Livelihood Diversification And Economic Empowerment As Pathways To Sustainable Rural Development Among Women In Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rural women play a central role in livelihood systems in southeastern Nigeria, yet their contributions to economic development remain underexplored in integrated studies that combine agriculture and craft-based enterprises. This study addresses this gap by examining how livelihood diversification enhances women’s economic empowerment and supports sustainable rural development in the Amankalu community in Oshiri within the Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Grounded in the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework and gender empowerment theories, the study examines the intricate relationships between various income-generating activities, access to resources, and community resilience. Employing both primary and secondary sources, a qualitative methodology was implemented, engaging 10 women community leaders and local stakeholders through key informant interviews, while 12 participants contributed through focus group discussions. Photographic documentation captured rural women's involvement in agriculture and crafts. Findings revealed that women actively participated in diverse agricultural activities, including the cultivation of cassava, yams, and rice, as well as livestock rearing such as pigs, poultry, and goats. In addition, raffia-processed craft-based enterprises, particularly basket, mat, and broom weaving, serve as complementary income sources, often linked to local market systems. Despite these contributions, women face persistent challenges such as limited access to finance, land, and modern production technologies. This study concludes that livelihood diversification significantly enhances income stability and economic agency for rural women. To fortify women’s productive capacities and ensure sustainable livelihoods, it recommends targeted policy interventions such as improved access to microcredit, capacity-building initiatives, enhanced market linkages, and gender-responsive rural development strategies.