Poverty vs. Sustainability

Eradicating poverty, sustainable development goal number one and the number one challenge for developing countries, especially for developing countries in Africa. Poverty simply  means a lack of basic necessities for survival. Poverty is widely spreading in Africa especially in slums near urban centers and if not eradicated will be a root to a tree of underdevelopment.

As developing countries are struggling to eradicate poverty, sustainability is also a key issue. Bearing in mind that most African countries contain large deposits of minerals we should be beyond the poverty line. Also Africa is the second largest continent with the second highest population, making it have high potential for development.  A leader in government tries to develop his country. The poor feel oppressed by the rise in the cost of living. Living on less than 200 shillings a day and the price of sugar being 210 shillings you choose between eating and drinking. Many children from poor families lack the chance to go to school or further education in order to help themselves and just like their parents, they end up being poor.

I think sustainability is a key issue in development. People living below the poverty line should be a key focus when planning for development, not building skyscrapers while others are living in shacks, not eating chicken while others are eating like chickens. That is not development. Quoting  Wangari Mathai, “It’s the little things citizens do that will make the difference.” We should be focused on improving the people to improve the country.