MOBILE PHONE USE AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF NASARAWA STATE

This study examines the contributions of mobile phone use to poverty reduction among low-income households and vulnerable groups in Lafia, Akwanga and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework is used as the theoretical basis for this study. The data for this study were obtained from primary source. A sample of respondents in the selected local government area of Lafia, Akwanga and Karu respectively were carried out using two sampling techniques: Multi-stage Sampling and Purposive Sampling. The sample size was obtained through the Cochran (1997) formula. The study used both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to examine the contributions of mobile phone use to poverty reduction among low-income households and vulnerable groups in Lafia, Akwanga and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. The finding of the study shows that the current level of mobile phone penetration and usage makes a positive contribution to poverty reduction of low-income households and vulnerable groups in Lafia, Akwanga, and Karu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. Therefore, the study recommends that government and mobile phone network providers should make mobile phones more affordable and network service available in rural and underserved areas of the State so as to enable the vulnerable groups maximize its usage with the view to combating their poverty.