10 Causes of Poverty and Remedies Through Sustainable Development

FROM THE SERIES ON RADICAL DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION INITIATIVE (Updated to 2021 figures)

Nearly 21,000 people die every day from hunger., according to Oxfam*. 

* Read 

Up to 21,000 people are dying each day from conflict-fuelled hunger around the world

[We] examined 54 conflict-affected countries and found that they account for almost all of the 281.6 million people facing acute hunger today. Conflict has also been one of the main causes of forced displacement in these countries, which has globally reached a record level today of more than 117 million people. 

Poverty in India remains a significant challenge, despite notable economic progress. According to the World Bank's Poverty and Inequality Platform, approximately 12.92% of India’s population lived below the $2.15 per day poverty line as of 2021 (World Bank). Rural poverty is driven by factors such as unemployment, lack of education, and dependence on agriculture, while urban poverty stems from inadequate infrastructure and informal labor (Outreach International).

Structural issues, including caste-based inequalities and gender disparities, further exacerbate poverty, as highlighted in a research paper by the American Economic Association (AEA). While government schemes like MGNREGA and the public distribution system have helped reduce poverty levels, implementation inefficiencies persist (Forbes India). Rapid industrialization and urbanization often neglect marginalized communities, contributing to entrenched inequalities (Habitat for Humanity).

To address these challenges effectively, India must focus on sustainable and inclusive development alongside better governance, as emphasized by Next IAS.

No Poverty

The primary objective of the first Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) is to eliminate poverty on a global scale, ensuring that everyone's fundamental needs are satisfied, which includes access to food, housing, healthcare, and education. Currently, over 700 million individuals are affected by poverty worldwide, which diminishes human dignity and hinders development. This goal specifically targets extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day, while also addressing broader systemic challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and limited access to essential resources. By promoting inclusive economic growth, establishing social protection systems, and implementing fair policies, SDG 1 aims to empower marginalized communities and enhance their resilience to economic fluctuations, climate change, and natural disasters. The eradication of poverty is essential for the successful attainment of all other SDGs.

According to the United Nations Development Programme: 

Eradicating poverty in all its forms remains one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. While the number of people living in extreme poverty dropped by more than half between 1990 and 2015, too many are still struggling for the most basic human needs. As of 2015, about 736 million people still lived on less than US$1.90 a day; many lack food, clean drinking water and sanitation. Rapid growth in countries such as China and India has lifted millions out of poverty, but progress has been uneven. Women are more likely to be poor than men because they have less paid work, education, and own less property.

Progress has also been limited in other regions, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, which account for 80 percent of those living in extreme poverty. New threats brought on by climate change, conflict and food insecurity, mean even more work is needed to bring people out of poverty. The SDGs are a bold commitment to finish what we started, and end poverty in all forms and dimensions by 2030. This involves targeting the most vulnerable, increasing basic resources and services, and supporting communities affected by conflict and climate-related disasters.

17 Sustainable Development Goals

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The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These goals are designed to tackle global issues and secure a sustainable future for everyone. Below is a summary of each goal:

1. Eradicate Poverty
Eliminate poverty in all its manifestations globally.

2. End Hunger
Eradicate hunger, ensure food security, enhance nutrition, and support sustainable agricultural practices.

3. Health and Well-being
Guarantee healthy living and promote well-being for individuals of all ages.

4. Quality Education
Provide inclusive and equitable access to quality education and encourage lifelong learning for everyone.

5. Gender Equality
Attain gender equality and empower all women and girls.

6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation services for everyone.

7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Guarantee access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources for all.

8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Encourage sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, along with full and productive employment and decent work opportunities for all.

9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Develop resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and encourage innovation.

10. Reduced Inequality
Mitigate inequality both within and between nations.

11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban areas and human settlements.

12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production.

13. Climate Action
Take immediate measures to address climate change and its effects.

14. Life Below Water
Protect and sustainably utilize oceans, seas, and marine resources for development.

15. Life on Land
Safeguard, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests sustainably, combat desertification, and halt the loss of biodiversity.

16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Foster peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensure access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

17. Partnerships for the Goals
Enhance the means of implementation and revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development.

Key Principles of the SDGs:

• Universality: Apply to all countries, rich and poor alike.
• Integration: Goals are interconnected; progress in one affects others.
• Inclusivity: Leave no one behind.

By working collectively on these goals, a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world can be achieved by 2030.

Text source of SDGs and 17-goal image icons   United Nations Development Programme
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/mdgoverview/post-2015-development-agenda.html
‘The 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or Global Goals, replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which in September 2000 rallied the world around a common 15-year agenda to tackle the indignity of poverty.’