DETERMINANTS OF POVERTY IN THE KWABRE EAST DISTRICT OF THE ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

This paper attempts to estimate the socio-economic determinants of poverty in the Kwabre East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data was collected over the 2009/2010 farming season. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 208 randomly selected households. Household consumption per standard adult equivalence was used as the barometer to identify the poverty status of households. Weighted least squares multiple regression was used to estimate the determinants of poverty. The study revealed that, the number of children in household aged 6-12 and the distance of household dwelling to the nearest portable water source impact negatively on the welfare of households. Female headed households are also found to be predisposed to poverty. On the other hand, the number of household members in skilled jobs, value of home assets, and access to microcredit enhance the well-being of households. Any policy or programme that is geared towards eradicating poverty in the district must recognise the impact of these factors in order for it to succeed.