Assessment of poverty status among cocoa farmers in etung local government area, cross river state, nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the poverty status of cocoa farmers in Etung Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study estimated the food and non-food expenditure of farmers, analyzed their poverty levels, and determined the factors influencing poverty. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 98 cocoa farmers, and primary data were obtained through structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices, and inferential statistics. The results showed that majority (74.5%) of the respondents were male, with a mean age of 43.8 years. About 44.9% were married, with mean household size of 5 persons. The poverty headcount index was 0.327, indicating that about 33% of the farmers lived below the poverty line. The poverty gap and severity were 0.326 and 0.035, respectively, suggesting significant shortfalls in income and inequality among the poor. Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, household size, income, farm size, access to credit, and land ownership significantly influenced poverty status. The study concludes that poverty is prevalent among cocoa farmers in the area, and recommends policies aimed at improving access to credit, promoting farm expansion, and implementing social welfare programs to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.