ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF POVERTY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL WOMEN FARMERS (A STUDY OF KATCHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE)

Poverty remains a major constraint to economic development in rural communities across Nigeria, particularly among women engaged in agriculture. This study assessed the effect of poverty on the economic development of rural women farmers in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State. The objectives of the study were to examine the causes of poverty among rural women farmers, determine its effects on their agricultural productivity and economic development, and identify possible strategies for alleviating poverty among this group. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 120 rural women farmers selected using simple random sampling. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that limited access to credit facilities, inadequate farm inputs, poor infrastructure, and low educational levels are major contributors to poverty among rural women farmers. The study further revealed that poverty significantly reduces agricultural productivity, limits access to modern farming technologies, and negatively affects the economic development of women farmers. The study concludes that poverty remains a critical barrier to the economic empowerment and productivity of rural women farmers. It therefore recommends increased access to microcredit, improved agricultural extension services, better rural infrastructure, and targeted government support programs to enhance the economic development of rural women farmers in the study area.