THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract: The National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) seeks to reduce poverty in Nigeria through employment generation, women and youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and value reorientation. Evidence on its effectiveness in Adamawa State is limited. The study aims to assess the impact and effectiveness of NEEDS interventions on poverty reduction and the role of value reorientation in improving livelihoods in Adamawa State. A mixed-methods convergent design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 387 households across all 21 Local Government Areas using structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with men, women, and youth. Descriptive statistics summarized socio-demographics and program outcomes, while correlation and multivariate regression analyses examined the relationship between NEEDS components and a composite Poverty Index. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data for triangulation. Awareness of NEEDS was moderate (63.3%), but only 48.8% perceived economic improvements. Employment increased from 42.1% to 65.4%, and average monthly income rose from ₦28,300 to ₦48,700. Skill training participation increased from 25.6% to 58.2%. Women and youth empowerment achieved a moderate level (mean index = 3.67/5), while infrastructure improvements were notable in roads (68.2%), markets (64.5%), and electricity (57.1%). Regression analysis showed employment generation (β = -0.312, p < 0.001), women/youth empowerment (β = -0.276, p = 0.004), infrastructure development (β = -0.298, p = 0.001), and value reorientation (β = -0.184, p = 0.021) significantly reduced poverty, explaining 54.7% of variance. KIIs and FGDs reinforced these findings but noted gaps in funding, monitoring, and program continuity. NEEDS has moderately improved livelihoods, empowered women and youth, and enhanced infrastructure access in Adamawa State. Strengthened monitoring, awareness campaigns, and sustainable funding are recommended to maximize impact. Keywords: NEEDS, Poverty Reduction, Employment, Infrastructure, Value Reorientation. Title: THE IMPACT OF NATIONAL ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA Author: Wariyaki Bristone Tongsari, Idi Audu International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 4, October 2025 - December 2025 Page No: 601-609 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 24-December-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18043638 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-impact-of-national-economic-empowerment-and-development-strategy-on-poverty-reduction-in-adamawa-state-nigeria