Quantitative Determination of Poverty Level among Fadama Maize Farmers in Niger State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study examined the Fadama maize farmers in the rural areas of Niger State, their livelihood, per capita household income and factors influencing per capita household income (PCHI). Both primary and secondary data were used in this study, but mainly the former. 140 respondents were randomly selected from the state, though only 132 respondents returned and provided adequate information needed to achieve the stated objectives. Data were collected using a well – structured questionnaires accompanied with interview schedule. Data analysis was carried out using means, percentages, frequency distributions, mean per capita household income and regression analysis. The respondents (most) had income levels ranging between N 1,000 – 9,999. This indicated that majority of them were low income earners. More so, the per annum and monthly mean per capita household income was low (N4,287.64 and N 142.92 respectively), as compared to the World Bank recommendation of USD1.00 a day, indicating a high poverty level. Therefore, government and nongovernmental organizations as well as policy and programme managers for poverty alleviation in the state should encourage the fadama maize farmers to fully and efficiently utilize the services provided by the agencies such as the state Fadama Development Programme, including the provision of farm inputs, loans/microcredit in the production of food (maize). The implementation of these suggestions would go a long way in restrategizing of Nigeria’s agriculture and ensure sustainable food security, poverty alleviation and improved standard of living of the people of the study area.