Analysis of Poverty Status among Sesame Producers in Some Selected Local Government Areas of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed the poverty status among sesame producers in some selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State, Nigeria. Poverty status among farming households in Katsina State is high despite being a state suitable for sesame production. Sesame is a high value. Primary data were collected from 90 selected sesame producers using a multistage sampling technique across the LGAs of Katsina State prominent in sesame production and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty model were used for data analysis. The results on the socioeconomic characteristics of producers revealed a mean age of 43 years, an average household size of 8 persons and a mean year of experience in sesame production of 7 years. The average farm size was 2.42 ha with an average annual income of ₦272,596.16. The result of the analysis of the sesame producer’s poverty status revealed a high poverty incidence of 86.67%. It was concluded that poverty incidence was very high among sesame producers in Katsina State. The study recommends that there should be more investment in the sesame production enterprise by the sesame farmers to increase output and profit and consequently improve their poverty status. Effective extension services should be put in place to educate sesame farmers to improve production techniques and management practices for increased output.