LIVELIHOOD AND COPING STRATEGIES OF FEMALE HEADED HOUSEHOLDS IN ZARIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Maiwada, A.*, Laah, J.G., Garba, S. and Ahmed, M.A.

The study analysed the livelihood and coping strategies of Female Headed Households (FHHs) in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Data for the study was derived from the administration of a structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions. A total of 326 respondents were sampled, which formed the basis for analysis. Data were analysed using computer software, SPSS Version 20. The study reveals that more than one-third (35.6%) of the FHHs have tertiary education and malaria (66.4%) was found to be the commonest disease affecting children of FHHs. Findings also reveals that (53.7%) of female heads of household face financial problems in the upbringing of their children or dependent. Majority of the female heads of household (84%) receive assistance from relatives and husband’s relations and 21.2% engage in trading. This study recommends that government should improve the standard of living of FHHs and should be supported with positive livelihood strategies. This could be done by identifying and coordinating with relevant agencies to provide skills training, agricultural support and income generating projects, which will reduce indiscipline and delinquency among children in the female headed households.

Key words: Coping Strategies, Female Headed Households, Livelihood, Zaria.