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The poverty dilemma in Africa: toward policies for including the poor

Author

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  • Kempe Ronald Hope Sr

    (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, hopekr@excite.com)

Abstract

Poverty in Africa is multifaceted. It is characterized by, among other things, a lack of purchasing power, rural predominance, exposure to risk, insufficient access to social and economic services and few opportunities for formal income generation. On average, 45-50% of sub-Saharan Africans live below the poverty line - a much higher proportion than in any other region of the world. This article assesses the socio-economic dilemma of poverty in Africa and suggests an alternative policy framework for improving the well-being of the region’s poor. The premise of the article is that including the poor is a necessary and progressive step in any attempt to sustain growth, development and socio-economic transformation in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Kempe Ronald Hope Sr, 2004. "The poverty dilemma in Africa: toward policies for including the poor," Progress in Development Studies, , vol. 4(2), pages 127-141, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:prodev:v:4:y:2004:i:2:p:127-141
    DOI: 10.1191/1464993404ps081oa
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    References listed on IDEAS

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