ASSESSMENT OF LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGIES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN IREPODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE

The combinations of activities undertaken by people in order to earn income reduce vulnerability and increase their overall wellbeing within the subsisting social, economic, political and environmental influences define their livelihood strategies. The research work was carried out on assessment of livelihood diversification strategies among rural women in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. Specifically, this study described the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents; identified the livelihood diversification strategies employed by rural women in the study area; assessed the level of engagement in the various available livelihood strategies in the study area; source of information available to the rural women; examine the reasons for livelihood diversification in the study area and investigated the severity of constraints encountered in diversification of livelihood in the study area. Multistage sampling techniques was used to select a total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents; data were collected through the use of a well -structured interview schedule. Data collected were analysed through the use of descriptive statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages and mean while the inferential statistical tools used to analysed the stated hypothesis were Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Chi-sqaure The result revealed that respondents in the study area are matured and still in their productive years, with majority being married and literate with low educational background. The results affirmed that various source of livelihood is available in the study area with them having a vast experience in their primary occupation. The respondents have contact with extension agents and this has influenced their engagement in various livelihood diversification strategies that ranges from agricultural enterprise, trading, transportation business amongst other economic activities. The respondents have access to various sources of information and ensuring food security, reduction in poverty level, generation of sufficient income and low income from primary occupation were indicated as major reasons the rural women engage in diversification of livelihood strategies. Meanwhile, high cost of business premises, price of commodity and lack of awareness/training were ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd as very severe constraints that inhibits diversification of livelihood strategies in the study area. Significant relationship exists between selected socio-economic characteristics (age, years spent in school, household size, years of experience in primary occupation, farm size, years of farming experience and monthly income) and level of use of livelihood diversification strategies in the study area. The study concluded that there are various sources of livelihood sources in the study area and the respondents diversify into the various available livelihood strategies in the study area. It was established that agricultural enterprise is not the only source of livelihood in the study area. Respondents diversified into various livelihood sources so as to increase their income and enhance their household livelihood status. The study recommended that stakeholders Stakeholders in rural development agency should engage in organizing trainings, workshops and seminars that will enhance rural habitants’ knowledge on various source of livelihood.