Extreme poverty

Extreme Poverty is a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to services. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $1.90 a day (PPP), a threshold that is periodically updated to account for inflation and changes in purchasing power across the world. People living under this condition face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to improve their lives, making it a critical issue for global development and humanitarian efforts.

Causes of Extreme Poverty

Extreme poverty is a complex phenomenon influenced by many factors, including:

• Economic Factors: Lack of employment opportunities, low productivity, and poor infrastructure can limit income opportunities.
• Social Factors: Discrimination based on gender, race, or ethnicity can restrict access to resources and opportunities.
• Political Factors: Corruption, political instability, and lack of good governance can hinder economic development and access to essential services.
• Environmental Factors: Climate change, natural disasters, and degradation of natural resources can destroy livelihoods and homes.

Impact of Extreme Poverty

The impacts of extreme poverty are far-reaching, affecting individuals, communities, and nations:

• Health: Malnutrition, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and inadequate healthcare lead to high rates of diseases and low life expectancy.
• Education: Poverty can limit access to education due to costs or the need for children to work, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
• Social Exclusion: People living in extreme poverty often face marginalization and discrimination, limiting their access to resources and participation in society.

Efforts to Combat Extreme Poverty

Numerous international organizations, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are involved in efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate extreme poverty. Key strategies include:

• Economic Development: Initiatives to improve economic opportunities through job creation, support for small businesses, and infrastructure development.
• Education: Programs to increase access to quality education, which is critical for breaking the cycle of poverty.
• Healthcare: Efforts to improve access to healthcare services, including preventive care, vaccinations, and treatment of diseases.
• Social Protection: Providing social safety nets, such as cash transfers, to support those most vulnerable to falling into extreme poverty.

International Goals and Progress

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1, aim to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030. Significant progress has been made in reducing global poverty levels; however, challenges remain, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, where the majority of those living in extreme poverty are concentrated.

Challenges and Future Directions

Efforts to combat extreme poverty face several challenges, including political instability, global economic shocks, and the impacts of climate change. Future strategies will need to be adaptable, multi-faceted, and inclusive, focusing on sustainable development that benefits all segments of society.