Determinants of Livelihood Strategies Among Rubber Smallholders: Case Study in Kedah Malaysia

Abstract

This study analyzes the determinants of alternative strategies undertaken by rubber smallholders in the state of Kedah. This study used primary data obtained through a survey of 343 smallholders using structured questionnaires in four districts. The information collected covers the demographic profiles and components of livelihood assets. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Chi-Square descriptive tests while inferential statistics were analyzed using Multinomial logit to identify determinants of strategy selection. The results showed that a majority of 44.9 percent of rubber smallholders opted for rubber and other agricultural activities while only 9.6 percent choose to use a combination of rubber and non-agricultural activities as their alternative strategies. The size of family dependence, duration of experience in agriculture, household income, technology, land size, assistance sources, gender, information sources, involvement in social associations and societies and money savings are all factors that contribute to the selection of smallholder alternative strategies. It is hoped that the government can focus on smallholder awareness measures in an effort to increase their involvement in alternative activities. Agricultural and non-agricultural activities are seen to improve the adaptive capacity of smallholders and thus increase their income.