Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

Coping Livelihood Strategies for Poverty Reduction in Makurdi Metropolis

Benjamin Gowon Ahule, Michael Ngusha Kpebee And Jude Terhile Ahoo

Abstract

This study examined coping livelihood strategies for poverty reduction in Makurdi metropolis. Specifically, the study examined the income raising strategies and social service mechanisms for poverty reduction in Makurdi metropolis. The study was anchored on the functionalist theory. Primary data were collected with the aid of key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed qualitatively, while secondary data was sourced from textbooks, policy documents, reports, and articles from peer-reviewed journals. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 235 respondents for the study. Findings showed that coping livelihood strategies were grouped under income raising strategies, expenditure and consumption minimizing strategies; shelter and sanitation strategies as well as health and education strategies. The study concluded that coping livelihood strategies for poverty reduction are not sufficient to significantly reduce poverty among urban poor households in Makurdi metropolis. The study recommends that creation of an enabling environment by government and the private sector for micro and small businesses to thrive will improve the living conditions of the urban poor, and strengthening efforts and commitment to train and empower people in entrepreneurship will help in reducing unemployment, underemployment and poverty in Makurdi metropolis.

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