Irma Suffern: Blog Poverty in Zimbabwe

Summary:

                After independence for 34 years Zimbabwe is in very rough condition right now, they have unemployment rates above 80 percent. Promises made by President Mugabe back in 1980 have not come close to being true. The country is suffering greatly and each year they celebrate their independence as a country, they are slapped in the face with their reality that most of them live in poverty and see little optimism about their situation. This country is now deeply and desperately reliant on imports and humanitarian aid of other countries. The spirit of independence is not as bold and lively as a country could or should be. Instead the spirit of independence is dampened due to the conditions of poverty its people live in.

Response:

                One reason Zimbabwe is seeing no improvements, but further disaster is because they are not engaging in more exporting. They need to produce more good for trade to help bring in new money and also new opportunities. If Zimbabwe was needed for certain goods there would become a demand and jobs would begin to open up for its native people. Also having the same man as their president when he has not made good on any promises that would benefit his people is not wise. They need a leader who will make things happen for them and get their country on track with its fairly new independence. Having their independence as a country doesn’t matter because these people live lives at the mercy of others, they are entrapped and in other words, still enslaved.

URL: http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2014/04/17/zim-34-nation-goes-motions/

Date/Time: April 17, 2014, no time specified

Title: Zim @34: Nation goes through motions

Blog #10: Why water access matters to poverty reduction

Summary:
Amanda Klasing has spent about 8 years speaking with women and children of Haiti about their living situations, one important factor that she focuses on is their access to water. There was an earthquake that occurred in the year of 2010, but before this earthquake they had a poor water drainage system, which left many places at a risk for flooding to happen. As a result of the damage many women and children had to go fetch water on their own, causing these kids to miss class. Mothers also had to result in using bad water to care for their sick children, because they had no source of healthy water. Some women even had to give birth in tents or streets with no access to running water. There is an estimate of 800 million people who have been deprived of access of clean drinking water and 2.5 billion lack sanitation. Countries are currently devising a plan to alleviate these problems that are taking place in the United Nations.

Analysis:
 I believe that it is good that Klasing has followed this certain group of people in Haiti for the past 8 years, because it shows that someone id being consistent in trying to find out what problems are and making them known to the public. I don't believe the only goal of this article is show the public that there is a lack of sanitized water in Haiti, but that water is really a primary source that keeps people healthy and living. Many may think that food and shelter is the most important thing, but if you don't have clean water, then you don't have a clean body. These people need to be able to have a clean body to be able to eat. Dirty water is the source of these women's kids becoming sicker and this only result's in fatality and more poverty. The article states that this is an easy fix problem, and if it is such an easy fix then it should be alleviated in no problem. After they do this they can focus on other factors that will help their women and children out of poverty.

http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/03/21/why-water-access-matters-to-poverty-reduction/

Blog #10, How a basic income in the U.S. could increase global poverty

Summary

This article discusses how a basic income in the United States could actually increase global poverty.  Occupy activist David Graeber and libertarian economist Charles Murray, want to see a lump sum income replace a bureaucratically administered federal welfare system.  Liberal economist Barbara Bergmann is against the basic income, because she thinks people need those specific federal programs.  Megan McArdle, the interviewee, agrees with Bergmann that the basic income couldn’t replace the existing social welfare system but instead, it would end up doubling the federal budget.  The United States would also have to halt immigration from poorer countries, which would also increase global poverty.  McArdle discusses why she is opposed to the guaranteed income, how the basic income affect would work, supporting federal programs the way they are, and whether or not she believes we would ever have a guaranteed minimum income.

Analysis

This article was very interesting and intriguing. I would have never thought that a basic income in the United States could increase global poverty.  I didn't think it would have a global effect.  McArdle makes many valid points and arguments throughout her interview.  She described the issue as fiscal.  If you think about giving every man, woman, and child about $15,000 a year to live off of.  It’s about 200 million people you would have to be sending those checks to — a little over, actually. So you’re talking about in the region of $6 trillion a year, which is much larger than our current budget.  That was the first very valid point she made.  I feel that the most valid point she made was her second, when she was asked "how would a basic income affect work?", she replied by saying, "The other problem of course is that some people are going to drop out of the labor force. If you can live without working, some people will choose to".  This is a very valid point and I absolutely agree with her.  If people could live without working, many people would choose not to and take advantage of the system.  The system in which many people already do.  This would lead to even more problems,  including global poverty.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/how-a-basic-income-in-the-u-s-could-increase-global-poverty/

