EFFECT OF NIGERIA EROSION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES ON THE BENEFICIARIES’ POVERTY STATUS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA EFFECT OF NIGERIA EROSION AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROJECT LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES ON THE BENEFICIARIES’ POVERTY STATUS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) livelihood enhancement activities on the beneficiaries’ poverty status in Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from a sample of 120 respondents using a well-structured questionnaire/interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, mean scores, and poverty profile model were employed in data analysis; while Z-test was used to test the null hypothesis at a 5% level of significance. The result showed that most of the community interest groups (CIGs) were livestock based (31.03%), crop farming (31.03%), and trading (20.69%). The result of the mean score analysis revealed that the project livelihood activities met the beneficiaries felt needs ( = 3.75), and improved their crop farming technical knowledge ( = 3.75) and livestock farming knowledge (= 3.43). However, the mean per capita expenditure of the households increased from N 10,004. 65 to N16, 946.12. Also, the core poverty line, moderate poverty line, and non-poor benchmark established at N3, 334.88; N 6,669.76 and > N 6,669.76 before participation was enhanced to N 5,648.71; N 11, 297.42 and > N 11, 297.42 respectively. Further analysis revealed a 37% increase, 34.8% decrease, and 21.7% decrease in non-poor, moderately poor, and extremely poor beneficiaries due to the intervention.  The result of the null hypothesis showed that the monthly mean per capita household expenditure was different by N4, 089.36 indicating a significant increase in income after participation. There was also a significant difference in poverty incidence, intensity, and severity. It was concluded that diversification of the rural economy through viable livelihood options could facilitate rural and agricultural development in the post-pandemic era. Necessary recommendations such as effective dissemination of innovations to CIGs, effective communication, and collaboration of NEWMAP stakeholders, line ministries, and universities in the region could enhance the effective implementation of livelihood enhancement activities in the area.