Seeking for Opportunities: Livelihood Strategies in the Challenge of Peripherality

Abstract

One of the main objectives of rural households is economic development, i.e. sustainability and efforts to improve their income situation. The number and type of livelihoods may affect the level of family income. This paper discusses changes in livelihood strategies of rural families living in 5 selected villages located in peripheral areas in Poland. It identifies the most widespread strategies and indicates the most income-efficient ones. According to the findings, due to the enhancement of the overall economic situation after Poland's accession to the European Union, the share of families treating farm income as a vital component of their livelihood strategies has been on the decline, whereas paid employment has been gaining in importance. At the same time, EU direct payments have considerably contributed to an increased proportion of benefits from agricultural land in the livelihood structure. Keywords: income diversification, livelihood strategies, rural areas, Poland