Livelihood Diversification and Shifting Social Networks of Exchange: A Social Network Transition?

In the developing world, traditional social networks of exchange and reciprocity are critical components of household security, disaster relief, and social wellbeing especially in rural areas. This research asks the question: How are traditional social networks of exchange related to emerging household strategies to diversify livelihoods? Within this context, this study uses a mixed methods design to examine the character of inter-household exchanges of material goods (THE) and the association between THE and livelihood diversification, in ethnically Maasai communities in northern Tanzania. Findings show that THE are both evolving and declining and are negatively associated with livelihood diversification. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.