Poverty Level In Nigeria Research Articles

Effect of Rural Banditry on Food Security and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

This research investigates how rural banditry hinders sustainable food security and poverty reductions in Nigeria. The Food and Agricultural Organisation, the International Monetary Fund, the National Bureau of Statistics, the United Nations Development Programme, scholarly journals, and field surveys were the sources from which the data were gathered. Three hundred questionnaires were administered to farmers in six states via Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Benue, Oyo and Niger, in addition to a focused group discussion with selected farmers in each of the study areas. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that unemployment, poverty, poor governance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient security measures and lack of effective institutional coordination, create a network of individuals who support or engage in banditry; farmers experienced disruptions in farming activities, psychological distresses and loss of livestock. Among the socio-economic impacts of banditry include: loss of income and economic opportunities, displacement and migration of the rural population, reduced productivity and infrastructural degradation. These led to food shortages, hikes in food prices, malnutrition and increased poverty level in Nigeria. This study emphasizes the urgent need by the federal and state governments to tackle the problems of unemployment and poverty; develop infrastructure; increase security expenditure; and implement targeted rural development policies. These solutions will curb rural banditry, ensure food security and reduce poverty in Nigeria. Keywords: Rural Banditry, food security, poverty reduction, food production, development policies, farmers.

International Trade, Institutional Quality and Poverty Level: A Case Study of Nigeria Economy

The study examined the differential and the interactive effects of disaggregated components of international trade and institutional quality on poverty level in Nigeria. The study employed ARDL Bound Test on the time series data spanning from 1981-2022. The findings of the study revealed mixed results both for the short run and long run. The short run result shows that (EXR) exchange rate has a positive and significant effect on poverty level with p-value of 0.0184; while the long run result shows no significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria. Also, the short run result of institutional quality (INQ) reveals a negative and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria with the p-value of 0.0142; while the long run result shows a positive and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria with the p-value of 0.0640. The short run results of (OM) oil import shows a negative and significant effect on poverty level with p-value of 0.0536; while the long run result shows a positive and significant effects on poverty level at p-value of 0.0808. The results of (NM) non-oil import had no significant effects on the level of poverty both in the short run and long run. The short run result of (NX) non-oil export shows a positive and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria with p-value of 0.0230, while the long run result (NX) non-oil export shows a negative and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria with the p-value of 0.0526. The short run and the long run results of (OX) oil export shows a negative and significant effect on poverty level at p-value of 0.000 and 0.0010 respectively. Furthermore, the results for interactive effects shows that EXR_INQ has a positive and significant effect on poverty at p-value of 0.0196 in the short run, while the long run result displays a negative and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria at the p-value of 0.0609. The short run result of NM_INQ shows an insignificant effect on poverty level in Nigeria, while the long run result of NM_INQ shows a positive and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria at the p-value of 0.0461. The short run result of NX_INQ shows a positive and significant effect on poverty in Nigeria with p-value of 0.0861; while the long run result of NX_INQ shows a negative and significant effect on poverty level with p-value of 0.0507. The short run and long run results of OM_INQ show no significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria. While, the result of OX_INQ shows a negative and significant effect on poverty level in Nigeria at p-value of 0.0562 and 0.0768 both in the short run and long run respectively. In conclusion, the outcome of the study shows that international trade has a significant effect on poverty level both in short run and long run. However, the country (Nigeria) is yet to benefit fully from the expected benefits associated with international trade. Therefore, the study recommends that in order for the country (Nigeria) to benefits fully from international trade, the country needs to strengthen her weak institutional quality to come in as a strong force where necessary to put things right and set the pace for sustainable development that allay poverty.

