Journal of Sustainable Development; Vol. 12, No. 4; 2019 ISSN 1913-9063 E-ISSN 1913-9071 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 86 Drivers of Livelihoods Diversification in Rungwe District Atupakisye S. Kalinga 1 , Richard Y. M. Kangalawe 2 & James G. Lyimo 2 1 The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2 University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Correspondence: Atupakisye S. Kalinga, The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, P.o. BOX 9193, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tel: 255-7-8437-0266. E-mail:atusamka@yahoo.com Received: May 1, 2019 Accepted: June 22, 2019 Online Published: July 30, 2019 doi:10.5539/jsd.v12n4p86 URL: https://doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v12n4p86 Abstract This paper examined the factors influencing livelihoods diversification in Rungwe district. Specifically, the study assessed the livelihoods activities in the study area and determined the drivers of livelihoods diversification. The study was carried out in six villages of Rungwe District, Mbeya Region in which about 253 households were interviewed for the study. Data was collected through documentary review, household interviews, focused group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), transect walks and field observation. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 20 and Excel spreadsheet. While chi-square test was conducted to determine the associations between influencing factors and livelihoods activities, content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The study results showed that there were various livelihoods activities in the study villages such as cash crop production, livestock keeping, trade and wage labour. Livelihoods diversification was influenced by factors like markets, climate, population, land shortages, institutions, policies, and livelihoods assets. However, agriculture has remained the main occupation of households in Rungwe District. Moreover, market appeared to be a strong factor in influencing livelihoods diversification in the area than any other factors. On that basis, this paper recommends that livelihoods activities which were environmentally friendly should be encouraged. Additionally, markets and transport services should be improved to provide equal opportunities for diversification among rural populations. Keywords: crop diversification, livelihood, livelihoods diversification 1. Introduction Livelihoods diversification has emerged as a key strategy for poverty alleviation among rural households in various parts of the world (Assan, 2014; Ellis, 2000). For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there has been about 30-50 percent of households who have relied on non-farm income sources and may reach 80–90 percent of households in Southern Africa (Bryceson, 2000). In South Asia, about 60 percent of rural households’ income comes from non-farm sources (Ellis, 2000).Various factors have compelled farmers to have a portfolio of activities instead of depending on only one type of livelihoods activity. This is due to the recognition that livelihoods diversification is necessary for improvement of food supply and household income (Mwakaje, 2008). While various scholars have attempted to provide a wide literature on the role of livelihoods diversification on peoples wellbeing (Bryceson, 2004; Ellis, 2000; Ellis and Allison, 2004; Urrasa, 2010), yet there is a limited understanding on the reasons for adoption of multiple livelihoods activities. This calls for the need to understand the factors that influence livelihoods diversification in Rungwe district. This paper analyses the livelihoods activities and the factors that promote livelihoods diversification in Rungwe District. It studies the livelihoods activities and the factors that influence diversification of livelihoods in the district. Therefore, this paper responds to the following questions; in what ways does livelihoods diversification has occurred in Rungwe district; what factors have influenced livelihoods diversification in the study villages. The paper is expected to contribute to the body of knowledge on livelihoods diversification and on factors influencing livelihoods diversification and recommends on the appropriate strategies for policy options towards enhancing the attainment of sustainable livelihoods. The rest of the paper is organized into the following sections. In the second section, the paper presents the literature review whereas the third section describes the methodology used for the study. While the fourth presents the results and discussions, the last part provides an analysis of the major findings for the paper alongside with the conclusions and recommendations in response to challenges identified