ANALYSIS OF POVERTY STATUS OF COCOYAM FARMERS IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the poverty status as well as analysed the factors affecting poverty profile of cocoyam farming households in Edo State. Primary data were obtained from 225 cocoyam farmers by multistage random sampling with the aid of well-structured questionnaire and interview schedule. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer Thorbecke index and Tobit regression model. The results of descriptive statistics revealed that 59.1% of cocoyam farmers were female with majority (73.8%) between 41 and 60 years of age who were married (88.0%) with relatively large household members. The mean monthly per capita household expenditure was N16,277.98 (Nigerian Naira). About 72.5% of the farming households fall below the poverty line that is poor while the other 27.5% fall above the poverty line and thus classified as Non-poor. Out of the poor, 30.7% are core poor while 41.8% are moderately poor. The results of the Tobit regression model showed that household size, educational attainment, marital status and Gender were significant variables. All these variables except educational attainment influenced household poverty positively. The study suggests reducing the number of dependent household members and ensuring ready availability and accessibility of basic amenities like water supply and health care facilities to rural households are measures that could curb the likelihood of poverty in the study area.