Determinants of Poverty Among Farming Households in Jigawa State

This study examines the determinants of poverty among farming households in Jigawa State, North West Nigeria. Jigawa State consistently records some of Nigeria's highest poverty headcount rates, with agricultural households particularly vulnerable to income shocks, food insecurity, and asset poverty. Understanding the specific factors driving poverty in farming households is essential for designing effective poverty reduction interventions in the state. This study uses a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 250 farming households in Dutse, Hadejia, and Kafin-Hausa local government areas. Poverty is measured using per capita daily expenditure relative to the national poverty line. Explanatory variables include farm size, household size, education of household head, credit access, livestock ownership, and off-farm income. Binary logistic regression and probit models are applied. Findings reveal that 71 percent of sampled farming households fall below the poverty line. Large household size, low education of household head, limited farm size, and absence of livestock assets are the strongest poverty predictors. Households with access to the Conditional Cash Transfer programme and agricultural credit show significantly lower poverty probability. The study concludes that poverty in Jigawa State farming households is multidimensional and requires complementary agricultural, educational, and social protection interventions. It recommends integrated rural development programming combining agricultural support, social transfers, and primary education access.

Keywords: poverty determinants, farming households, Jigawa State, rural poverty, social protection.