Assessment of the livelihoods of the rural vulnerable group in nigeria

The vulnerable group is susceptible to various economic and social challenges. Understanding their livelihood is a prerequisite to addressing these menaces. Therefore, this study assessed the livelihoods of the vulnerable group and the factors responsible for their diversification in rural southwest Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, the Simpson index, and the Tobit regression model. Results revealed that food crop production, cash crop production, livestock and fishing, forest and forest products, artisanship, remittances, wages and salaries from non-agriculture, and trading were the different means of livelihood among the rural vulnerable group. All the vulnerable groups derived income from farming. Cash crops, food crops, and livestock and fishing contributed 26.1%, 22.7% and 17.9% to household income, respectively. Thus, agriculture contributed the most (66.7%) to their total household income.This is followed by wages and salaries from non-agriculture (12.1%), trading (9.3%), artisanship (8.1%), remittance (2.2%) and forest and forest products (2.0%). The vulnerable group had a low level of livelihood diversification. Educational level, farming experience, total income, access to credit, age, and distance to the market were responsible for their level of livelihood diversification. This calls for government and non-governmental intervention to support the vulnerable group by providing financial assistance (credit or grants), farming inputs, and education to improve their livelihood and enhance their livelihood diversification.