Factors Influencing Severe Poverty of Subsistence Farming Families of Coastal Communities in Southern Nigeria

This study was conducted in coastal communities of southern Nigeria to identify the factors influencing severe poverty of farming families. Through the multi-stage sampling, 80 farming families involving 60 males and 20 females were selected and were subsequently interviewed using a questionnaire. Primary data were analyzed using Tobit regression model. Results of analysis revealed that while plot size, migrant remittance, farm income, education, access to modern farming resources related inversely to depth of poverty; years of experience in farming and family size were positively related to poverty. Poverty levels were lower among unmarried family heads and female headed families. Results further revealed that plot size, income from farming, access to modern farming resources and rooms per family member were negatively significant (P<.05) in relation to poverty. Conversely, marital status of family head and average walking time to nearest water source were positively significant (P<.05) in relation to poverty. The level of educational attainment and migrant remittance were significant (P<.10) and negatively related to poverty whereas family size and average walking time to nearest health facility were very significantly (P<.01) positively related to poverty. Findings further reveal that poverty was lower for families that received migrant earnings either in form of cash or goods to support the families. The results suggest the relevance of migrant remittances in lifting people out of poverty. Policies aimed at encouraging increase in cultivable areas and access to land; educational advancement and training; access to health care facilities and water supply; adequate housing facilities are some measures that are likely to reduce poverty in the coastal communities. Policy options that will ensure the sustenance of remittance flows should also be encouraged.