ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY STATUS OF FISH MARKETERS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assesses the poverty status of fresh fish marketers in Taraba State, Nigeria. A sample size of 115 fresh fish marketers were selected using the Yamane formula. A Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Foster Greer Thobecke model (FGT). The result showed that 86.45% of the fresh fish marketers were female. The mean age of fresh fish marketers was found to be 40.21 years. The mean years spent in formal education among fresh fish marketers was eight years. The average income of fresh fish marketers for 12 months was N281,517.14 while the poverty line was N189,620. The FGT poverty measure showed that 25.20% of the fresh fish marketers were living below the poverty line. The poverty depth was 22.6% while poverty severity was 9.2%. the study concluded that fresh fish marketers were poor and were living below the poverty line. there Therefore, it is recommended that adequate capital and other marketing incentives be provided for fresh fish marketers in order to reduce marketing cost and improve their poverty status.