INCOME DIVERSIFICATION DETERMINANTS AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KONDUGA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

The involvement of most farming households in income diversification activities for sustainable rural livelihood cannot be overemphasised. Diversification is therefore seen as a way to secure income and to increase food security. It is obvious that most rural households in the study area are involved in off-farm activities as a way of supplementing income from agriculture hence diversifying their income sources and improving their income levels. This paper examined the determinants of income diversification in rural farming households in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Both descriptive and multiple regression analysis were employed to achieve the objectives of the research. The result show that age, educational level of household head and ownership of assets influence income diversification while household size, access to loan and marital status did not. Most households were involved in income diversification activities such as petty trading, matting and tailoring. Therefore, from policy perspective, the presence of agricultural development institutions in rural areas that would promote access to credit facilities and ultimately increase income should be considered. To enhance income diversification, it is important to improve rural infrastructure in terms of provision of electricity and improving access to markets.