Socio-economics characteristics, income inequality, and poverty status of female headed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) farming households in federal capital territory, Nigeria

The study evaluated the socio-economic characteristics, income inequality and poverty status of female headed cassava farming households in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Primary data were used for study. A multi-stage sampling technique was to select a total sample size three hundred (303) from two area councils. analyze using descriptive statistics, Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index, Gini coefficients, Probit model analysis, principal components analysis (Factor Analysis). From results about 59.73% less than 50 years old. 31.35% household married. mean about12.00 persons. annual 374, 868 Naira. About 56.77% poor given line N9, 009.37. In addition, 76% fell into below N500, 000 they control 40% market share. coefficient calculated be 0.62. Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLE) Model shows that coefficients marital (P<0.01), educational level (P<0.05), (P<0.1), sources livelihood (P<0.1) statistically significant factors influencing among area. multinomial Logit show significantly area, (P<0.10), access credit(P<0.05), (P<0.05) low earners. Educational credit (P<0.10) farm or distribution high earners households. Trading enterprise, flour/garri processing, palm/ groundnut oil pressing major coping strategies employed by against inequality. Based on findings it concluded there gap poor. It recommended policies will help create more access/programs terms loan at interest rates women should implemented all tiers government mitigate reduce household. Women also encouraged diversify their this them have relative equality balance levels year round. Facilities made accessible farmers, provision rice processing equipment available, effort empower designed, contract marketing encouraged, information dissemination via communication devices increased participation value sold farmers priority eradicate improve livelihood.