LIVELIHOOD DIVERSIFICATION AND INCOME INEQUALITY OF HOUSEHOLDS IN MINNA NIGER STATE

Abstract

The study examined the effect of livelihood diversification and income inequality of households in Minna, Niger state. Multistage sampling technique was employed with 120 questionnaires administered. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficients and Simpson’s Index of Diversity. The result of the research indicated that the respondents were into both off-farm and on-farm activities. In addition, trading, livestock and crop farming were the major livelihood activities of the respondents. Result of Gini coefficient indicated that livelihood diversification had a negative impact on inequality (0.795) but Simpson’s index of diversity (SID) showed a high level of diversity in the area (0.76). This implies that, diversification has an effect on household income. The need for the respondents to get involved in both agricultural and non-agricultural activities in order to earn more income and diversify income sources was recommended.