Economic Factors and Sustainability of Rural Women’s Livelihoods in Balambala Sub-County, Garissa County, Kenya

Abstract

Rural women play a key role in ensuring household welfare and supporting local economies, especially in arid and semi-arid zones where livelihood options are limited by scarce economic resources. However, limited access to productive assets, income-generating opportunities, markets, and finance can reduce rural women's ability to sustain their livelihoods. The study focused on the influence of economic factors on the sustainability of rural women's livelihoods in Balambala Sub-County, Garissa County, Kenya. The study used a descriptive research design and a mixed-methods approach. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from 117 rural women selected using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The results showed a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between economic factors and livelihood sustainability among rural women (r = 0.746, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that financial resources, income-generating opportunities, markets, and other economic assets held by women are significant factors in livelihood resilience and the ability to cope with economic and environmental shocks. The study recommends strengthening the economic position of rural women to support livelihood resilience and sustainability in Balambala Sub-County. It calls for greater availability of financial services, savings mechanisms, entrepreneurship development, market linkages, and productive resources, particularly for women in rural and resource-scarce areas. The findings provide an empirical basis for policymakers, financial institutions, development agencies, and other stakeholders interested in designing interventions that enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities for women in northern Kenya.