Poverty Alleviation Programs and Economic Development Evidence from Nigeria

This work observes the influence of poverty alleviation programs on economic development evidence from Nigeria. Despite various poverty alleviation programs implemented by various past and present governments in Nigeria,it seems that this menace is still living with us. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to find out theorigin of poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria, the approaches and strategies that Nigerian government has applied to reduce poverty, the appraisal or outcomes of poverty alleviation programmes and the constraints of the programmes in Nigeria.This study covers the period between 1980– 2015.Analyzing time series dataobtained from secondary sources. The essence of the study is to investigate the significant influenceof various poverty alleviation programmes set up by various governments to reduce poverty level inNigeria. The researcher employed the Ordinary Least Square Technique to measure theincidence of poverty. The analysis was facilitated with the use of E-views analytical package.Findings reveal the existence of overall significant influence of poverty alleviation programmes on economicdevelopment of Nigeria.

Impact of Income Inequality on Poverty Level in Nigeria: Evidence from ARDL Model

This study used the Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to assess the effect of income disparity on the degree of poverty in Nigeria. Based on the association each income determinant showed with the Gini coefficient of income disparity in the Nigerian economy, the study's findings indicated that there is a long-run positive relationship between the poverty level and the Gini coefficient of income inequality in Nigeria. Therefore, it is advised to improve a more equitable distribution of wealth, which will effectively lessen income inequality and poverty in Nigeria. The government should concentrate its efforts on developing and implementing more realistic employment programs in Nigeria. Since the empirical results of this study have demonstrated that decreasing income disparity in Nigeria by an increase in the employment rate has not been sufficient. A more practical approach to employment would allow people to use their money to build wealth rather than just get by, which would increase the level of income distribution.

Effects of Government Poverty Reduction Programmes on National Poverty Level in Nigeria

Effects of Government Poverty Reduction Programmes on National Poverty Level in Nigeria

The Effect of Infrastructure Development on Poverty Alleviation in a Developing Economy: An Empirical Study from Nigeria

The study examines the effect of infrastructure development on poverty alleviation in Nigeria from 1999 to 2022, focussing on key infrastructure facilities such as transportation, energy, water, sanitation, and telecommunications. The objective of this study was to empirically ascertain the influence of these indicators in reducing poverty level in Nigeria using statistical and econometric methods such as Pearson correlation and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. In addition, the researchers carried out a robust check on the outcomes of the study using the ARDL model, considering the principal components factor (PCA) of transport, energy, water and sanitation, and telecommunications infrastructure as a proxy for infrastructure development. The results indicate that infrastructure development has not helped in reducing poverty in Nigeria within the period of study. Specifically, the outcomes of the OLS revealed mixed results on both the direction and magnitude of the effect of infrastructure development on poverty alleviation. While the robust test validated the position that infrastructure development has not contributed to poverty reduction in Nigeria, signifying that a 0.58% increase in poverty level is associated with infrastructure development in Nigeria. The study concluded that infrastructure development in Nigeria has not effectively reduced poverty, primarily due to challenges faced by SMEs and negatively impacting living conditions across the nation. The study highlights the practical policy implications of these findings, requiring that Nigeria undertake a strategic and long-term perspective in her investment activities, similar to what has been done by successful developing countries to propel business productivity and poverty reduction.

ENERGY SUBSIDY REFORMS, SOCIAL CONTRACT AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA

The study examined the relation among energy subsidy, social contract and poverty in Nigeria covering the period 1999-2022. The study used autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS), and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) approaches to determine the outcome of long-term estimates of the ARDL robustness. The unit root tests shows that the series were stationary at levels I(0) and first difference I(1). Cointegration was established with 2 optimal lag. The results of DOLS and FMOLS show that energy reforms of petrol motor spirit, automobile gas oil, dual purpose kerosene and electricity tariffs have impacted on high level of poverty in Nigeria. The reforms have also affected control variables like inflation and per capital income as inflation erodes the purchasing power of economic agents. The study suggests the need to deepen and implement short-to medium term fuel subsidy removal using market-based pricing as a necessity to protect the poor. This should be complemented by conversion plan from petroleum to natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Strategic policies to strengthen the voice and accountability by the citizens are required. It is essential to trust between government and citizens to strengthen social contract in a manner that improves service delivery, reduce corruption and strengthen institutions which will enhance subsidy reforms more feasible.

