Economics of Begging: A Critical Assessment of Socio-Economic Determinants of Begging in Nigeria
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Date
2024-08-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ILORIN JOURNAL OF ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
The prevalence of begging is a social issue that is prominent mostly in urban areas of many countries. To
comprehensively understand the problem of begging and tackle the issue at the policy level would require the
knowledge of what motivates people to beg and how the supply of the activity responds to changes in the income of
the participants. This study, therefore, examines the socio-economic determinants of begging and estimates the
income elasticity of begging in Kwara State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to
gather data from 153 beggars in the 16 Local Government Areas of the Kwara State using questionnaire and face-
to-face interview. The study employed the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique to analyze the data collected.
Findings reveal that employment status, access to public goods, physical challenges, and hereditary factors were
significant determinants of the duration of begging. Stable employment and access to essential public services were
associated with a reduced reliance on begging while physical disabilities and a family history of begging were
positively associated with prolonged begging. Further, we found a positive income elasticity of begging. The study
concludes that begging is a complex socio-economic phenomenon, with individual and systemic factors jointly
contributing to its persistence. It is recommended that policymakers focus on job creation targeting marginalised
and vulnerable populations; disability pensions and employment support for the disabled; improved access to
public goods such as quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure and commuunity-led initiatives aimed at the
social and economic reintegration of beggars.