SDG 1: No Poverty – Understanding the Challenge and Opportunities for Action in Africa
I promised to write a series of articles on the SDGs so that we can move beyond adding “advocate” to our profiles and start taking action. Last week, I began by writing about why I care about the SDGs and my decade-long activities in this field. In my commitment to taking action, I will be educating us on how simple actions can lead to progress toward the global goals. As I mentioned last week, many Africans do not know how the SDGs affect them or how action can be taken to achieve them. So, before we #accelerateaction, we first need to understand how action can be taken.
Understanding Poverty
As we continue our journey exploring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we turn our attention to SDG 1: No Poverty. Poverty is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects millions of people around the world, including in Africa. According to the World Bank, in 2020, an estimated 736 million people lived in extreme poverty, which is defined as living on less than $1.90 a day. In Africa, the numbers are even more stark, with an estimated 413 million people living in extreme poverty.
The Human Impact of Poverty
Poverty is not just about numbers; it’s about people. It’s about families who struggle to make ends meet, who go to bed hungry, and who are unable to access basic necessities like healthcare and education.
Root Causes of Poverty in Africa
So, what are the root causes of poverty in Africa? There are many, but some of the most significant include:
– Lack of access to education and job opportunities
– Limited access to healthcare and social services
– Inequality and discrimination
– Conflict and instability
– Climate change and environmental degradation
Opportunities for Action
Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for action, either by us as individuals or by bodies, organizations, or governments. Here are a few examples:
– Investing in education and job training programs that equip people with the skills they need to access better-paying jobs. For instance, programs like the Skilled for Work Academy, which provides workplace skills training to African youth and women, can play a critical role in addressing poverty.
– Improving access to healthcare and social services, particularly in rural and underserved areas
– Promoting policies and programs that address inequality and discrimination
– Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among young people and women
Successful Initiatives
Some successful initiatives are making a positive impact in addressing poverty in Africa. For example:
– The Skilled for Work Academy provides workplace skills training to African youth and women, empowering them to access better-paying jobs and improve their economic prospects.
– SheEarns empowers women in Africa to start earning from the digital economy regardless of their education level, providing a vital source of income and economic empowerment.
Individual Action
As individuals, we can also play a role in addressing poverty in Africa, even if we do not want to go the entrepreneurship route. Here are a few ways:
– Support organizations that work to address poverty and inequality in Africa
– Advocate for policies and programs that address the root causes of poverty
– Volunteer your time and skills to support local organizations and communities
– Make conscious choices about the products you buy and the companies you support, choosing those that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices
Next Steps
In the next article, we’ll explore SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and examine the challenges and opportunities for action in addressing hunger and malnutrition in Africa. Stay tuned!
Dr. Aderinsola Adio Adepoju
Sustainability | Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Global Opportunities | Employability Skills