Child poverty in Nigeria: A multidimensional approach

Abstract

This study focused on the topic of child poverty in Nigeria and other concerns associated to poverty. A significant socioeconomic issue that exists in Nigeria is poverty. It has prevented many children from reaching their full potential. The lives of children in Nigeria today are less fortunate than those of a previous generation. However, this study examined the incidence and intensity of multidimensional child poverty across geographical regions, urban/rural areas, gender and Dimensions in Nigeria using the Alkire Foster Method of measuring multidimensional poverty. Using data from the Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS) 2018/2019, the study constructed an n x d dimensional matrix of achievement X consisting of Four dimensions of deprivation which was captured by 8 indicators. Dimensions of deprivations employed to compute multidimensional child poverty include consumption, Education, Health and Living standard. The result of our findings revealed that the incidence of poverty or the proportion of children who are multidimensional poor in at least one dimension of deprivation stands at 65 percent. Furthermore the intensity of poverty or the average deprivation experienced by the poor stood at 44%. This implies that that about every three in five children suffers from some form of deprivation that is at least as much 44% of all the deprivation considered in this study. The value is also statistically significant at the 5% level. This finding suggest that the SDG policy objective of eradiating Global poverty is still a long way off in Nigeria and more efforts are required to eliminate all forms of child deprivations through social inclusive policies that cater for the welfare of children regardless of social status. The study recommends that short term measures like school feeding programmes be expanded to reach children in rural areas as well as long term measures which involve policies to accelerate economic growth and provide employment and incomes to households.