Surge in Severe Poverty Across Africa

Recent surveys reveal alarming trends in poverty across Africa. A report by Afrobarometer marks increase in material deprivation. This surge threatens to reverse the progress made over the last two decades. The data was collected across 39 African countries between October 2021 and June 2023.

Current State of Poverty

The report indicates that 81 per cent of respondents experienced a lack of cash income. Additionally, 66 per cent went without medicine or medical care. Food scarcity affected 59 per cent, while 57 per cent lacked clean water. Cooking fuel shortages were reported by 51 per cent. Overall, nine in ten individuals faced at least one form of deprivation.

Regional Disparities

Central Africa shows the highest levels of severe lived poverty. Approximately 35 per cent of citizens in this region endure severe deprivation. In comparison, West and Southern Africa report 27 per cent, North Africa 22 per cent, and East Africa 18 per cent. Countries like Liberia and Burkina Faso have seen improvements, while Nigeria and South Africa witness sharp increases in deprivation.

Factors Contributing to Poverty

• Declining commodity prices and foreign investments are issues.
• Rising domestic prices and reduced grain imports, exacerbated by climate change, have worsened conditions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine further complicated the economic landscape.

Political Influences

Political trends impact economic outcomes. Over the past decade, Africa has faced declining political freedom and an increase in military coups. Corruption has also surged at grassroots levels. Many individuals report having to pay bribes for essential services, indicating a breakdown in governance.

Call for Action

The findings urge immediate interventions to tackle economic stagnation and food insecurity. Policymakers are called to address governance challenges. Swift action is essential to prevent further deterioration of living conditions across the continent.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of political freedom on economic growth in African nations.
2. Explain the relationship between climate change and food security in Africa.
3. What are the main factors contributing to rising corruption in Africa? Comment on their implications.
4. What is severe lived poverty? How does it differ from absolute poverty in the African context?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of political freedom on economic growth in African nations.

1. Political freedom encourages an environment conducive to investment and economic development.
2. Declining political freedom in Africa has coincided with economic stagnation and increased poverty.
3. Democratic governance encourages accountability, reducing corruption and improving public services.
4. Military coups disrupt economic activities and deter foreign investments.
5. A stable political environment is crucial for long-term economic planning and growth strategies.

2. Explain the relationship between climate change and food security in Africa.

1. Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting agricultural productivity.
2. Reduced grain imports due to climate-related issues exacerbate food scarcity.
3. Rising temperatures and droughts increase the vulnerability of food systems in Africa.
4. Food insecurity is linked to economic instability, impacting livelihoods and health.
5. Adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.

3. What are the main factors contributing to rising corruption in Africa? Comment on their implications.

1. Weak governance structures and lack of accountability facilitate corruption at various levels.
2. Poverty and economic desperation drive individuals to engage in corrupt practices for survival.
3. Increased bureaucracy and red tape create opportunities for bribery and corruption.
4. Corruption undermines public trust and hampers development initiatives, worsening poverty.
5. The implications include reduced foreign investments and hindered economic growth.

4. What is severe lived poverty? How does it differ from absolute poverty in the African context?

1. Severe lived poverty refers to the experience of deprivation in essential needs like food, water, and healthcare.
2. It encompasses subjective experiences of poverty, including the inability to meet basic living standards.
3. Absolute poverty is a more static measure, often defined by income thresholds (e.g., living on less than $1.90 a day).
4. In Africa, severe lived poverty reflects the broader societal context, including political and economic instability.
5. This distinction marks the need for targeted interventions that address both material and experiential aspects of poverty.