Poverty Profile and Social Capital Dimensions of Rural Farms Households in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The poverty profile of rural farm households belonging to association(s) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria's southern region, was examined. The analysis focused on the characteristics of these households, the dimensions of social capital, and the benefits derived from association membership. The results indicated that female-headed households and older farmers experienced higher poverty incidence, depth, and severity levels. Additionally, poverty dimensions were inversely related to increased formal education, farming experience, and farm size. Single farmers exhibited lower poverty than married, divorced, separated, and widowed farmers. The findings also revealed a direct relationship between the six dimensions of social capital analyzed and poverty incidence, depth, and severity among rural farm households in the study area. The relationship between the benefits obtained from association membership and poverty dimensions demonstrated that as farmers' income from the association, land acquired through the association, and quantities of seeds and fertility received from associations increased, poverty dimensions decreased proportionally. This suggests that the active participation of rural farm households in farm associations contributes to poverty alleviation. The findings highlight the significance of farmers' involvement in building social capital in reducing poverty incidence, depth, and severity. Furthermore, the level of farmers' engagement in association activities and the benefits derived from these activities impact the various dimensions of poverty.