by Carole Haynes

Created on: May 29, 2011   Last Updated: May 30, 2011

Poverty in Africa isn't something that has just occurred, it's been there for centuries. It has become worse because of the shift in population, from the interior to the urban centers where these movements of tribes, or peoples, put a strain on the little resources that is available. The economic system that was a part of Africa before the colonialist took over were hunters, gatherers and some simple farming. They were able to feed off of the land, however because of colonialist laws, which made certain processes illegal, the people had to subsist on what was offered as well as new methods of gaining sustenance, such as learning to use farming equipment or learning skills that are employable. With the need for employment, a new machinery enters the process and competition makes it more difficult to put food on that table.

With no structure put in place to help those that are below the norm, starvation became a problem that many countries in Africa could not solve on their own relying on outside help to feed people in need. It has continued up to the present time with many around the world trying to conquer hunger throughout the world. The United Nations is trying to wipe out world hunger, and hopefully they will succeed for at least 90% of those in the third world nations but one has to remember that hunger is also in countries considered world powers, and that has to be dealt with as well.

The government of Africa until recently seemed to have been blind where the poor were concerned, concentrating only on those who were above the margin; the ones educated abroad or with some form of education. They were the ones getting the important jobs and they were the ones also stealing from the people, filling their pockets with money loaned to the government to help the country. It seemed that the only way for a better way of life for many was to leave the country, however that does nothing for the economy because the ones that can afford to do something are usually the ones leaving. The poor having very little options to get out of their situation, had to rely either on themselves or individuals who would fight for their causes, bringing their situation to the forefront and hoping this would cause change, that would better their lives.  If the governments would administer plans to help improve literacy, better housing, and more jobs, as well as including some sort of social package, maybe poverty in Africa can be extinguished.

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