Characteristics of Poverty in Less Developed Countries (LDCs)
1. Multidimensionality:
- Poverty extends beyond income deprivation and encompasses aspects such as health, education, sanitation, nutrition, and access to basic services.
- Individuals and households often experience multiple deprivations simultaneously.
2. Widespread and Persistent:
- A significant proportion of the population in LDCs lives in poverty, often for extended periods.
- Poverty is deeply entrenched and difficult to escape due to structural barriers and vulnerabilities.
3. Income Poverty:
- Measured as the proportion of people whose income falls below a poverty line (e.g., $1.90 per day).
- Typically high in LDCs, with a large population earning below the subsistence level.
4. Food Insecurity:
- Chronic lack of access to sufficient and nutritious food.
- Malnutrition and stunting are prevalent, with severe consequences for health and development.
5. Poor Health:
- High rates of infectious diseases, lack of access to healthcare, and low life expectancy.
- Poverty exacerbates health conditions and limits access to treatment.
6. Inadequate Education:
- Limited access to quality education, high dropout rates, and low literacy levels.
- Education is crucial for escaping poverty but often unattainable for the poor.
7. Lack of Infrastructure:
- Poor housing, inadequate sanitation, lack of clean water, and limited access to roads and electricity.
- Infrastructure deficiencies create health hazards, impede economic activity, and perpetuate poverty.
8. Inequality:
- Poverty often intersects with other forms of inequality, such as gender, caste, or ethnic discrimination.
- Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities exacerbates poverty and social exclusion.
9. Vulnerability:
- Poor households are more susceptible to shocks and crises, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, or health emergencies.
- Vulnerability perpetuates poverty and makes it difficult to build resilience.
10. Gender Disparities:
- Women and girls disproportionately experience poverty due to systemic discrimination, lack of access to education and employment, and unpaid care responsibilities.