Causes of Poverty in Africa: A Review of Literature
Alex Addae-Korankye
Abstract
The study analysed and reviewed the causes of poverty in Africa. The study found that poverty in Africa is caused
by a number of factors including corruption and poor governance, limited employment opportunities, poor
infrastructure, poor resource usage, wars and unending conflicts, poor World Bank and IMF policies, among
others. Poverty the study revealed is also caused by cultural and structural factors. The poor lacks the capacity to
influence social processes, public policy, and resources allocation. Poor people are also said to lack access to
relevant skills and knowledge, education and personal development that could improve their livelihoods. The
study concluded that poverty can only be fought in the presence of strong institutions, and equitable distribution
of resources. This requires a non-corrupt government. However, in Africa, programmes designed to fight poverty
are not fully implemented because the funds end up in the hands of corrupt individuals, who pocket the majority.
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