Abstract:
Livelihood diversification is the strategy to reduce vulnerabilities by engaging in
multiple income generating activities. This study analyses the determinants of
diversification of livelihood activities undertaken by Youth Development Fund
beneficiaries in Chalinze District and Dar es Salaam City Councils. The cross-sectional
research design was used with a sample size of 200 beneficiaries. Focus Group
Discussions and Key informant interviews were used to collect the qualitative data
while the semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data.
Descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the quantitative
data while content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings showed
that, business experience, marital status and entrepreneurship skills are the key and
significant determinants of livelihood diversification where male beneficiaries diversified
their livelihood than female. Motorcycle riding business was the highest diversified
activity undertaken by 30% of respondents. The findings suggest that, beneficiaries
their livelihoods had prior experience and entrepreneurship skills. The study recommends
that the government should provide mentorship and coaching to youth and equip
them with entrepreneurship skills in order to diversify income sources The government
should also create or revitalise youth-friendly policies in order to create supportive
environment for livelihood diversification.
