Livelihood Adaptation Strategies and Poverty Reduction in District Batikot- Nangarhar, Afghanistan

Abstract

This study aims to examine household livelihood strategies in Batikot District, Nangarhar, and assess the factors influencing strategy choice and associated poverty levels. Livelihood diversification is crucial for poverty reduction in developing countries like Afghanistan. Limited on-farm opportunities have pushed households toward mixed strategies. Understanding these patterns supports evidence-based policy. Quantitative design was applied with primary data from 100 households in Charday and Farm villages. Four livelihood strategy groups were identified. A multinomial logistic regression model assessed determinants of strategy choice. Poverty levels were measured using the US$3 per capita per day threshold. Younger and educated household heads, earners, market access, remittances, and organizational affiliation increased diversification beyond on-farm only. Seventy-one percent of households adopted off-farm or non-farm activities. Poverty incidence was highest among pure on-farm households (78%) and lowest among diversified households (15%). Diversification by improving education, market access, and rural infrastructure could possibly  reduce poverty in study area.