Non-farm Activities and Poverty among Rural Farm Households in Yewa Division of Ogun State

Abstract

This study seeks to empirically identify the impact of non-farm income through non- farm activities in alleviating poverty among rural farm households in Yewa part of Ogun state, Nigeria .The study drew a sample of 100 farm households through a multi-stage sampling technique and the data obtained were analyzed using the simple descriptive statistical measures, the poverty depth analysis and logit regression analysis. Results indicate that age, literacy level and family size affected the level and extent of poverty among rural farm households. The poverty incidence is high (72%) and its severity is more among aged and low educational household heads. Non- farm employment added 28% to the total rural farm households' income share. Income from non- farm wage and self employments are 10.57% and 11.34%, respectively of total rural farm household income. Participation in non-farm activities is significantly determined by household size, age, education and gender. Implications are drawn for rural education, birth control and industrialization with development policies to alleviate poverty and promote rural nonfarm income without shifting attention from agriculture.