Corruption and Poverty Level in Nigeria: Does Accountability Mediate the Effect?

Nigeria has been a subject of extensive scholarly inquiry and international attention concerning the adverse effects of corruption on its socio-economic fabric. This study delves into the complex relationship between corruption, accountability and poverty reduction in Nigeria by investigating whether accountability serves as a mediator in the effect of corruption on poverty level in Nigeria. Thus, this present study centres on the interactive effect of corruption and accountability on poverty level in Nigeria using secondary data for the periods of 1984 to 2022. The results of the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) showed that, individually, corruption significantly increase poverty level in Nigeria, but when we considered the moderated effect, accountability mitigates the negative effect of corruption by reducing poverty level in Nigeria. The findings reveal a positive and statistically significant interactive effect of corruption and accountability on poverty reduction, confirming the role of accountability as a strong moderator necessary to cushion the negative effect of corruption in the society. The findings from this study have significant policy implications for Nigerian governments and policymakers as well as the international organizations involved in promoting good governance, accountability and poverty reduction. Policymakers can take a cue from the findings which underscore the importance of strengthening accountability and anti-corruption measures, by highlighting the need for comprehensive and effective anti-corruption strategies in Nigeria. Keywords: Corruption; Poverty; Accountability; Nigeria; DOLS.

Poverty, Youth Unemployment, Maritime Piracy, and Sea Robbery in Nigeria between 1995 and 2013: A Relationship Assessment

The study investigated the relationships between the poverty level in Nigeria and levels of global and local pirate attacks against ships on one hand; and between the unemployment rate in Nigeria and the level of local and global attack against ships, as well as the volume of cargo pilfered from Nigerian ports, on the other hand. The study employed secondary data sourced from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the National Bureau for Statistics (NBS), and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) on the poverty rate, unemployment rate, levels of pirate attacks against ships in local and global waters, and volume of cargo pilferages in ports. The multiple regression analysis method was used to analyze the dataset obtained, using poverty rate and unemployment rate as the dependent variables in each case. It was found that poverty among dwellers is a component driver of maritime piracy and sea robbery against ships trading in Nigeria, since there is a significant relationship between the level of maritime insecurity and the rate of poverty in Nigeria. The study also found that there is a significant relationship between the level of maritime piracy/sea robbery and the unemployment rate in Nigeria. Highlights Maritime insecurity in Nigeria waterways Pirate attacks against ships trading in Nigeria waters is linked to unrest in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria Maritime piracy in Nigeria waters is correlated with Poverty, unemployment, economic hardship in Nigeria Significant relationship exist between maritime insecurity and poverty rate in Nigeria

Treasury Single Account and Reduction of Financial Crime in the Enugu State Civil Service Commission

Government’s efforts at socio-economic development have often been whittled down by inadequate finance and the outright mismanagement and embezzlement of the available resources. Hence, it is regrettable the level of poverty in Nigeria, the rate of unemployment which has worsened with low life expectancy and increased in maternal mortality rates etc. The study “Treasury Single Account and Reduction of Financial Crime in Enugu state civil service Commission., Nigeria’ was undertaken to assess amongst others the effects of Treasury Single Account on the promotion of financial accountability and financial discipline in the state civil service. The study was anchored on Barley’s Agency Theory of 1973. The study adopted a descriptive and survey design. The result revealed amongst others that there is a positive relationship between Treasury Single Account and promotion of financial accountability and discipline in Enugu State civil service Commission. However, dissatisfaction was more with the abuse of the entire process, the level of awareness creation of the policy, coverage, poor network services, poor funding amongst others. The implication is that the policy is yet to achieve the basic purpose of its establishment of ensuring increase in government revenue by completely reducing leakages, and to reduce corruption to its barest minimum in the country. The study therefore recommended amongst others that in improving accountability of public sector funds, there should be appropriate sanctions where financial irregularities are discovered. This will strengthen the goal of the TSA system in Nigeria thereby by instilling discipline and accountability of public sector funds.

