Evaluating Poverty Status of Rural Rice Farmers in the Benue Valley

Abstract

An important part of the post-2015 MDG process and the African Union's Agenda 2063 is the eradication of extreme poverty. This study was carried out to offer empirical proof of the impact of rice growing on rural farm families' poverty status in Benue Valley, Benue State, Nigeria. Data were gathered from 254 farm families in the research area who were chosen at random. To analyze the data, descriptive and econometric approaches were also used. The findings indicate that a combination of very poor, moderately poor, and non-poor households can be found in the research area. Family size increased poverty, although age, educational achievement, and nonfarm income by family heads decreased its prevalence. The study recommends strengthening and enhancing the farmers' educational status in light of these findings. Farmers are also urged to participate in other economic activities such petty trading and off-farm activities because these have a tendency to stabilize income and lower income volatility. Provision of educational facilities and equipping households with fundamental skills are two examples of specialized programs that are encouraged to lessen the occurrence of poverty.

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