Validation of socio-economic status indicators for heads of farm families in Delta North agricultural zone, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The specific objectives were to collate a universe of socio-economic status indicators; carry out item analysis to validate socio-economic status indicators; select valid socio-economic status indicators for heads of farm families; and discuss the sociological implication of the valid items. Stratified and simple random sampling designs were used in selecting the towns and villages. Twelve percent of heads of farm families in selected Ibo speaking Local Government Areas of the state comprising Aniocha South (41), Ika South (47) Ndokwa West (55) and Oshimili North (31) were selected to give a sample size of 174 heads of farm families. Structured interview schedules were used in data collection. Data were analysed using point-biserial correlation coefficient and t-test. A universe of 106 items were collated from a preresearch survey. Sixty nine (69) items were found as valid indicators of socio-economic status. The number of relatives trained by the individual, axe, yam barn, motor cycle, motor car, bicycles and water cistern toilet had very important social and economic implications among the people. The indexes are recommended to development agencies for evaluating changes in socio-economic status of heads of farm families particularly after an agricultural development intervention programme. Key words: Indexes, item analysis, valid items, socio-economic status indicators, farm families.