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Abstract:
Governance and corruption emerge as pivotal challenges, with Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (2021) revealing a pervasive issue across many African nations. Weak governance structures and the diversion of public funds impede poverty reduction efforts and exacerbate economic disparities. The article underscores the need for effective governance to foster equitable economic growth. Education, a cornerstone of economic development, faces challenges in accessibility and quality across many African countries. The World Bank (2020) identifies inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and socio-economic disparities as contributors to low enrollment rates, hindering the development of a skilled workforce and perpetuating poverty cycles. Health challenges further compound the issue, with infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS disproportionately affecting the continent. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) emphasizes the impact of these diseases on healthcare expenditures and productivity, underlining the critical link between health and economic development. Agricultural productivity, often a primary source of livelihood, is hindered by land degradation, climate change, and a lack of access to modern farming techniques. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2018) advocates for sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security and reduce poverty. Finally, the article addresses the burden of external debt, emphasizing its role in diverting resources from crucial social and economic investments. The African Development Bank (AfDB, 2021) underscores the importance of addressing debt sustainability to create fiscal space for poverty-alleviation initiatives. The different nature of poverty in Africa requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By understanding and addressing the complex interplay of historical, governance, educational, health, agricultural, and economic factors, stakeholders can work towards implementing effective policies and initiatives to foster sustainable development and uplift African populations.
Keywords: Poverty in Africa, Colonial legacy, Governance, Corruption, Education, Health challenges, Agricultural productivity, External debt, Inequality, Economic development, Equitable growth, Historical factors, Skilled workforce, Sustainable development, Fiscal space, Poverty-alleviation initiatives.
Introduction
Poverty remains a persistent and complex challenge in Africa, necessitating a nuanccd understanding of its multifaceted determinants. This article seeks to unravel the intricate web of factors contributing to the endurance of poverty on the continent, drawing on a comprehensive body of research and expert analyses. The historical legacy of colonialism sets the stage for examining the roots of economic disparities, as highlighted by Acemoglu and Robinson (2012), revealing the enduring...