Poverty in Africa

What is poverty?

• “We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty. ”Mother Teresa Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/words/po/poverty205549.html#8XdzyvoAbRY1OwZy.99

Map of Africa indicating poverty stricken areas

Key Question

Why is poverty a widespread problem in African countries?

What are the main causes?

• Political turmoil• Desertification (swelling of deserts)• HIV/AIDS• War• Lack of Education• Lack of Employment• No market to sell goods

What areas and who is affected?

• Sub Saharan Africa is the main area in Africa that is affected by poverty.

• Nearly half the population live under this poverty line.

• It is estimated that approximately 300 million people are affected by this burden of extreme poverty in Africa.

Facts about poverty in Africa

• 315 million people in Sub Saharan Africa survive on less than a dollar per day.

• Less than 50% of Africa’s population has access to hospitals.

• Only 57% of children go to primary school in Africa with only a third of children completing school.

• Children count for half of the civilian casualties in African wars.

• http://www.causes.com/causes/538529-extreme-poverty-in-africa-hunger-hiv-aids-and-death-in-africa/actions/1440676

Is the poverty rate rising or falling in Africa?

The poverty rate is rising because:1. Fuel prices are rising worldwide.2. The cost of living in developing countries is

rising.3. Food prices have risen in Sub Saharan Africa.4. The gap between the rich and poor will

constantly get wider as technology constantly advances, leaving the poor of Africa behind.

Questions

• How do you think poverty started in Africa?• How could our class help the poor people of Africa?• Why do you think Africa has the most poverty?• What part of Africa is poverty affecting the most?

More Websites

• http://blogs.worldbank.org/category/tags/africa-poverty

• http://www.thehungerproject.co.uk/wherewework/aboutafrica/?gclid=CIDm6sjGg7QCFYUf4QodpUsArg

• http://www.africanhunger.org/• http://www.worldwatch.org/node/6527

By Kieran MulliganB.Ed 3St Patrick’s College Drumcondra