Study of Household Expenditure Patterns and Urban Poverty in Enugu State

Urban poverty in Enugu State creates patterns of constrained household expenditure that differ meaningfully from rural poverty, and documenting these patterns provides evidence for urban social protection targeting. This study analysed household expenditure patterns and poverty indicators among low-income urban households in Enugu North, Igbo-Etiti, and Oji River Local Government Areas, Enugu State. A cross-sectional survey of 280 households collected data on monthly income and expenditure by category, household demographics, coping strategies, and access to social protection. The Engel coefficient and poverty headcount against national poverty lines were computed. Mean monthly per capita expenditure was N14,200. The Engel coefficient was 0.68, indicating that 68 percent of income was spent on food. Rent constituted 22.4 percent of expenditure for non-homeowners. Asset disposal was used as a coping strategy by 32.5 percent. Social protection coverage was 14.3 percent. Households with two or more income earners showed 47 percent lower poverty probability. Recommendations include expanding National Social Investment Programme coverage to urban poor in Enugu, food subsidy programmes for identified low-income communities, and affordable housing provision in Enugu's urban districts.

Keywords: household expenditure, urban poverty, Enugu State, Engel coefficient, social protection These findings confirm that food expenditure dominance and housing cost pressure are the defining features of urban poverty in Enugu State communities.