Neighborhood Effect, Agricultural Development and Poverty Level in Nigeria

The study seeks to evaluate the role of agricultural development on poverty level and ascertain whether neighbouring countries have any influence on the relation between agricultural development and poverty level in Nigeria. Annual data covering the period between 1980 and 2019 were employed. Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS), Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) and spatial econometrics were employed. Our results showed that agricultural development is capable of reducing poverty level in the country, while there was no significant effect of spatial factors on the relationship between agricultural development and poverty level in Nigeria between 1980 and 2019. The study therefore recommends that the government should pay more attention towards improvement of agriculture, transportation and oil rent which are capable of complementing each other in reducing poverty in Nigeria.

Institutional Quality, Human Capital Development and Poverty Level in Nigeria (1981-2021)

This study examined the interactive effects of institutional quality and various component of human capital development on poverty level in Nigeria between the periods of 1981 to 2020. Employing the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing method of co-integration. The results reveal noteworthy patterns. Firstly, when assessing the impact of institutional quality (PCA_INQ) on its own, it is observed to show a positive and statistically significant relationship on poverty levels, both in short run and long run at p-value of 5% and 10% respectively. However, the situation changes when institutional quality is interacted with variables representing various component of human capital development. Specifically, the interaction terms such as the interaction of institutional quality with capital expenditure on education (INQ*CEE), the interaction of institutional quality with recurrent expenditure on education (INQ*REE), interaction of institutional quality with capital health expenditure(INQ*CHE), and interaction of institutional quality with recurrent health expenditure(INQ*RHE) revealed no statistically significant effects on poverty levels in both the short and long run, except for interaction of institutional quality with recurrent health expenditure (INQ*RHE) which shows a significant effect on poverty only in the short run. The results affirmed that both education and health human capital development proxy by their disaggregated expenditures on both sectors and institutional quality has the potential to mitigate poverty levels in Nigeria over both short and long periods. However, it is essential to note that these expected effects have not yet fully materialized. Furthermore, the study also establishes that physical capital contribute positively to economic growth in Nigeria both in short-run and long-run. In conclusion, this study has revealed the important of considering the interactive effects of institutional quality and various components of human capital development in the context of poverty level in both short run and long run.

Design of Arimax Model to Examine the Impact of Inflation Rate and Unemployment Rate on Poverty Level in Nigeria

In this study, Autoregressive integrated moving average with exogeneous variables (ARIMAX) model was used to investigate the impact of inflation rate and unemployment rate on poverty level in Nigeria. These variables were subjected to the usual model building steps in linear time series. The Kwiatkowski, Philips, Schmidt and Schin (KPSS) test was used to test the variables for stationarity. Differencing technique was used to obtain stationarities for the non – stationary series. Then, several ARIMAX models were built to identifiy the best model. The result showed that ARMAX (2,0) fitted the series best and was used to generated forecasts for the next five years. Its shows a decrease in poverty level for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 then a slightly increase for the year 2025. A comparative analysis was carried out with Peter et al (2016) which applied vector Autoregressive model of order 2 to the aforementioned variables. The result further confirmed that ARMAX (2.0) performed best.

Critical Analysis of The Effectiveness of Civil Society in Nigeria: A Study of Interventions and Monitoring of Poverty and Attainment of SDG in Nigeria

Without any shred of doubt, poverty is one of the social issues that has no regard for tribe, race, country, or other ways by which we group people all over the world. The major difference when it comes to poverty is the level with which it affects different countries. The irony of the whole situation is that what some countries refer to as poverty is prosperity for some others. Third world countries are grappling with serious level of poverty, and Nigeria is not left out. In fact, the poverty level is so astounding that it poses great danger to countries all over the world due to its security implications and effects on world peace. As the international poverty benchmark got increased to $1.90 from $1 in September 2015, many Nigerians were further pushed below poverty line. It can be argued with very little contradiction that factors such as poor governance, mismatched allocation of resources, unemployment, lack of equity, corrupt practices and many others are responsible for the extreme level of poverty in Nigeria. The study adopts structural functionalism as the analytical framework to examine the effects of various interventions by civil society organizations within and outside Nigeria, on the level of poverty and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in Nigeria. In addition, the mixed method (of both primary and secondary data) is used to collect data while content analysis is applied. The study observes that for the level of poverty to reduce drastically in Nigeria, there is need for good and effective leadership, strong institutions, as well as using public-private partnership. Keywords: SDG (Sustainable Development Goals), CSOs, international poverty line, DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/95-05 Publication date: July 30 th 2022