Blog 9: Global poverty could be up to a third higher than reported

Summary:
There are over 1 billion people in the world who are living off of $1.25/day. A recent research says that the poverty line is well above what we know is it today, because of our specific definition of poverty. They took into account shelter, sanitation, water, information, nutrition, health and education to get a better look at how many people are actually impoverished. The study that was reports in the Journal of Sociology says the World Bank isn't aware of these numbers because they don't take all of these factors into account. From a study done in Vanuatu it showed that 5% of children live in poverty according to the dollar a day measure, but 17% of children live in poverty according to the basic need of food and shelter. It states that the World Bank need to take a more accurate measurement on the poverty line because, if they did it would substantially increase about 30%.

Analysis:
 I believe that the reason for the bank not going into depth with the measurements previously taken to get a count of the people in poverty is because they will find themselves in more trouble than they really bargained for. It doesn't make sense that they only go off of the dollars a day measurement, because I'm sure not every family has the same amount of kids and can make a living off of $1.25 a day. Sub-sequentially, given them false number of those who are impoverished. Every family is unique and their basic need for food and shelter may out way the next families basic needs. If the World Bank really wants to be of assistance to people who are in poverty, they really need to think about going beyond the surface and really take into account the things that people in poverty desperately need. The faster they get a count of these people, the faster they can make a budget to help them.

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2014/april/global-poverty.html

Irma Suffern: Blog 9 Poverty in Africa

Analysis:

            Based on the article one of the main concerns expressed was that Africa’s poverty is upheld by the growth they are experiencing being in areas that are rather affluent. The areas that are rather desperate for the exponential growth are not experiencing it and it is resulting in their ultimate doom. These countries need to be made priority and for lack of better words cradled like a baby. Africa’s state is very fragile and the recovery of it is even more fragile. One economist said that the growth taking place in Africa is surrounding certain areas rich in oil, copper and iron. It is excluding agriculture and investment areas.

Response:

            As a proposition to further improve Africa is to give out cash distributions like Tanzania and Ethiopia. This will allow areas where resources are exploited to regain social pensions. This can help mothers in need for help with their children. Africa is also encouraged to engage more in exporting to help bring in more of an income to the country. Manufacturing and agriculture are in the decline in Africa so if they were to increase the production of those two assets then they could possibly see better days. Manufacturing items would definitely bring in more resources to the country due to exporting goods and trade. This would allow for Africa for the first time possibly to become a real asset in the trading world. The demand that the items they could produce could also increase the amount of money they’re bringing in and helping out their home people.

URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/201404080948.html

Title: Africa: World Bank Concerned Over Growth in Africa Amidst Poverty

Date/Time: April 8, 2014 N/A

Blog 9, Ending Extreme Poverty In The World by 2030

Summary

The article revolves around a discussion between World Bank President Jim Kim and Ali Velshi about the institution's campaign to end extreme poverty in the world by 2030.  People living in extreme poverty, are defined as those making less than $1.25 a day.  Currently, 17.7 percent of the world's population falls into that category.  The World Banks goal is to reduce that number significantly, down to 3 percent.  Jim Kim was quoted as saying, “We’re very focused on lifting the billion or so people living in extreme poverty out of that condition so that they can have those things that everybody in the world wants”.  The World Bank aims to lift 50 million people out of poverty each year by investing in health, education, roads, energy, infrastructure and more.  Kim was asked a series of questions in regards to poverty not only in the United States, but throughout the rest of the world as well. 

Analysis

This was a very powerful, and inspiring interview and article.  Jim Kim touched on a vast number of very important issues regarding world poverty.  When asked about the inequality in America, Kim made a very valid and strong quote.  Kim said, "The World Bank is actually tracking the income growth of the bottom 40%. There's a lot of really good data that suggests that the higher levels of inequality is actually a drag on economic growth. So even if all you care about is economic growth then you've really got to be focused on inequality."  This is extremely important.  As an American, I believe out first concern and focus should be on the inequality here in the United States.  The United States has the highest inequality rate in the whole world.  That is a HUGE problem.  One that must be addressed swiftly, and with the utmost urgency, if we ever hope to get our economy in a better position.  Kim also touched on the other 80% of the World's population that are making around 2 dollars a day, the United States debt, how climate change can effect economies, and the top 1%.

