Strategies for Rural Poverty Reduction in Ekpoma Region of Edo State, Nigeria

This paper examines the strategies for rural poverty reduction in Ekpoma region of Edo State. The study used primary and secondary sources of data for the study. The paper reveals the causes of poverty in the area which include poor accessibility, poor marketing facilities, and lack of storage facilities for agricultural produce, capital shortages and very low industrial activities in the area. The study also reveals the socio-economic effects of poverty syndrum on the rural people in the region which include poor housing facilities, poor diet, high death rate and poor educational facilities. The paper also reveals the strategies to reduce poverty level in the area by providing quality education, accessible roads and the provision of soft loan to the people particularly the farmers in the area. Finally, recommendations are made to improve the quality of life in the area which include the provision of health facilities and rural electrification. To achieve these laudable objectives, the government and the Non governmental organizations (NGO’s) should be involved in the provision of these facilities