INSECURITY AND THE PAUPERIZATION OF RESIDENTS OF OWERRI IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT

Poverty and insecurity are twin recurrent issues in recent times for many countries in the world, especially Third World countries in Africa to which Nigeria belongs. Security is a pillar without which no meaningful development can be achieved and sustained. Nigeria, like most other Sub-Sahara Africa countries, is deeply embroiled in and facing multifaceted security challenges. The wave of insecurity in Nigeria has assumed a dangerous dimension that is threatening both the safety of environment for lives and properties and the conduct of business and economic activities thereby causing untold hardship and poverty. The poverty level in Nigeria is such that many people now live below the poverty line and has become a source of concern and subject of growing attention for both academics and policy makers. This paper, therefore, sought to find out if insecurity has a causative effect on the pauperization of the people of Owerri and vice versa with particular reference to recent happenings in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The survey research design, questionnaire and interviews as instruments of primary data collection and relative deprivation theory as framework were used for the study. Data were analysed with simple percentages while the chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. Secondary data from library research was utilized for analytical discussion. Research findings show that insecurity has both a cause and an effect relationship with poverty cum pauperization and the need to shun violence is recommended.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0919/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

The Scourge of Uterine Fibroid among Females: Psycho-sociological Explanations from Lagos and Ondo States in South-west Nigeria

Uterine fibroid and ovarian cyst has become the prevailing scourges modern Nigerian women must contend with. Fibroid tumor is usually benign, comprising of muscle tissues that are non-cancerous. It can have different symptoms, depending on whether it is located in, on, or within the walls of the womb. Often times, this problem is threatened by inappropriate and even ignorant medical attention and/or medical diagnoses that miss the real health problems. In this sociological study of the body, the paper seeks to examine the causes of uterine fibroid among females in relation to high-stress, diet, quality of life, emotional, and environmental inter play within the cultural context of the study. The study by extension, relates the growth of fibroid to the pervasive poverty level in Nigeria. This study employs participant observation and in-depth interview methods involving 60 women between, the ages of 20-56years that were purposively selected. Based on the adage in medicine that “good girls have fibrous, bad girls have babies”, this paper submits that the poor elimination of congestion and nervous system imbalances, nutritional, emotional imbalances as a result of the impinging factors inherent in the socio-cultural environment and psycho-sociological related problems and poverty are responsible for the prevalence of cases of fibroid among Nigerian women. The paper then recommends a holistic approach, ranging from wholesome nutrition, family/spousal support, calisthenics, emotional “coolness” in most situations, and provision of proper medical facilities by the Government, as a necessary criterion to removing the “diseased body” (of women) from the politics of exclusion.

Sustainable Electricity Supply and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

The poverty situation in the rural areas of the country deserves greater attention; the available statistics from the NBS reveal that the majority of the poor are located in the rural areas. It is really impossible to envision industrialization and societal well-being or high standard of living without adequate and reliable electricity supply. Sustainable electricity supply will aid the artisans, traders, farmers with storage facilities, reduce the rural-urban immigration, improve the standard of living in the rural areas, and encourage rural industrialization and capital formation. This study investigates the impact of sustainable electricity supply on poverty reduction in Nigeria. A time series data from 1981 to 2018 was analysed for this study. Based on the outcome of this study, it could be seen clearly that while electricity generation play a significantly role reducing poverty in the country, electricity consumption does not guarantee poverty reduction. Also, apart from the fact that poverty level in the past period is found to have a direct and statistically significant effect on the poverty rate in the current period, it was also revealed that lower unemployment rate does not really translate into reduction in the poverty level in Nigeria. The study therefore recommend that electricity generation should be given more attention and while trying to address the menace of unemployment in the country, underemployment and labour exploitation must also be tackled headlong.