http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/real-money-with-alivelshi/articles/2014/4/9/ending-extreme-povertyintheworldby2030.html

Blog #8: World Bank increases loan capacity to $300bn

Summary:The World bank has just recently agreed to an increased loan amount to assist impoverish countries in their times of need. This will all happen over the next decade, and this is happening to adapt to the changing world. In a meeting with the International Monetary Fund, Jim Yong Kim stated that the World Bank is doing this in efforts to end extreme poverty by the year of 2030. The bank has undergone a serious amount of restructuring in order to prepare for this great change, and one of those changes is being able to double the amount of money that they are able to give to middle income countries. The bank is also looking to cut unnecessary fund out in order to increase the amount of money that they can save. They will share prosperity between the lowest 40% of developing countries, but while focusing on them, they will not overlook the others that need help as well. They will insure a strategy that ensures that no country is left behind.

Analysis:
This is great news to hear that the World Bank is putting forth effort to help get countries out of poverty. They acknowledge that 2/3 of the worlds most impoverished people are all gathered in just 5 countries, but they also note that these are not the only people that need help. With loan capacity being raised, this could possibly help people get out of poverty faster, but what about the amount of debt that countries are putting themselves in as they accept a higher amount of money. Maybe, as they get these loans from the World Bank, they will create more jobs for their citizens and consequently these citizens can work to help build the economy and finally the end result will be the countries generating enough funds to pay these loans off. But, if the countries don't spend their loan amount wisely, then this calls food disaster. I am in hope that the people who are in charge of distributing funds, have a well planned out budget and have the authority to carry those plans out. If they have great leadership, it will take them, hopefully, a shorter amount of time to implement their plans as opposed to if they have people who don't know what they are doing that are in authority.

 http://www.publicfinanceinternational.org/news/2014/04/world-bank-increases-loan-capacity-to-300bn/

International Monetary Fund,c

International Monetary Fund,, Ki

Irma Suffern: Blog 8 Poverty in Afghanistan

Analysis:

            Around the world the rates of poverty has been doing well and decreasing. Even Afghanistan has seen some improvements for their native people. In the NRVA (Afghanistan's National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment) survey between 2008 and 2012 it showed results of infant mortality rates decreasing by 57 percent. There was better drinking water for the public, which ultimately led to less people becoming ill and dying. And the literacy rate amongst adults had increased by 5 percent. Despite all of these improvements Afghanistan still suffers from poverty. The improvement of poverty ridden countries has been proven to be more difficult when they are in a fragile state.

Response:

            The extent of poverty within Afghanistan is so great that over 50 percent of households reported to live off of less than $1.25 a day. This is less than what a cup of coffee costs in America. The poverty rate is stuck at 36 percent in Afghanistan. Afghanistan suffers from great inflation prices, although they have had great economic growth. Most of the stagnation of recent poverty numbers is due to inequality. Consumption amongst the richest Afghanis has grown significantly more and the consumption amongst the poor has hardly grown at all. However, the pace of future growth rates is unknown. Due to the current state of Afghanistan they are now facing the possibility of fragility challenges. These challenges can make it much more difficult to end and even reduce poverty in Afghanistan.

           

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/borany-penh/a-tough-job-tackling-pove-afghanistan_b_5084874.html

Title: A Tough Job: Tackling Poverty and Fragility in Afghanistan

Date/Time: April 3, 2014 2:16 pm

Blog 8, India needs multi-pronged approach to eradicate poverty: Report

Summary

This article talks about how a multi-pronged approach, with the focus on inclusive economic growth would help eradicate poverty, which is increasingly getting concentrated in a few geographical areas.  This article is based on observations of the India Public Policy Report, also known as the IPPR.  The report was just released this week and in the report it says, “Overcoming poverty requires a context specific multi-pronged strategy that includes: a basic needs approach, a human rights entitlement approach, a natural resource management approach and a focus on inclusive economic growth”.  The biggest problem in India, is that poverty is becoming increasingly concentrated in a few geographical areas.  This is a particular among specific groups, with poverty increasing in the urban areas as well.  The report’s Policy Effectiveness Index, is based on four factors - livelihood opportunity, social opportunity, rule of law and physical infrastructure development.

