Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Germany
Babatunde, R.O., Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria; Qaim, M., Georg-August-University of Göttingen, Germany
While the determinants of rural income diversification have been analyzed in various developing countries, the results remain somewhat ambiguous. Likewise, many previous studies failed to consider the impacts of diversification. Hence, more research is needed to understand what conditions lead to what outcomes and to identify appropriate policy responses. Here, we analyze the situation in rural Nigeria based on recent survey data. The majority of households is fairly diversified; 50% of total income is from off-farm sources. Strikingly, richer households tend to be more diversified, suggesting that diversification is not only considered a risk management strategy but also a means to increase overall income. Econometric analysis confirms that the marginal income effect is positive. Yet, due to market imperfections, resource- poor households are constrained in diversifying their income sources. Reducing market failures through infrastructure improvements could enhance their situation, while, at the same time, promoting specialization among the relatively better off.