Publication Details

Dynamics and determinants of chronic poverty in western Kenya

Starting point, location and diversification

Brent Swallow
Leah Onyango
Wijaya Dassanayake
2010

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study of the dynamics and determinants of chronic poverty in 14 villages in the Nyando basin of Western Kenya. Data were generated from interviews with village representative groups and analyzed using ordered logistical regression. Casual labour was consistently associated with declines into poverty, while formal sector employment was consistently associated with movements out of poverty. Other livelihood strategies had different effects at different times. For example, households that produced plantation crops (tea and coffee) at the beginning of the 10-year period were more likely to move out of poverty, while those that produced plantation crops at the end of the 10-year period were more likely to have moved into poverty. Households practicing more diverse livelihood strategies were more likely to move out of poverty. Location was a highly significant determinant of poverty dynamics for households that were poor at the beginning of the period, but not significant for households that started non-poor or prosperous.

Publication Type(s)

Conference Paper

Ten Years of War Against Poverty Conference Papers

Conference: Ten Years of War Against Poverty

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