ANALYSIS OF POVERTY STATUS OF RURAL FARM FAMILIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted to provide empirical evidence of the effect of farming on the poverty status of rural farm families in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 80 randomly selected farm families in the study area. Both descriptive and econometric tools were employed to analyze the data.The results show that the study area consists of a mixture of extremely poor, moderately poor and non-poor households.While family sizes and farming activity type, enhanced poverty while age, educational status and off farm income by family heads reduced the incidence of poverty. Based on these findings, the study suggests promoting and improving the educational status of the farmers. Farmers are also encouraged to practice mixed farming and engaging in other economic activities such as petty trading and off-farm activities as these will tend to stabilize income thus reducing income volatility. Some of specific programmes advocated to reduce poverty incidence are provision of educational facilities and equipping households with basic skills. KEYWORDS : Poverty status, rural, farming, family, Akwa Ibom State.