2004 UC Proceedings Abstract
Better Understanding Livelihood Strategies and Poverty Through Livelihood Assets Mapping Track: Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Affairs Author(s): Patti Kristjanson The results of a spatial analysis of the determinants of poverty through the use of livelihood maps, and methodological lessons learned are presented. In a study spanning 120 sublocations in a semi-arid agro-pastoral District of Kenya, we tested an approach that allows a better understanding of how different livelihood strategies arise from households' access to five types of livelihood, or capital, assets - natural, physical, human, financial and social. These livelihood assets have been mapped with community members using a combination of participatory approaches and existing data and linked to household survey data for further analysis. The results highlight the importance of geographic, or community-level factors (e.g., access to a health facility) versus household-level factors (e.g., level of education) in explaining observed spatial differences in poverty incidence. This research provides useful information to policy makers at various levels and will contribute toward pro-poor investment and development strategies. Patti Kristjanson ILRI Targeting Research Theme PO Box 30709 Nairobi 00100 KE Phone: 254-20-630-743 Fax: 254-20-631-499 E-mail: p.kristjanson@cgiar.org |
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