The role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho

Datos Bibliográficos

ID4252104
AutoresTšepiso A Rantšo (0000-0003-4060-0177, National University of Lesotho, autor de correspondencia)
Año2016
Volumen54
Número2
Páginas317-338
Fecha de publicación2016-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaThe Journal of Modern African Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0022-278X • E-ISSN: 1469-7777
EditorialCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0022278x16000197
OpenAlexW2197209786
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas5
Referencias citadas114

This paper assesses the role of the non-farm sector in rural development in Lesotho. Evidence from studies in developing countries indicates that agriculture was formerly used as the main source of livelihood for many people in poor countries. However, due to the decline in agricultural productivity (which results in poverty and food insecurity) caused by unfavourable agro-climatic conditions, many people are turning to non-farm activities as a means of making a living. Therefore, non-farm incomes are used to provide the means of sustenance for many people. However, little attention has hitherto been paid to improving the rural non-farm sector as an alternative or complementary rural development strategy in Lesotho. This research paper uses quantitative research methods to analyse the available data. The main research findings suggest that many people make a living out of non-farm incomes. As a result, this paper proposes that the rural non-farm sector should be given more priority by the government in rural development in Lesotho

Agriculture · Business · Development economics · Economic growth · Economics · Geography · Government (linguistics) · Livelihood · Political science · Poverty · Productivity · Rural area · Rural development · Rural poverty · Rural sector · Socioeconomics · Sustenance · Agricultural Innovations and Practices · Land Rights and Reforms · Microfinance and Financial Inclusion