Intensify or diversify? Agriculture as a pathway from poverty in eastern Kenya, Series Paper Number 40

Rainfed agriculture’s potential as a pathway from poverty was explored through a comparative study of Embu and Kitui districts in eastern Kenya. Using survey data from 680 households, livelihood diversification was measured by developing a typology based on the contribution of different sources to household income and by a Herfindahl Index. Intensification was measured by an aggregate adoption index and indicators reflecting the adoption of individual agricultural technologies. More diversified households had higher incomes. Households specializing in farming in Embu earned enough income from agriculture to stay above the poverty line, but not in Kitui. Agricultural intensification appears a potential pathway from poverty in high-potential rainfed agriculture in Embu, while income diversification seems a more realistic strategy in low-potential areas like Kitui. This highlights the importance of agro-ecology and household livelihood strategies in determining the potential uptake of new technology and the benefits from intensification.