Household livelihoods in semi-arid regions: options and constraints

摘要: The overall aim of this study was to explore what the development community can do, or facilitate, significantly improve livelihoods in semi-arid systems.The authors based their analysis on two case-study sites communal lands southern Zimbabwe. main tool a detailed livelihood questionnaire, supplemented by participatory appraisal and observation, action research, biophysical systems modelling. Most households rely cash subsistence income from number sources - dryland crop production, gardening, livestock woodland activities, wage home industries remittances/gifts. Marked wealth differentiation occurs, with local people recognising different groupings largely basis various capital assets. One factor driving is whether household has access remittance income. Elements change be identified numerous aspects assets strategies. suggest that there are some key drivers change, namely: (a) rainfall, (b) macro-economic changes, (c) changing institutional arrangements social processes, (d) demographic processes HIV/AIDS. conclusion very few options for improving regions poverty alleviation targets set international overly ambitious.The analyses rainfall variation state macro-economy likely have greater impact status than rural interventions.