Analysis

This article was very short and to the point.  The main point of this article, was to touch on the most recent information regarding poverty in India.  This happened to be the India Pubic Policy Report.  Inclusive economic growth is defined as "a concept which advances equitable opportunities for economic participants, during the process of economic growth, with benefits incurred by every section of society.  So when referring this to India, this would mean that the goal is to make sure equality and equal opportunity is spreading throughout India, and not just in one area.  Currently, poverty is becoming increasingly concentrated in a few geographical areas.  This means that these particular areas are experiencing a high level of inequality, which is now increasing in the urban areas as well.  Livelihood opportunity, social opportunity, and the rule of law and physical infrastructure development, are the sole reasons as to why this is a problem in India.  The first step in working towards a solution, would be to focus on the infrastructure and the social opportunity of these more poverty prone areas. 

Blog #7: Cutting aid to Afghanistan will cripple the nation

Summary:
An Islamic report revealed that Afghanistan has reaped many benefits since troops have been there. They have experienced a substantial gain of education, almost half of the girls in Afghanistan are in school, whereas there was only 3% ten years ago. There has also been a rise in health. Contrary to the benefits that they have received, their aid has been drastically cut from $894 million to $508 million in two years. The progress that was made in the realm of education and health are threatened due to this significant amount of money being taken away. Islamic Relief’s Country Director of Afghanistan, Farzana Balooch, realizes that such cuts have resulted in a downhill motion regarding their economy, she also realizes that Afghanistan needs the continuous support of their international community to prevent further deterioration. The Islamic relief presents the argument that international aid should focus on basic needs such as health and food aid, and making sure that the people of Afghanistan continuously deliver and develop aid. The Ambassador of Afghanistan thanked the Islamic Relief report for back Afghanistan up, in an effort to keep receiving humanitarian support from international countries.


Analysis:
 It is good that Afghanistan has resulted in a significant amount of growth concerning their citizens, but is it really plausible for them to become so dependent on other countries to keep their people out of poverty? I believe that it is okay for them to receive any help that is given or to appreciate what they have gotten in past years as a result of troops being there, but it is not okay for them to make their international community feel even the slightest bit of obligation for not continuing to aid them as their need arises. Over the decade that Afghanistan was receiving support, it wouldn't be too far fetched for anyone to think that they would come up with a plan to try to support themselves, as their need should arise. Being dependent on another will never result in success, and this is why countries must always have alternative plans so they can take actions when they need to. As a result of not having an alternative plan to generate funds for themselves, Afghanistan faces the chance of their education growth deteriorating once again. Cutting the aid to Afghanistan will cripple their nation, but maybe the continuous aid that their international had been putting forth over the years has resulted in them experiencing a crippling in their nation. If the international community has resulted in a crippling, then this may have caused them to take a step back, and reevaluate where their funds need to be spent in the future, and once they get their budget in order again they will be able to reconsider helping Afghanistan again. But in the mean time, Afghanistan needs to be figuring out another way to keep their poverty level down and their education enrollment rate the way it is, if not even higher.

http://muslimvillage.com/2014/03/28/51657/islamic-relief-cutting-aid-to-afghanistan-will-cripple-the-nation/

Blog #7, Can the Bible Help Save World Poverty?

Summary

This article discusses the issue of whether or not the bible can help save world poverty.  This article revolves around an economist by the name of Barry Asmus, and a theologian by the name of Wayne Grudem.  These two teamed up to present a time-tested bluprint for what they believe, is the solution to solving poverty.  This blueprint revolves around a mixture of free market values and the bible.  These two wrote a book together titled "The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution", which they described as "a robust proposal for fighting poverty on the national level".  Through mixing both free market principles and teachings from the bible, they believe it can lead to economic prosperity and long-term stability.  They discuss the values, moral teachings, and the freedom of choice discusses in the bible.  Grudem said "one doesn’t need to embrace the Bible as the written word of God to see the book as offering up wise ancient wisdom that can be practically used in the real world".  Asmus said that the biggest problem with impoverished countries is ignorance.  Ignorance to the problem of poverty and to some of the antidotes needed to empower the populace.  Grudem also added that dependence on foreign aid, depleting natural resources, blaming outside sources for poverty and attempts to “redistribute wealth from the rich to the poor” are also impediments to success.

