Ngo Interventions and Women's Socioeconomic Status in Rural Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Southern Taraba State

Kefas; Solomon Akundo

doi:10.56201/jhsp.vol.12.no2.2026.pg54.64

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Ngo Interventions and Women's Socioeconomic Status in Rural Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Southern Taraba State

Kefas, Solomon Akundo

Abstract

In Southern Taraba State, Nigeria, women are at the heart of agricultural life. Despite their hard work and essential role in their communities, many continue to face serious challenges: about 70% live below the poverty line, and fewer than one in four finish primary school. This reality stands in sharp contrast to the vital contributions women make to the local economy (National Bureau of Statistics, 2020). This study takes a closer look at how NGO programs have touched the lives of these women, exploring both the numbers and the personal stories behind changes in their socioeconomic status . Methods: To truly understand what’s happening, this study combined survey data and interviews from four local government areas in Southern Taraba. Researchers spoke with 402 women aged 18 to 60—some involved in NGO programs, some not. The team crunched the numbers using statistical tools and also sat down for conversations with 16 women and two focus groups. By bringing together both statistics and personal stories, the research paints a fuller picture of how NGO projects have shaped women’s daily lives and opportunities. Results: Participation in NGO programs made a real difference. Women who took part were much more likely to improve their economic situation—statistically; they were 4.5 times as likely to reach a higher socioeconomic level as those who didn’t. Microcredit and skills training especially helped women boost their incomes and buy assets. For many, a microloan was the turning point: it allowed them to grow their farms, sell extra produce, and support their families in new ways. One participant shared that with her new skills and small business; she could now pay school fees and contribute to household decisions. However, the journey was not without obstacles—some women still faced push-back against traditional gender expectations, and maintaining the benefits after the NGOs left remained a challenge. NGO efforts have genuinely improved the lives of many rural wom

Keywords

Non-governmental organizationssocioeconomic statuswomen's empowermentrural developmentmixed-methodsNigeria.

References

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Ngo Interventions and Women's Socioeconomic Status in Rural Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Southern Taraba State

Abstract

Keywords

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