An Assessment of the Levels of Poverty Among Femaleheaded Households in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County, Western Kenya

Abstract

The study was on the assessment of the levels of poverty among female-headed households in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County. Its objectives were to determine the socio-cultural and socio-economic factors that cause poverty among female-headed households. The study mainly used cross-sectional descriptive research design utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. The study used purposive sampling to select 29 respondents. The study population consisted of all female-headed households in the study region and the unit 0 analysis was the individual respondent. Qualitative data was obtained by use of semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to generate frequencies and percentages presented using tables and charts. The study was guided by the women's empowerment framework (Longwe 1991), which links the inequalities of women and poverty to structural oppressions. The framework argues that if women are to overcome their subordinate positions, they have to be empowered. The relevance of this theory lies in the fact that the welfare stage ensures improvement of socio-economic status and achieving high standards of life by ensuring that people have basic needs. Access in the framework is the ability of women to access and use resources. Conscientissation is recognizing structural forces that discriminate and disadvantage women and the need to avoid discrimination at all costs. Conversely, participation refers to women taking part in the implementation and actions agreed upon. Lastly, control in the framework is the balance of power between genders...........................................................................