EXPENDITURE DETERMINANTS AND PERCEPTION OF POVERTY AMONG GINGER FARMERS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA: GENDER PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

This study examines factors determining rural households’ expenditure and perception of poverty among ginger farmers in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 543 respondents; descriptive, Chi-square statistics and regression models were used to analyse the data. The result of the study revealed that marital status, income, and education were the factors determining expenditure in male-headed households. While, household size, income, and age determine expenditures among female-headed households. Results of the study revealed mean scores of x̅ = 4.59 (male farmers) and x̅ 4.76 (female farmers) indicating that farmers strongly perceived that access to productive resources has a role to play in poverty reduction. The outcome of the FGD revealed there was a gap in the perception of poverty between male and female farmers. The female farmer strongly agreed with most of the statements which is an indication of women’s vulnerability to poverty. Furthermore, there was a direct and strong relationship between male and female-headed households’ perception of the impact of poverty. High cost of production and inadequate capital were some of the constraints faced by the farmers. Female-headed households were mostly affected by these constraints. The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders interested in promoting ginger production and alleviating the poverty status of farmers, should intensify efforts to support farmers in ginger production to increase their income.