Effect of Poverty Status on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Behaviors Among Oil-Palm Farming Households

This study evaluated the effect of poverty on water, sanitation, and hygiene behaviors among oil palm farming households in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 150 households through a multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, multidimensional poverty index, WASH index, and ordered probit regression model were used to analyze the data. Results of the analysis showed that the majority (78.7%) of the oil palm farmers were male, most (62.7%) of them had secondary education, and the mean age was 50 years. About 94.7% lacked credit access, and 92.0% of the respondents were not members of cooperative associations. Results further revealed that 57.33% were multidimensionally poor, while 42.67% were not. Poverty incidence was 43.04%, exceeding the MPI of 24.67%. Contributions of each dimension to poverty include: health (4.13%), education (58.70%), and living standards (37.17%). Poverty, government intervention, and age significantly affected WASH status at 1%, 10%, and 5% levels, respectively. The level of disparity recorded in the analyzed result could be influenced by factors such as poverty status, government intervention, and age of the respondents, which were statistically significant in influencing their WASH behaviors at different levels. Results revealed that 28% of respondents were both multidimensionally poor and WASH poor. It is recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should develop and implement WASH programs that focus on improving access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education that is specifically targeted at vulnerable groups, such as the elderly populations and low-income households. These will help reduce disparities in WASH outcomes and improve overall public health.