Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Of Small-Scale Fisherfolks In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study assessed the multidimensional poverty status of small-scale fisherfolk in Cross River State, Nigeria. Using the Multidimensional Poverty Assessment Tool (MPAT) and data from 175 households. The methodology employed a multi-stage sampling technique, and data were collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The study revealed a high incidence of multidimensional poverty, with 76% of households experiencing deprivation in at least three essential dimensions. The Alkire-Foster method was used to derive the multidimensional poverty index. The results show that the aggregate multidimensional poverty index (MPI) was 0.388 and 0.345 for K=0.3 and K=0.5, indicating that many respondents were multidimensionally poor. The intensity of poverty was 0.510 and 0.538 for K=0.3 and K=0.5, respectively. The study identifies domestic water supply, gender and social equality, housing, clothing, energy, and farm assets as key dimensions of poverty. Pearson's correlation analysis reveals significant relationships between these dimensions and healthcare (r = 0.377, p < 0.05), education (r = -0.220, p < 0.05), and non-farm assets (r = 0.181, p < 0.10). Binary logistic regression analysis identifies age (Exp(B) = 0.968, p < 0.05), agricultural zone (Exp(B) = 1.987, p < 0.01), and possession of fishing assets (Exp(B) = 0.391, p < 0.10) as significant factors influencing multidimensional poverty. Based on the findings, this study recommends that policymakers and development organizations prioritize interventions aimed at improving domestic water supply, promoting gender and social equality, and enhancing access to farm and non-farm assets (fishing assets).