ABSTRACT

The study analyzed the poverty status of female headed households in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State. It specifically analyzed the socio-economic characteristics of female headed households, the level of poverty in female headed households, determinants of poverty and the peculiar socio-economic problems faced by female headed households. Cross-sectional data is used in the study, simple random sampling was adopted in selecting 70 respondent. Data was collected using well structured questionnaire. Analysis of data was done via the use of statistical and econometric tools like frequency tables, percentages and the ordinary least square method of multiple regression analysis. The result showed that the mean age of female headed households is 36 years, which implies that they were middle aged and energetic people. The study also reveals that majority of the respondents were married, had basic education, fully engaged in farming with low income and high expenditure. Farming experience was also observed to be inadequate. Regression analysis shows that, marital status, household size, occupation, average income, average expenditure and farming experience were determinants of poverty in female headed households in the study area. Socioeconomic problems encountered by female headed households include inadequate storage facilities, high transport cost, in exposure to modern farming equipment poor road network and lack of capital. Enlightenment campaign via the media and scholarship grants for adult education programmes should be established by the government. Loan accessible to farmers should be subsidized with attention given to the improvement and provision of basic infrastructure. This would ameliorate the poverty status of female headed household.