Poverty in Africa - Research Paper Example

Being Left Behind People go to Africa to experience nature and see its natural wonders. The continent is very rich in that aspect and it is one of the income generating factors of the region. It was developed to help decrease the poverty level in the continent. For almost 3 decades, Africa’s economy has been left behind as others have advanced in so many ways. Income per capita for the continent was below less than half a percent for 4 decades since 1960s (Collier, 3). There are quite a handful of factors that researchers are putting into consideration on why the poverty is very prominent in Africa.

One of these factors that are being pointed out is the geography of the region itself. With rugged terrains present all over the region, it is quite a big problem for trade of goods making it sometimes almost really expensive to trade their local merchandises due to additional charges put on it. These charges are composed of not just labor but also of transportation fees (Nunn & Puga, 1). The continent is divided into more than 40 countries. After its independence, the region had its share of unfortunate events not just in governance but also with its economy.

Its population has not contributed much to its growth. Since it is divided into several numbers of countries, instead of being united in goal, they became even more divided. Sometimes it is also based on the region’s leaders whether it will succeed or not in the economic aspect of their management (Collier, 6). Though Africa is the second largest continent in the world next to Asia, its land is mostly composed of desserts or land which are inappropriate for farming. It is not just that, there is also the unavailability of enough potable water for drinking and use in farming.

Africa comes in next to Australia when it comes to the driest continents. There is a very small amount of available renewable water for the whole region. Africans rely on underground water for drinking and other use (UNEP.Org, 2-4). The region has also not maximized its communication with its neighboring countries. With the natural produce that they have, they can easily negotiate for their products to be exported. With advancements in technologies, the geographical factor can be overcome with ease.

When it comes to economy, neighboring countries and regions can come into terms especially when it will be beneficial for both parties. It has been quoted that the poverty rate of the region is like in a trap and has no other place to go. If things will not change, then maybe it really is. But certainly, there is something that people can do to change the status of the region. In the past years, a common goal is being done worldwide to decrease the poverty rate and promote peace (Draman, 2).

Eleven of the 25 poorest countries in the world can be found in Africa (Draman, 1). Poverty is leading to malnutrition and eventually deaths. There have been drives especially by the United Nations to feed the people in Africa. Almost 50% of the population in Sub-Saharan region lives on a budget of US$1 a day (Draman, 4). That is just statistics. In reality, there could be more people living with that budget or the budget that they do have could be even less than what has been published. There has been a vast increase in the youth population in the region.

In comparison to other nation’s population, Africa’s population is young. The region’s population is young and mostly unemployed. This population is concentrated on the urban areas of the regions. However, this is not being considered by some researchers which affect the poverty rate in the region. Nonetheless, this should be put in consideration as an aspect which affects not just the poverty rate but also other areas in the region (Draman, 10). It can also be said that if there is peace in the region, it will become more progressive and productive.

The people can exert more effort in making produce for local and export rather than facing conflicts and wars with their brothers. Instead of making their country rich economically, people are focusing on how to gain strength over their fellows to win certain conflicts which are going on with neighboring countries. So many plans have been presented on the table to help stop poverty in Africa (Draman, 11). Countries which are more economically stable are reaching out to help the region removed from the so-called trap.

Even countries with conflicts go hand in hand to help alleviate hunger and poverty in regions where there help is much needed. Maybe that would be the first step in every success not just for a nation but also for people. Find the peace within and everything else will fall in their proper places. Things will be clearer even if it is still in the horizon. When wars and conflicts are eliminated or just even lessen, poverty will decrease. This does not just apply for Africa, but it applies for every country who would want to progress.

Works Cited: Collier, Paul. Africa: Geography and Growth. University of Oxford: Oxford, United Kingdom. 2006. Collier, Paul. Poverty Reduction in Africa. University of Oxford: Oxford, United Kingdom. 2007. Draman, Rasheed. Poverty and Conflict in Africa: Explaining a Complex Relationship. May 2003. Nunn, Nathan & Puga, Diego. Ruggedness: The Blessing of Bad Geography in Africa. Harvard University: Cambridge, MA. May 2010. Sachs, Jeffrey, McArthur, John W., Schmidt-Traub, Guido, Kruk, Margaret, Bahadur, Chandrika, Faye, Michael, & McCrod, Gordon.

Ending Africa’s Poverty Trap. UN Millenium Project. 2004. Retrieved November 19, 2011. http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/BPEAEndingAfricasPovertyTrapFINAL.pdf. United Nations Environment Programme. Africa. 2008. Retrieved November 19, 2011 http://www.unep.org/dewa/africa/africaAtlas/PDF/en/Chapter1.pdf.