Social Intervention and Poverty Reduction among Youths in Conflict-Affected Regions: Evidence from the N-Teach Programme in Borno State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56919/jbam.2621.003Keywords:
Income levels, N-Teach Programm, Poverty reduction, Social Intervention, Conflict-Affected RegionsAbstract
Poverty reduction continues to be a major policy priority in Nigeria, considering the country’s rapidly expanding youth population and ongoing socioeconomic difficulties. Despite several government initiatives designed to tackle youth unemployment and poverty, yet the poverty level is still high, particularly in conflict affected areas such as Borno State. This study examines Social Intervention and Poverty Reduction among Youths in Conflict-Affected Regions: Evidence from the N-Teach Programme in Borno State, Nigeria. A cross sectional survey design was used and focused on beneficiaries drawn from Selected Local Government Areas. A representative sample was determined, and valid responses were elicited. The data wereanalyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The findings revealed that before joining the programme, many beneficiaries earned very low monthly incomes and depended largely on family support. After participating in the programme, a considerable number reported higher monthly earnings, reflecting a clear improvement in income levels. The regression results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between participation in the N-Teach Programme and beneficiaries’ income, which led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Though, the income levels have increased and yet many beneficiaries still considered their earnings as inadequate to cover basic needs or allow for savings and investment. The study concludes that the N-Teach Programme has significantly improved the income levels of youths in Borno State, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and youth empowerment. Beneficiaries experienced better earnings after participation compared to their low-income conditions before joining the programme and the study recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, should review and increase the monthly stipends of N-Teach beneficiaries to reflect the current economic realities.
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