Abstract
The worsening state of poverty among rural farmers in Nigeria’s Cross River State has attracted great concern from government and its agencies but farmers’ perception of poverty and welfare is little understood. In this study, it was determined whether and how the social variables of income, healthcare and education affect farmers’ perception of poverty and welfare in Boki Local government area. Primary data were derived from one hundred (100) respondents, randomly drawn from the study area using standard questionnaires and analysed using the chi-square technique. There was a significant direct relationship between income level, health care, education and nutrition on one hand and welfare of farmers on the other. Evidence from this field study strongly suggests that poverty alleviation programmes and infrastructural projects should be extended to rural areas for improved welfare and livelihood. However, farmers do not necessarily perceive poverty based only on the variables studied.
Highlights
Agriculture is a very important sector of the Nigeria economy, employing about 70% of the total active labour force and contributing about 42% of gross domestic product (GDP) (Ajibefun, 2007)
There was a significant direct relationship between income level, health care, education and nutrition on one hand and welfare of farmers on the other. Evidence from this field study strongly suggests that poverty alleviation programmes and infrastructural projects should be extended to rural areas for improved welfare and livelihood
The males constituted 70% and the females 30% of the study population; the respondents were dominated by men
Summary
Agriculture is a very important sector of the Nigeria economy, employing about 70% of the total active labour force and contributing about 42% of gross domestic product (GDP) (Ajibefun, 2007). Nigerian farmers have been described as very poor with low income, especially in the rural areas where they face low production (Ijere, 2004). For this reason, they are unable to provide enough funds to expand their production activities. Though not observable, could be said to represent the people’s standard of living. A household’s consumption expenditure on food and education is used as proxy for welfare indicators (Quartey, 2005). Many households in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, cannot afford necessary farm inputs or implements such as fertilizers, pesticides and improved seeds, which
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