Structural Determinants of Child Poverty and Social Work Responses in North West Nigeria: Evidence from Kano and Kebbi States

Child poverty in North West Nigeria is embedded in structural inequalities that include poor educational infrastructure, gender-based exclusion, inadequate social protection, and constrained economic diversification. This study analytically examines the structural determinants of child poverty in Kano and Kebbi States and evaluates social work responses currently deployed to address them. Adopting an explanatory mixed-method design, the study combines a household survey of 200 low-income families with semi-structured interviews of 30 social work practitioners and policy actors. Quantitative data are analysed using logistic regression and descriptive statistics, while qualitative data are subject to thematic analysis. The study finds that child poverty is significantly predicted by maternal education level, household income below the national poverty line, and absence of social protection programme participation. Social work responses are primarily reactive and individually focused rather than addressing the structural drivers of child poverty through community-level or policy advocacy functions. The study identifies a gap between professional social work values emphasising social justice and the predominantly case management orientation of current practice. Drawing on structural social work theory and capabilities approach frameworks, the study argues for a reconfigured social work practice model that integrates structural analysis, community mobilisation, and evidence-based policy advocacy. Recommendations include embedding structural social work practice in the curriculum of universities offering social work programmes in North West Nigeria. Keywords: child poverty, structural social work, North West Nigeria, social protection, capabilities approach