| ID | 111606 |
| Title Proper | Seasonality and farm/non-farm interactions in western Kenya |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Djurfeldt, Agnes Andersson |
| Publication | 2012. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This article considers the distributional consequences of seasonality by analysing the links between non-farm incomes, commercialisation within agriculture, and variations in consumption burdens and expenditures at the household level. The common focus in the literature on non-farm incomes as levellers of seasonality and sources of risk minimisation is complemented by perspectives which consider how seasonality affects and is handled by households depending on their broader livelihood situations. To this perspective is also added a consideration of in-kind transfers and transactions. The article uses a mixed methods approach, drawing on data from two villages in Western Kenya. The lack of non-farm sources of income and the variation over time in consumption burdens aggravate the seasonal aspects of the agricultural production cycle for poorer households. By contrast, the interaction between farm and non-farm sources of income enables wealthier households to profit from seasonality in relation to agricultural markets, while providing the basis for meeting both farm and non-farm expenditures. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of Modern African Studies Vol. 50, No.1; Mar 2012: p.1-23 |
| Journal Source | Journal of Modern African Studies Vol. 50, No.1; Mar 2012: p.1-23 |
| Key Words | Western Kenya ; Seasonality ; Commercialisation ; Agriculture ; Agricultural Markets ; Kenya |