An Analysis Of Determinant Of Poverty In Nigeria

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION(S)

The following are the statements posed from the objectives of the study. The research seeks to answer the following research question(s);

1. What are the determinants of poverty in Kankia Local Government and the main causes of such devastating phenomenon (poverty)?

2. What are the policies or strategies employed by the government to help reduce or alleviate poverty in the study area?

3. What is the relationship behind socio-economic characteristics and poverty level in Kankia local government?

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to examine the determinants of poverty and the reason for the continuous increase in the number of poor people in Nigeria. I will focus on Katsina state with specific reference to Kankia local government.

Base on the above objective, this study is specifically carried out to achieve the following objectives.

1. To examine and identify the factors responsible for poverty in Kankia local government.

2. To evaluate the magnitude of the impact of each factor causing poverty in the area (Kankia) and suggest efficient and effective measures to alleviate poverty in Kankia local government and Katsina state at large.

3. To examine the relationship behind socio-economic characteristics and poverty level in Kankia local government.

1.5 HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

I will equally put forward some intelligent guesses, conjectural propositions or assumptions known as hypotheses (George, 2007).

A hypothesis states a question or a working assumption by putting forth a plausible answer and explanation that can be tested through repeated and independent observations and experiments.

For the purpose of this research, the following hypotheses have been formulated.

Hypothesis I

Ho: Income level is not a factor that determines poverty in Kankia Local Government.

Hi: Income level is a factor that determines poverty in Kankia Local Government.

Hypothesis II

Ho: Education level is not a factor that determines poverty in the area.

Hi: Education level is a factor that determines poverty in the area.

Hypothesis III

Ho: Unemployment is not a major factor that determines poverty in the local government.

Hi: Unemployment is a major factor that determines poverty in the local government.

Hypothesis IV

Ho: Household size is not a factor that determines poverty in the area.

Hi: Household size is a factor that determines poverty in the area.

Which we considered;

Ho: = as our null hypothesis and

Hi: = as our alternative hypothesis

Null hypothesis is a hypothesis that states that there is no relationship existing between the two variables while alternative hypothesis is the one that states that there is a relationship existing between two variables.

1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Poverty has become an important topic of discussion among world leaders, this was reflected in the theme of the world vision 2020 Africa conference held in Uganda (International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) 2003).The outcome of this research without no doubt is going to be useful to policy makers in both the state and the local government (Kankia) and the country at large. 

In addition, this study will suggest measures that will slow down the level of poverty among rural communities in Katsina state more importantly Kankia local government as a means to alleviate poverty and also serve as a source of reference to other researchers who will wish to carry a similar research on determinants of poverty in Katsina state.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study involves an examination of the determinant of poverty in Kankia local government area of Katsina state. The study will evaluate the magnitude of the impact of each factor causing poverty in the study area and suggest efficient and effective measures to alleviate poverty in Kankia local government and Katsina state at large.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

A study of this nature cannot be completed without the researcher experiencing some constrains. To conduct an effective research in Nigeria is a difficult task, owing to people?s information. Information is seen as ?sacred? and too confidential to release for the feeling that it is the way of assessing the giver.

One of the major limitations of the study experienced was lack of time. This is due to the fact that both academic course work and study were taking place simultaneously. Another problem encountered were the poor attitude of the respondents to filling the questionnaire due to limited time.

1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE WORK

The study will be divided into five different chapters with:

Chapter one covers the general introduction, including background of the study, statement of the problem, research question(s) , the aim and objectives of the study, research hypotheses, justification of the study, the scope of the study, limitations of the study and organization of the study.

Chapter two examines some literature reviews including conceptual, theoretical, empirical review and finally gaps in literature to identify area where other authors or researchers have not addressed in their work. 

Chapter three is the methodology of the study and it is divided into; general introduction of the chapter, description of the study area, research design, analytical framework and sources of data of the study. 

Chapter four deals with the data presentation, analysis of the results, discussions and test of hypotheses.  

Lastly, chapter gives the summary of the findings, conclusion and recommendation from the findings of the study.