Public Perception and Poverty Reduction in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

The study analyzed the perception of residents of Bayelsa State on the condition of poverty, and the impact of poverty alleviation programme. It made use of primary data which was sourced by means of questionnaire administered to a random sample of 400 indigenous adults drawn from 40 communities across Bayelsa State. The data was measured on the basis of the modified four points Likert scale and analyzed using percentage, mean and Chi square. The results showed that poverty in Bayelsa State is substantial, widespread and far-reaching; it is both urban and rural phenomenon. Lack of clean and safe water and unemployment topped the problem of the poor. The worse effect of poverty is the vulnerability of the poor to diseases due to lack of safe drinking water and poor access to medical care. Lack of access to credit facility and lack of skilled manpower topped the list of causal factors. The study concluded that notwithstanding the plethora of poverty alleviation programmes, standard of living is low in Bayelsa State. It recommended amongst others the need to redesign and harmonise the various poverty intervention programmes for a coordinated attack and effective monitoring. Anti-poverty programmes should be targeted at enhancing the productive capacity of the poor. Finally, the need for urgent intervention in the supply of clean and safe water to all communities especially the rural ones.