The study examined poverty and estimate its determinants among artisanal fishery households
in Edu and Moro Local Government Areas of Kwara State. A multi stage random sampling
technique was used to select 160 fishermen for the study. Primary data were obtained with the
aid of well structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and tobit
regression model were employed in the analysis of the data. 69.4% of pooled fishermen did not
have formal schooling and about 91% were males. Using the maximum likelihood estimation
technique. Asymptotic parameter estimates were evaluated to describe poverty determinants.
Except for age, marital status and fishing experience, all other explanatory variables specified in
the tobit model were significant. It is recommended that artisanal fishermen in the study area
should be educated to ensure proper understanding of new fishing methods and adopt
technology capable of increasing not only the profitability of the enterprise and improvement in
the quality of life of rural households but also make efficient use of the fishing resources.