Causes of Poverty

There are many causes of poverty, which makes the alleviation of poverty a very complex issue. While the basic definition of extreme poverty is earning less than $1.90 a day,1 we understand that the economic definition is only a portion of the equation. There is also spiritual poverty, educational poverty, generational poverty to name just a few. The World Bank estimates that nearly 10 percent of the world’s population lives in poverty.

What causes poverty? While a list of root causes of poverty would be long, here are four elements we’ve identified:

Lack of Basic Necessities

A lack of basic necessities, such as shelter, clean water, nutritious food and medical care, perpetuates the cycle of poverty. When people lack these basic necessities, poverty is often the result, and it becomes a significant factor in their daily lives.

As an example, let’s consider a family without clean drinking water. They may have to walk miles to access clean water, which takes valuable time away from their job or education. If the family chooses to drink unsafe water instead, they have the potential for disease.

How is GFA World helping? We provide clean water wells, water filters and toilets to help increase the health and well-being of entire communities. Also, more than 70,000 children from impoverished families are being given hope and a brighter future through GFA’s child sponsorship program. Children receive educational opportunities, medical check-ups and other essential benefits.

Lack of Educational Training

Education is a valuable asset to a community and culture. As children and adults are equipped with educational opportunities, they grow in life skills and in income. In various parts of the world, girls aren’t given the same educational opportunities as boys. Literacy and knowledge for all people have the power to impact the world for generations to come.

How is GFA World helping eliminate this issue? GFA World helps make education accessible for children. GFA World’s women’s literacy programs help teach women to read and provide for their families in ways they couldn’t before: tutoring their children and reading to them.

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