Today, 1.1 billion people live in poverty and throughout the last several years, these numbers have grown exponentially. According to The World Bank, nearly 700 million people are living in extreme poverty, which is anyone who lives on less than $2.15 USD per day. There are many driving factors that contribute to cycles of poverty in the world. Inequality, climate change, corruption, and lack of opportunities are a few of the main issues that inhibit people from fully flourishing. Poverty is a broad experience and to understand its effect on individuals and communities it is classified into several categories.
There are several degrees of poverty throughout the world:
Transient (Occasionally Poor) Poverty: Most people at this level experience occasional instances of poverty. This means that in most cases, they may be above the poverty threshold but if unexpected events, such as medical emergencies, occur it can potentially push them beyond their means.
Cyclically Poor: This is poverty that affects individuals in waves. This is similar to transient poverty, but when it strikes a person it is far more severe. This is common in communities that rely on agriculture as both their primary source of income and food source.This group is especially vulnerable in between seasons or if a harvest is unsuccessful.
Usually Poor: People at this level of poverty experience the opposite of those at the transient poverty line. Usually, they remain below the poverty line and occasionally rise above the line, perhaps due to a short-term job.
Always Poor: This group of people experience poverty for extremely long periods of time, in some cases throughout generations. This vulnerable group remains at this poverty line despite positive fluctuations in their income. This is the most extreme class as they are typically unable to rise above poverty.
How are we helping?
At Zakat Foundation of America, we are true believers in giving people access to the tools they need to support themselves. Even though people are not often given the same opportunities in life, we all have the right to live a full, abundant life. Through our sustainable livelihoods projects, which include microcredit, animal husbandry, and vocational training programs, we have uplifted communities from the depths of destitution while ensuring that their dignity has remained intact.
