ANN ARBOR, Michigan — There are currently 1.2 million people in the global population that live in extreme poverty. There are many alternative and unique measures that will hopefully assist in the end of global poverty.
Providing continued support to the poor is one theory. Governments with impoverished populations, such as sub-Saharan Africa, have little to no flexibility to increase financial resources through traditional methods such as raising taxes. Therefore, a continued flow of resources needs to continue, in addition to any new financial programs for resources that may be granted, creating two pools of economic resources for these governments.
Targeting all depths of poverty is another method. Governments of developing countries should commit to the design and implementation of national mechanisms that target and support people living in poverty. In this instance, assessments would be based on the depth of an individual’s poverty rather than household composition.
Providing resources for impoverished areas addresses the acute needs of many. However, the economic situation of many developing countries does not make this a viable option. Creating methods that will maintain standard methods to sustain growth are needed. Growth is needed for all those who suffer from poverty, essentially since the benefits of growth are often not shared equally to benefit the poorest people.
Addressing the issue of global poverty one country at a time, is another technique. Each country would be required to develop a national poverty reduction plan. This approach would enable ownership over the methods of which the public, private and aid resources are allocated and used more effectively.
Another theory is the mandatory diversification for all efforts to end global poverty. It would determine that helping the poor is a jointly earned responsibility of the community as a whole. Each joint investment team would have to consist of businesses, private sector institutions, donors, aid agencies, public departments and ministries. Having teams that are based upon each of different sectors of a community, per community would be a more effective method to secure resources.
Another idea is for international efforts to provide the basic minimum for all individuals in countries where the government does not have the resources to do so. The basic minimum could be decided upon as a world standard amount. It would be designed to guarantee that each individual is entitled to an amount that would make them no longer impoverished.
Creative global investments are another method to end global poverty. This would allow the global community to address the wider dimensions of poverty. Joint efforts from private and public sector would help pool funds together for developing countries with the potential to reduce poverty.
Improving data collection of poverty around the world is another method. It would entail the monitoring of the multidimensional aspects of poverty. There are many problems, in most developing countries, with inadequate and out-of-date data. This creates an inability for governments to assess and meet the needs of their poorest populations. Correction of the statistics enable them to have more realistic numbers of those most in need.
The final alternative method is to require and demand action from each community member to place some effort in ending poverty. Make it a legal responsibility that each individuals get involved. Governments and international institutions have the ability to transform commitments into global action today. If everyone helps, we can end global poverty much sooner.
What most people fail to realize is that a large percentage of people living in poverty are working individuals. However, they are individuals who support their families on meager salaries. As of 2011, it is estimated that 57 percent of individuals who are below the official poverty line, either worked or lived with a working family member.
The United States has a duty to explore historically successful ideas from the past, but also has the responsibility to be adaptable and flexible to the evolving needs of the global poor. An alternative method may be the solution.
– Erika Wright
Sources: Moyers & Company, Global Citizen
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