What is Poverty Reduction?

When asking, “What is poverty reduction?” it’s important to understand that there are many metrics used by different countries and organizations to evaluate this. An overall understanding of poverty reduction includes ways of measuring the number of people who are permanently lifted out of this economic class.[1]

The United Nations notes,

“Poverty entails more than the lack of income and productive resources to ensure sustainable livelihoods. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition, limited access to education and other basic services, social discrimination and exclusion, as well as the lack of participation in decision-making.”[2]

Each individual’s story of poverty holds nuances of need that must be addressed. No one service or gift alone can reduce poverty since it is a multifaceted issue for many. Solutions that make the most impact are those that have multiplying effects on a person or their family.

GFA World’s farm animal gifts can be a long-lasting investment in individuals, families and communities. One cow can change the course of not only a farmer but the village as well. Ongoing, sustainable income streams are one of the most helpful ways to reduce poverty.

Many in poverty work very hard with what’s available to them. Longer hours or more back-breaking work will never afford them a step into security and independence. A new and more profitable income stream that can be multiplied reaps years, if not a lifetime, of benefits.

When a donor chooses to help supply farm animals for those in poverty, they are contributing to that community’s microeconomic environment. Small-scale assistance, relatively speaking, in the form of a cow or a pair of goats not only provides income opportunities for the farmer but also provides things like milk and cheese for the community. The better nourished a community is, the more active the people can be in society on multiple levels.


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