SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POVERTY IN MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS IN DELTA STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper investigates the spatial factors that influence distribution of poverty in multiple dimensions in Delta State. The work was informed by the spatial nature of the State in terms of geographical characteristics and how these influence incidence of poverty which has not been investigated in multidimensional framework. The paper employs spatial regression analysis in order to estimate the effects of spatial factors on prevalence of poverty in Delta State. The study employs the Harmonised Nigeria Living Standards Survey 2008/2009 (HNLSS) published in 2010 by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Generalized Household Survey (2013).  The results show that some spatial variables such as households distance to the nearest major road, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month significantly determine spatial distribution of poverty in Delta State.  One key policy message from the findings of this research work is that spatial factors need to be considered during distribution and allocation of resources to eradicate or alleviate poverty in the state.