Chayanov's model of peasant household resource allocation

This paper is a revised and more developed version of a paper published in the Journal of Development Studies in 1978.† In it I consider whether I can identify the key variables governing household resource allocation in Mbere, Eastern Kenya. My starting point is Chayanov's theory of peasant household resource allocation. Following an outline of the main features of his theory, and a summary of certain criticisms, I present a brief description of Mbere, and then consider to what extent the theory can explain the economic behaviour of Mbere households. Finally I suggest the elements of an alternative model which, while based on Chayanov, incorporates additional explanatory variables.