Income Diversification Strategies, Cultural Values and Livelihood Improvement in Cattle Rearing House Holds : A Case of Kiruhura District

Abstract

The study was about the Income Diversification Strategies, Cultural Values and Livelihood Improvement in Cattle Rearing Households of Kiruhura District, Southwestern Uganda. The study objectives were; (1) to examine the effect of mixed farming and livelihood improvement in cattle rearing households (2) to examine the effect of agroforestry and livelihood improvement in cattle rearing households (3) to examine the effect of savings and livelihood improvement in cattle rearing households (4) To examine the effect of perceptions and beliefs on livelihood improvement in cattle rearing households in Kiruhura district.The study was anchored on the Cultural Belief Systems theory of Oscar Lewis 1(958). The study adopted a cross-sectional design where quantitative and qualitative research methods were utilized. The study involved 100 respondents across the two sub-counties of Kikatsi and Kitura in Kiruhura district. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Qualitative data were collected using a Likert scale questionnaire, and the data were analysed using SPSS. While qualitative data was collected using interview guides and was analysed thematically. The study found that there was a strong positive correlation between mixed farming and livelihood improvement. It also found that there is no significant relationship between agroforestry practices and livelihood improvement in the cattle households. Moreover, there was a significant and positive association between savings and livelihood improvement among cattle-rearing households. It was also found that enhancing positive perceptions and beliefs among cattle-rearing households is associated with significant improvements in their livelihoods. The study concluded that engaging in multiple income-generating activities enhances improvement in livelihood standards among the cattle-rearing households. The study recommended strengthening local market systems by improving road infrastructure and establishing fair trading practices.