ABSTRACT

The main objective of this study is to assess the incidence of poverty and 10 identify factors which influence the level of poverty amongst women-headed households with a view to identifying measures to alleviate poverty. The study was conducted in Awomlaeho autoiioinous community in Ikvuano L. G. A. of Abia State. Women who are widowed, separated, single parents or divorced were purposively selected. Questionnaires were used for data collection. 1)ata analysis v as (lone using. means, frequency distributions and regression analysis. The study shows that the incidence of poverty is high among \VOIUCfl headed households. Most of the women who head households are elderly. l'here is also a low level of education among the women. 'I lie study also shows that the niain ocupation of the women is uiirming. In the study location, most of the women who head households are widows. The study also show that household expenditures arc highest for Kasic needs of life such as food, clothing etc. The following liictors are significant deterniinaiits of the level of poverty - age of household head at first marriage, level of education of household head md the age of household head. To achieve a reduction in the level of poverty, there is need for intervention measures that will improve (lie level of education of (lie household heads. 'l'his will increase their income earning ability. Such measures include adult and extension education programmes.