Economics of Begging: A Critical Assessment of Socio-Economic Determinants of Begging in Nigeria

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 faceto-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.