RETHINKING RURAL DEVELOPMENT: DETERMINANTS OF NON-FARM PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA

This study explores the determinants of the probability of rural household involvement in non-farm income-generating activities (NFIGAs) in Northeastern Nigeria. The research is driven by the growing threats to rural livelihoods from climate change, insecurity and poor agricultural yields. This study used a mixed-method approach that combines quantitative data from a survey of 380 rural households with qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions. A structured questionnaire was developed using KoboCollect and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The findings demonstrate that education, age, family size, number of spouses, access to formal credit, road access and market access have a significant effect on NFIGA participation. In particular, credit and education have significant and positive impacts suggesting that financial access and human capital play a significant role in driving livelihoods diversification. On the other hand, religion, marital status and remittances are statistically insignificant. The results confirm the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and Push-Pull Theory, which implies that both push and pull factors are involved in the decision- making to engage in non-farm activities. The research suggests that access to credit, infrastructure development and education and skills training are key determinants of participation in non-farm income-generating activities. It calls for policies that foster inclusive rural development, address gender gaps and incorporate non-farm enterprises into poverty reduction programs. Keywords: Rural households, non-farm income, livelihood diversification, logistic regression, Northeastern Nigeria