27th Ambassadorship, Month 5, Report 1

Free Report: January

Title: Poverty

Approximately 8% of the world's population lives in abject poverty. Poverty has two dimensions- low incomes which is insufficient to maintain a dignified life, and low level of human capabilities which restricts a citizen's option to lead life of his or her choosing. In simple words, Poverty is a form of deprivation with strong interactive linkages to other forms such as physical weakness, isolation, vulnerability, and powerlessness. It is a state of economic, social, and psychological deprivation occurring among people or countries lacking sufficient material and cultural resources to sustain a healthy existence.

Poverty can be defined in terms of basic needs. It is one of the major approaches to the measurement of absolute poverty in developing countries. Basic needs approach attempts to define the absolute minimum resources necessary for long-term physical well-being, usually in terms of consumption goods.

Following are the approaches used in defining poverty:

a.       The inequality approach (Per capita income).

b.       The biological approach (subsistence approach).

Poverty is mainly related to the minimum calorie intake essential to human existence. It has been customary to define minimum needs in terms of food consumption or more specifically nutritional requirements.

Here are some causes of poverty:

1. Due to Inequality and marginalization

2. Conflict among people

3. Growing Hunger, malnutrition, and stunting due to rapid population growth

4. Due to Poor healthcare systems specially for mothers and children

5. Little or no access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene

6. Climate change

7. Lack of education in people

8. Poor public works and infrastructure

9. Lack of government support

10. Lack of jobs or livelihoods

11. Lack of reserves

 

Regardless of how poverty is defined, everyone can agree that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is critical that all members of our society work together to ensure that all of our members have the opportunity to fulfill their full potential. It makes it easier for us to aid one another.

 

References: