Home Economics-Based Income Generation and Poverty Reduction Among Women in Sokoto State

This study examines the role of Home Economics-based income generation activities in poverty reduction among women in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Women's economic empowerment through vocational skill application is central to poverty alleviation strategies in northern Nigeria, where female labour force participation rates remain among the lowest in the country. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 240 women engaged in Home Economics-related income activities including food processing, catering, tailoring, and soap making in Wamakko and Binji local government areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include cataloguing the types of Home Economics enterprises operated by women, assessing monthly income levels, examining the relationship between Home Economics training and income generation success, and identifying constraints limiting business growth. Recent literature from North West Nigeria documents that women with vocational Home Economics training earn significantly higher monthly incomes compared to those without such training, particularly in food processing and garment production sectors. Data were analysed using t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The Capability Approach anchors the study, focusing on the expansion of women's functional capacities through skill acquisition. Findings are anticipated to reveal a significant positive relationship between Home Economics training and income, tempered by capital access constraints. Recommendations target the Sokoto State Government, NGOs, and microfinance institutions. Keywords: income generation, poverty reduction, Home Economics, women empowerment, Sokoto State.