricultural and non- agricultural income diversifying activities. Keywords: Rural household, income diversification, non/off-farming, logistic regression, Wolaita, Ethiopia. DOI: 10.7176/JESD/12-3-03 Publication date: February 28 th 2021