What Is the Extreme Poverty Definition?
The extreme poverty definition according to the United Nations is anyone “struggling to fulfill the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation,” to name a few. The majority of people living on less than $1.90 a day live in sub-Saharan Africa.”[1] Approximately 10 percent of the world’s population live below this devastating income level, or about 700 million people.[2]
In the UN’s publication Why It Matters, they answer why we should care of these definitions and numbers:
“…because as human beings, our wellbeing is linked to each other. Growing inequality is detrimental to economic growth and undermines social cohesion, increasing political and social tensions and, in some circumstances, driving instability and conflicts.” They also say, “The private sector has a major role to play in determining whether the growth it creates is inclusive and contributes to poverty reduction. It can promote economic opportunities for the poor.”[3]
Organizations like GFA World step into these places with proven solutions that address fundamental and underlying issues that keep people in poverty. One of the best ways that GFA does this is through our Christmas Gift Catalog, specifically any item that provides a way for an individual or family to create income or start their own business.
The catalog features items like sewing machines, chickens, pigs, cows and goats. These items are the start of earning money that can close the gap in what they currently bring in with what is needed at a very basic level.
If a woman can have her own sewing machine, not only can she improve her skills, but she can join a business or start her own in areas where textiles are an option for her. This kind of economic independence is rare and also freeing in places where income opportunities are few and far between, especially in rural areas.
Chickens can be the start of a small flock in order to produce eggs that can be sold in their village. Not only is this a business starter for someone, but it is also a source of nutrition for the villagers.
Items in the Christmas Gift Catalog cost as little as $11 for a pair of chickens to water buffalos for $460. No matter the cost of the gift, each gift gives immeasurable hope and joy to those who receive it. Look through the catalog today and dream on behalf of someone half a world away who needs one loving gift to start a fresh, sustainable life.
Learn more about what is poverty[1] “Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.” United Nations. https://iraq.un.org/en/sdgs/1. Accessed October 28, 2022.
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Why It Matters.” United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/1_Why-It-Matters-2020.pdf. Accessed October 28, 2022.