Reasons for Poverty
Poverty is a complex issue that affects much of the world. The World Bank estimates that roughly 9.2% of the world, or 689 million people, experience extreme poverty.1 Poverty relegates millions of people to hazardous jobs, poor living conditions and disease. There are many reasons for poverty.
Some people assume that it is an individual’s fault if they are experiencing poverty; this assumption can be one of many damaging myths about poverty. Numerous things contribute to poverty—for instance biased systems and insufficient resources or infrastructure.
Let’s take a look at some of the common reasons for poverty below.
Lack of education — Parents who did not receive an education are less likely to put their children in school and encourage them in their own education. Children learn valuable literacy, math, and relational skills in school; education provides hope, values and opportunities for children they cannot receive anywhere else. Inadequate education prohibits children from qualifying for better-paying jobs that can help break cycles of poverty. Limited reading and writing skills also negatively impact children’s ability to access medical and legal care or execute daily tasks as adults.
Lack of food and clean water — Lack of clean water and nutritious food are common reasons for poverty. The World Health Organization estimates that around 785 million people worldwide lack access to clean water.2 Many women and children walk miles daily to find water sources, which means that they do not have time to work or regularly attend school. Also, the water they collect can often be contaminated and cause sickness or even carry fatal diseases, which again contributes to poverty. Many people do not have access to nutritious food to build their immune system and general health; others do not have enough food to survive. Without bodily health, it is impossible to earn a living wage.
Lack of appropriate housing — Many communities experiencing poverty do not have consistent and safe housing options. Families can often live in tight quarters in houses that are too small for their needs or even makeshift homes they built themselves.
Lack of medical care — Many communities lack access to proper medical care. Medical clinics are often few and far between, based on financial resources and available doctors or medical professionals. Without easy access to medical facilities or the money to pay for treatment, individuals and families are vulnerable to even the most treatable illness. When sickness strikes, they are unable to work, and they can easily fall prey to poverty.
War and conflict — War and other political turmoil contribute to displacement, death and poverty. Armies may use or destroy resources like food, clean water and infrastructure. Bombs and explosives destroy buildings, crops and water sources and displace thousands or millions of people from their homes and lives.
How can poverty be solved?
Poverty is a global issue, but it is not without solutions. Some solutions to poverty include educational opportunities, access to clean water and vocational skill training. Without these solutions, many families will live in poverty for generations.
- Education — Lack of education can be one of many reasons for poverty. Children who regularly attend school develop crucial life skills that give them new opportunities; young people who complete their education can qualify for safer and better-paying jobs to provide for their future families.
- Clean water — Many communities experience severe dehydration and disease from contaminated water sources. Life-saving resources like water filters and clean water wells give communities access to safe water for drinking, cooking, bathing and much more; clean water promotes community health so people can work and attend school.
- Medical care — Hard labor, unclean drinking water, malnutrition and unsafe living conditions can expose workers to illness and injuries; however, many people do not have access to or can afford appropriate medical care. Access to comprehensive medical care uplifts communities, allows people to return to work and even saves lives. Medical care can include free clinics for vaccinations and disease testing and access to medical professionals to care for routine illnesses, injuries and other medical concerns.
Poverty can create widespread hopelessness because it prevents people from living healthy and rewarding lives. Many people experiencing poverty live with chronic illnesses or extreme hunger and are living a daily struggle just to survive.
Poverty can be a generational cycle; many people born into poverty do not have access to education and other helpful resources that can break those cycles. Without outside help, many children and families will remain in poverty. It is a joy to help people who are experiencing poverty find hope.
GFA World has been joining efforts worldwide to alleviate poverty for decades. GFA’s programs like child sponsorship, Jesus Wells, and vocational skills training can provide relief and hope to families in Asia experiencing poverty. However, we cannot do that work without you! Please prayerfully consider giving to one of GFA World’s ministries to help provide help and hope to people experiencing poverty.
Will you consider giving today?
Learn more about adult literacy program1 “Poverty Headcount Ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP) (% of population).” The World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.DDAY.
2 “Drinking-Water.” World Health Organization. 14 June 2019. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water.