DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2015.v02i07.017

Pages: 773-778

The study examined factors affecting livelihood diversification among rural dwellers in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data obtained through the use of questionnaire administered to 160 respondents were used for the study. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Result of the study revealed that 76.25% of the respondents were below 41 years of age, 58.75% were male, 40.00 % completed primary school and 57.50 % were married and have household size of between 1–5 persons respectively. About 39.23%were farmers while 6.15% were weavers and 58.75% earned above N15, 000 as income per month. Result of the livelihood abilities of the respondents revealed that 42.50% worked between1-5 hours/day, 58.75% had indigenous training on their livelihood activities and 48.75 % have active family support of between 1-3persons. Regression result revealed that, the coefficient forage, income, extension visit and household size were positive and significant at 1% level. Inadequate access to cultivable land, limited inclusion in political decision making and limited access to financial institutions were the major constraints faced by the respondents.