The article explores how rural households in Africa and Asia rely on both farming and non-farm activities for income. Non-farm income is more important in areas closer to cities, but it doesn't seem to help improve farming practices or soil health. Factors like location, education, and gender influence participation in non-farm work. Despite the income from non-farm activities, households don't invest it back into agriculture, which limits its potential to address soil nutrient depletion in Africa.