Abstract:
This paper on livelihood diversification is based on an ongoing study under VicRes programme being
undertaken in the Lake Victoria Basin, in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. We examine how changing
socio-economic and environmental conditions contribute to livelihood diversification, land-use
changes, poverty reduction strategies and environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin. The
study was undertaken using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative methods
included focused group discussions, key informant interviews and direct observations. Quantitative
data were collected using a structured household questionnaire. Qualitative were analysed with the
villagers by triangulation, while quantitative data were analysed using standard statistical methods.
Findings from the study indicate that while agricultural production is prominent in the highland areas,
the major activity in the lowland villages is fishing. Factors such as population increase, drought, and
changes in macro and micro socio-economic conditions have resulted into livelihood diversification
and land use changes in the Lake Victoria basin. Some of the livelihood activities influence the socioeconomic
dynamics, natural resource management, and the environment, leading to increased land
degradation, low agricultural productivity, water pollution, food insecurity and poverty. The study also
established decreasing trends in land availability over time attributed mainly to increasing population
pressure and livelihood diversification.
