Cash, crops and cattle: a study of rural livelihoods in Botswana

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Periodical article

Title:	Cash, crops and cattle: a study of rural livelihoods in Botswana
Author:	Wikan, Gerd
Year:	2004
Periodical:	Botswana Notes and Records (ISSN 0525-5090)
Volume:	36
Pages:	91-105
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs., maps
Geographic terms:	Botswana Southern Africa
Subjects:	rural households livelihoods household income rural economy Agriculture, Agronomy, Forestry Farm life income Agricultural diversification subsistence economy
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/40980364
Abstract:	Uneven development is a serious problem in Botswana, with rural areas and rural households among the most disadvantaged. In this context, the author considers the livelihood strategies of rural households and the reasons why households adopt income diversification or a multi-income strategy. He argues that there are different motives for diversification that depend on household-specific factors as well as national and local factors. The strategy may be associated with success as well as with livelihood distress. Some households struggle for survival, some for security and some for accumulation. For the poorest group of households, diversification is not possible because of a lack of resources. The study is based on data collected in 1980 and 2000 in the villages of Tutume and Letlhakeng. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]