Agro-climatic shocks and multidimensional poverty in rural Nigeria: The nexus

Abstract

The increasing frequency and intensity of agro-climatic shocks pose serious threats to rural livelihoods in Nigeria, where agriculture remains the primary source of sustenance. This study examines the relationship between agro-climatic shocks and multidimensional poverty among rural households, utilizing data from the 2018/2019 General Household Survey. Using the Multidimensional Poverty Index, logit regression, and ordinary least squares regression models, the study assesses the extent and determinants of multidimensional poverty in the face of climate-induced shocks. The findings reveal that many rural households experience multidimensional poverty, with 60.8 percent facing key deprivations in access to education, healthcare services, and basic infrastructure. Poor rainfall, property loss, and declining output prices are major contributors to worsening poverty. Households affected by poor rainfall are more likely to fall into multidimensional poverty, reflecting the vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture to climatic variability. Limited access to credit, non-participation in cooperative societies, and lack of extension services further increase poverty risks by weakening adaptive capacity. The study calls for climate-resilient agricultural policies, improved rural financial inclusion, and stronger social safety nets as essential measures to reduce the adverse effects of agro-climatic shocks and support the resilience of rural communities in Nigeria.