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Brief

BASIC Research Policy Briefing 11

Growth from Below: Poverty Reduction beyond Social Protection in Nigeria

Published on 13 October 2025

Agriculture and informal economies provide essential livelihoods in Nigeria, but they face challenges such as climate shocks, conflict, low investment, and financial exclusion.

Resilience strategies include diversification, microfinance access and entrepreneurial ventures, but policy support is limited, particularly for informal activities.

Government focus needs to shift from taxation to productive support, to enhance financial inclusion, strengthen social protection, and empower women through asset ownership and business development.

Sustainable poverty reduction requires adaptive policies that integrate economic stability, peacebuilding, infrastructure, and social resilience.

 

Cite this publication

Abdulrasaq, K. and Shepherd, A. (2025) 'Growth from Below: Poverty Reduction beyond Social Protection in Nigeria', BASIC Research Policy Briefing 11, Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, DOI: 10.19088/BASIC.2025.027

Authors

Andrew Shepherd

Director, Chronic Poverty Advisory Network; Honorary Associate

Publication details

published by
Institute of Development Studies
doi
10.19088/BASIC.2025.027
language
English

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About this publication

Region
Nigeria

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