EFFECT OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON POVERTY STATUS OF CASSAVA –BASED FARMERS IN AGUATA L.G.A.OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research examined the effect of climate smart Agricultural practices on poverty status of cassava –based farmers in Aguata L.G.A. in Anambra State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the study. Primary data was the focus for data collection. The result revealed that majority, approximately 61.25% of the cassava farmers, fall below the poverty line, Conversely, only 38.75% of the farmers were considered non-poor. The result also showed that food stuff used up about (29.65%) of the monthly expenditure on average, followed by education (21.54%), clothing and shelter (19.84%), health (14.58%). The study shows that the mean expenditure was N 3,144.43. The estimated poverty line which was based on 2/3 of MPCE per person. The result shows that the mean per capita expenditure was N 3,144.4 while poverty line per person was N 2,096.27. This implies that the farmers were living on N524.06 per person per day. This study therefore recommends integrating climate-smart agriculture into rural poverty alleviation strategies is essential. Given the strong link between CSAP adoption and improved livelihoods, national and local governments should embed these practices within broader development programs aimed at reducing rural poverty