Livelihood security in Western Rwanda in light of land scarcity

project summary

<p><strong>Abstract</strong><br /> This master’s thesis investigates rural households’ livelihood security, in Rwanda, in light of national land scarcity. It uses a case study approach. In so doing, both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used. Empirical data has been collected, in the rural highlands of west Rwanda. The theoretical framework focuses on livelihoods sustainability and security. The complexity of livelihood security analysis required an interdisciplinary study. Furthermore it required studying local, as well as, regional factors. This research touches upon the socio-economic aspects of households’ livelihoods. The research operates with an approach that analyses rural livelihoods, in the highlands of West Rwanda, within the theoretical framework of livelihood sustainability and security. From the case study it is found, that sustainability is derived from diversified livelihood strategies.</p>