Assessment of Causes of Farmers Poverty in Nigeria: A Case Study of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

This study assessed the causes of farmers’ poverty in Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were collected with structured questionnaires and used to randomly sampled 125 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics (FGT measures) were used to questionnaires determine the level of poverty among farmers. Results showed that mainly (84%) of respondents lacked pipe borne water, 76% had not accessed loan facilities, 68% lacked accessed to health care, 64% were not visited by extension agents, 52% had poor accessible road network. Also 76% and 80% traveled long distances to hospitals and markets, respectively, 92% used pit and open toilet systems, 84% lived in mud and batcher houses. The results further showed that causes of poverty were farmland fragmentation (36%), illiteracy (24%), poor soil fertility (20%), and lack of finance (16%). Average rural household food and non–food expenditure per month was N54, 488 with mean adult equivalent expenditure per household as N7, 784 and poverty line (N5, 189.33). FGT results indicated high level of incidence of poverty (P₀) 58%, contributing 80% to overall poverty, depth of poverty (P₁) 39.13%, and severity of poverty (P₂) 25.16%. In conclusion, there was high level of poverty experienced in the area. Recommendation made includes appropriate authorities coming to the aids of the rural farmers to provide basic amenities and essential living conditions.