by SMT

Created on: January 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2009

The divide between those that have and those who do not is glaringly evident in today's modern world and consequently brought to the global communities attention through technology. Poverty is an issue that is far reaching and can be found both abroad and domestically. While technology has many positive attributes and has the potential to make beneficial contributions to mankind, it simply cannot be considered a panacea that solves the worldwide poverty crisis. To truly combat poverty, human initiative that involves education, empathy, and a sense of community and humanity is requisite; human qualities that no machine or piece of technological equipment can provide. Rather, technology should be viewed as a useful component that is utilized in conjunction with those human characteristics to attain goals and lessen suffering inherent in deprived communities in a more expedient and immediate manner.

The primary benefit of technology is that it can be applied to accelerate the alleviation of destitution and quality of life issues by employing efficiency, productivity, and tangibility. This could not be more true as it applies to agriculture and crop production, medicine, and communication. In many third world countries machinery, water storage and use techniques employed by technology have helped poor farmers increase yields and production that can be sold throughout the region, thus improving their monetary situation. Farmer's can go from sustaining enough crop to only feed themselves and their families, to producing enough that can be sold, traded, or bartered with others in the community, by way of learned technology uses in equipment and farming techniques.

Further, quality of life issues experienced by the poor can be focused and targeted by implementing medical care that uses better technology and advancements in science. In some parts of the world such as India, people that live in remote villages can consult with doctor's that live hundreds of miles away through teleconferencing services that have been put into operation; a solution to medical access issues and delivery that would not otherwise be available, absent of technology. Also, many clinics can deliver safer healthcare services that improve quality of life and longevity.

Educational efforts and programs are often times enhanced by advances in technological communication. Telephones, internet capabilities and television all help people learn, connect and communicate. Education is key in helping impoverished

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