Abstract

This study assessed the livelihood status of rural farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria and identified the determinants of their livelihood status. A three-stage random sampling technique was used to select 160 households with data obtained through an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and Multiple Regression Analysis were used for data analyses. Findings revealed that rural household heads were predominantly male (85.0%), middle-aged with mean age of 51.6 years and an average of 25 years farming experience. A little below average (43.8%) had no formal education while most (60%) were full time farmers. The mean annual income and farm size were ?725,125 and 3.3 acres respectively. The households? mean score in food availability, housing condition, water facilities, health situation, sanitation conditions, participation in social activities and freedom in cash expenditure were 1.98, 1.18, 1.89, 1.88, 1.89, 1.58 and 1.96 respectively, while livelihood mean score was 7.7. Household heads? level of education (? = 0.081, p<0.05), primary occupation (? = 0.281, p<0.01), annual total income (? = 0.001, p<0.05), and frequency of extension contact (? = -0.088, p<0.01) were the determinants of household livelihood status. The study concluded that livelihood status in the study area was poor, with housing conditions having the lowest score. Also livelihood status was significantly influenced by some socioeconomic characteristics of the households. It is recommended that developmental efforts toward improved livelihoods in the study area should place emphasis on rural housing conditions.

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