Multidimensional poverty among rural households in ogun state, Nigeria

This study was carried out to estimate factors influencing the multidimensional poverty status of rural households in Ogun State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 240 rural households. Data was obtained through the use of a structured interview schedule, and was analyzed with descriptive techniques, multidimensional poverty index and logistic regression models. The result revealed that 69% of the rural households are multidimensionally poor. It was found that (on average) the rural poor households were deprived in 41% of the weighted indicators. Another finding is that rural households were deprived in 28% of total deprivations they could experience. It was also revealed that deprivation in infrastructure contributed most to the total deprivation experienced, followed by deprivation in living standard, social capital, health and education. The study further found that household size (p < 0.05), gender (p < 0.01), off-farm income (p < 0.1), availability of community health extension workers (p < 0.05) and availability of public market (p < 0.1) significantly influence the poverty status of rural households. The study concluded that an increase in household size increases the likelihood of being multidimensionally poor while an increase in off-farm income, access to public market and health extension services reduce the likelihood of being poor. The study recommended that rural farmers diversify their livelihood sources into off-farm activities during their lean periods as this will be instrumental in reducing their poverty status. Also, infrastructural facilities such as good healthcare services and public markets should be put in place as this will go a long way in reducing the poverty status of the rural farmers.