Munhenga, Daniel2016-08-232016-08-232014http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11837/377Despite the continuing perceived economic centrality of agriculture in Intsika Yethu local municipality, rural households engage and pursue diverse non-farm livelihood activities to cope with diverse challenges and risks such as drought. This study assessed the importance of existing livelihood strategies adopted by the different rural households in Intsika Yethu; the link between households’ ownership and access to different ‘assets’; factors determining households’ ability to adopt certain livelihood strategies in the area. A survey of 120 households in six administrative areas and informal discussions with key informants were used to collect demographic data, data on socio-economic activities and factors determining the choice of livelihood strategies of the households in Intsika Yethu. The research findings indicated that only about 10% of the interviewed households relied solely on on-farm livelihood strategy only. Credit, remittances, market distance, affiliating to cooperatives, education and household size have a potential of influencing households to shift from on-farm livelihood strategy to other livelihood strategies. The government may need to promote programs and awareness on how households can diversify their livelihood strategies as a way of coping with economic constraints in the area.enPoverty -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeRural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeRural development -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeSustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeHousehold surveys -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeIncome distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeEconomic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeDiversification in industry -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeFarm management -- South Africa -- Eastern CapeThesis