Diversification of rural livelihoods through the methodist entrepreneurship development programme in the ashanti region of Ghana a necessity or choice

Rural livelihood which is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa where most people live their entire lives has over the years proved to be stressful for many rural folks as they battle for their daily survival. Rural homes regulate their undertakings either to feat novel prospects produced via the liberalization of market or manage livelihood risks. Such changes are identified to possess significant effect on income, welfare and income distribution across rural households. This study sought to ascertain as to whether rural livelihood diversification was a means of choice or necessity for some rural households in Offinso North and Ahafo Ano South Districts in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The descriptive qualitative research design was employed for the study. In all, 58 beneficiaries in both Districts were selected for the study. Respondents were selected using the convenience sampling method. It was unveiled that majority of the beneficiaries which is 81% were already engaged in one business or the other but were seeking for alternative skills to enhance their livelihoods. Also all 58 valid responses gave representing 100 % declared it was a necessity to acquire skills through the MEDP to diversify their livelihoods and was in no wise a mere choice.