A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Determinants of Poverty: Evidence from the Agriculture Sector in South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the factors contributing to poverty in South Punjab's agricultural region in Pakistan. By conducting a cross-sectional analysis, it examines how household characteristics, agricultural productivity, and socioeconomic factors impact poverty levels. The primary objective is to identify the root causes of poverty in the region, aiming to alleviate it and enhance the well-being of rural communities. The study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers seeking to address poverty in South Punjab's agricultural sector.

Research Gap:The existing literature lacks comprehensive insights into factors such as asset ownership, women's empowerment, and various access to services variables in this specific regional context.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We employed the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method to analyze data gathered from 900 households in South Punjab's Multan, Bahawalpur, and DG Khan divisions in 2022.

The Main Findings: The study focused on three categories of independent variables: socio-demographic, economic, asset ownership, and women's empowerment determinants of poverty. Various factors were found to influence poverty in South Punjab, including age, marital status, dependency burden, distance from home to workplaces and healthcare facilities, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, employment status, education, asset ownership, and women's empowerment. The results indicate a positive association between age, dependency burden, distance from home to workplaces and healthcare facilities, and overall women's empowerment with poverty. Conversely, having a spouse, being widowed, and female asset ownership showed a negative association with poverty.

Theoretical/Practical Implications of the Findings: This study provides essential insights into the underlying causes of poverty in South Punjab's agricultural sector, offering valuable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders working towards poverty eradication in the region.

Originality/Value: Unlike previous research focusing on limited determinants of poverty alleviation, our comprehensive analysis utilizes data from these divisions, offering a more thorough examination across varied variables.