EFFECT OF MICRO, SMALL, AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES’ PERFORMANCE ON THE POVERTY LEVEL IN NIGERIA

The study examined the effect of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)’ Performance on the Poverty level in Nigeria with a concentration on the Northcentral Nigeria. The mixmethod research strategy was adopted in this study which entails the collection and analysis of both the qualitative and quantitative data. The population of this study includes; all the 5, 757,817 micro, small and medium enterprises in the six states of northcentral Nigeria, out of which a sample size of 384 was selected also the staff of the Bank of Industry in the six states under consideration and the Head office in Lagos. The study employed the use of a twostage cluster sampling technique to compute the sample size, the Cochran sample size formula (1977) was employed. The findings revealed that the MSMEs turnover has a significant and negative effect on the poverty level in Northcentral Nigeria and MSMEs profitability has a negative and significant effect on the poverty level in Northcentral Nigeria. The study concluded that poor availability of funds, limited access to the market, lack of capacity to cope with the latest technological innovations, lack of a winning business model, and banks’ reluctance to grant loan facilities to MSMEs are among the primary reasons impeding the growth of MSMEs and the problems are directly under the control of MSMEs organizations if they possess adequate managerial skills to handle them. The study, therefore, recommended that the government need address and monitor the activities of loan provided by the bank of industry and the bank of the industry should promote and give more loans to MSMEs which will improve their business and in the long run reduces poverty in the region.

ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC POLICIES ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY IN NIGERIA

This study is carried out to empirically examine the effect of economic policies on unemployment and poverty in Nigeria between 1970-2019. The persistent and high level of poverty in Nigeria accompanied by severe unemployment despite the adoption and implementation of various economic policies in terms of fiscal and monetary policies is the motivation behind this study. The objective of the study is to examine how effective economic policies have been in terms of fiscal and monetary policies in curbing unemployment and poverty incidence. The variables used are Poverty index (POV), Unemployment Rate (UMP), fiscal policy instruments in terms of Government expenditure (GEX), Tax and Public Debt, Monetary policy instruments in terms of monetary policy rate (MPR), interest rate (INR) and money supply (MS). Time series dynamic analysis was used to analyses the impact of these macroeconomic instruments on poverty and unemployment. The Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model was used to examine the short-run, interim and long-run effect of economic policies on unemployment and poverty between 1970-2019. Preliminary test such as stationarity test, cointegration test and trend analysis were conducted before estimation. The evidences from various econometrics analyses from this study revealed that, macroeconomic policies such as money supply, government capital expenditure, unemployment rate and interest rate have a statistically significant impact on poverty level in Nigeria from 1970-2019. The implication of this is that an increase in money supply and government expenditure has a negative effect on poverty level but an increase in unemployment rate and inflation rate will lead to higher poverty level in Nigeria since unemployment rate has a positive and significant impact on poverty level. The recommendations made include; that, since government capital expenditure has a negative impact on poverty level, emphasis should be laid on increasing government capital expenditure especially those meant for development programs and projects to enhance employment which will in turn reduce poverty level in the country.

THE ROLE OF BANK CREDITS ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA

This study examines the role of bank credits on poverty reduction in Nigeria. Despite different measures by the government in channelling bank credits to the private sector. Poverty is still one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria today. The study adopts econometrics quantitative methods in analysing annual time series data to achieve the objectives of the study. From the results, the granger causality test shows that there is no causal relationship between bank credit and poverty level in Nigeria. There is a unidirectional causal relationship between agricultural loan and poverty flowing from poverty. The OLS result indicate that there is a significant positive impact of bank credit on poverty reduction and there is a significant negative impact of agricultural loan on poverty level in Nigeria. This study recommends that federal government should ensure agriculture loan is redirected to the proper farmers in the country to reduce poverty in the country.