Assessment of Multidimensional Poverty Among Farming Households in Southern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed multidimensional poverty and among farming households in Southern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 180 farming households, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, deprivation scores, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), and a multiple regression model. The results showed that 54% of respondents were male, with a mean age of 40 years and an average e household size of six members. About 93% had formal education, the average farm size was 3 hectares, and farming was the primary occupation for 45% of respondents. Furthermore, 68% were married, 54% lacked access to credit, 62% were not members of farmers' associations, and 58% engaged in business as an additional source of income. The deprivation analysis revealed that the standard of living and health dimensions contributed most to multidimensional poverty. The Global MPI indicated that Wukari recorded the highest population share of poor households (40%) among the selected local government areas, while Shatima had the highest share (7.2%) among the sampled communities. The study concluded that multidimensional poverty is widespread among farming households in Southern Taraba and poses a challenge to improved livelihoods, peace, and stability. It recommends promoting farmers' participation in cooperative societies and implementing gender-responsive agricultural and poverty reduction programs.