Analysis

I found this article to be very interesting and intriguing.  I actually agree with a lot of the points that both Asmus, and Grudem made throughout the article.  Some can be very controversial, but overall, I feel that their outlook and connection to the bible and free market values is pretty much on point.  However,  the two argue in the book that some effective principles for lowering poverty are governments that uphold freedoms like property ownership, the freedom to buy and sell, the freedom to travel, the freedom to trade and freedom from excessive government regulation.  However, many of this countries have no other choice but to listen to the government.  When you are under a dictatorship or a communist nation, if you rise up against them and rebel you will more than likely be killed.  For these drastic of changes to occur, it would require a vast amount of people to rise up, fight, protest, and rebel.  However, no changes will be made if the people who are fighting for change are killed.  This article and their book make some very interesting and thought provoking points, however I do not feel it is very "realistic".  Like Asmus said, ignorance is a major problem but how can these people not be ignorant?  They are constantly suppressed and oppressed, they have horrible education systems, they are ran by a corrupted government and police force, and they have very little freedom.  The only possible outcome of living in a society like this, is ignorance.

 http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/03/28/can-the-bible-help-solve-world-poverty/

Irma Suffern Blog 7: Poverty in Europe

 

Summary:

A survey taken shows an increase in the number of new poor people in seven different European countries and challenges the official European Union discourse. It is noted that the level of poverty in Europe is far worse than it was before and the levels of poverty is increasing. Children and youth of European countries are more and more introduced to impoverished lives.  Some say the most harm from the poverty that Europe is experiencing is the young graduates from the new poor that are attempting to enter into the labor market. There are people from Cyprus who are searching for food from others and are in desperate need.

 

Response:

                Based on the results shown from the surveys and the new forms of poverty placed on children and youth, Europe is on the downfall. The people of Greece watched helplessly as Europe began to take their economic downturn since 2008. A quote from the article "We in Brussels keep hearing that the economic crisis is over," Thorfinnur Omarsson, a spokesman for Caritas Europa said in Athens where the network of Catholic relief organisations released the report. "These findings not only doubt that the crisis is over but show it is the poor who are paying for a crisis they did not cause.” This explains how the poor people suffer from the ill made decisions of others who most often are rich and will not reap the repercussions.

 

 

Date: March 27, 2014

URL: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/27/europe-economic-crisis-worse-caritas-report

Title: Europe's economic crisis is getting worse not better, says Caritas report

Blog #6 : How Business Can Lift People Out Of Poverty: 4 Insights From The World's Best Social Entrepreneurs

Summary

          This is a very interesting article that discusses the power that business can have on affecting, and improving poverty on a world scale.  The article starts off by asking the question "How do you profitably sell to a customer who earns less than $2 per day?".  The article discusses a new kind of entrepreneur, who is springing up and looking at things differently.  This is, with business being the best way to fight poverty.    Sam Goldman, an engineering student from Stanford, makes low-cost solar lanterns that are specifically designed for people making $2 a day.  Jordan Kassalow, who owns an eyeglass company called VisionSpring, has successfully sold over 1 million pairs to people in developing countries.  Prema Gopalan, has built a network of women entrepreneurs across rural India that sell all kinds of transformational products that can lift a rural household out of extreme poverty.  These social entrepreneurs view their customers—the world’s poorest people—as collectively comprising the world’s largest under-served market, with an annual purchasing power of over $1 trillion.  They do this through 4 steps.  Through recruiting and empowering local changemakers, building a movement and not a market share, embracing competition as a strategy to scale impact, and how it's about mission and not money.

Analysis

          This article was very inspiring and surprising.  I am so used to corporate companies taking advantage of, and exploiting the poor and less fortunate.  Whether it is through working conditions, pricing, or product.  This new "brand" of entrepreneurs, and the way they look at things is much different than your typical businesses or corporations.  They are actually designing their businesses around not only profiting off the poor, but by helping them in the process through cheap prices and products that are designed to target their needs.  Their views are very original, thoughtful, and nontraditional.  People like Sam Goldman, Jordan Kassalow, and Prema Gopalan have the potential to change the consumer world.  My favorite quote from the article stated, "If you really want to succeed in the toughest market on earth, you need more than a sales plan and a profit motive – you need a mission."  This is a very powerful and accurate message.  Especially when you are making products that target the poorest in the world.  Their mission is simple.  Make products that the poorest in the world can afford, and benefit from at the same time.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2014/03/21/how-business-can-lift-people-out-of-poverty-4-insights-from-the-worlds-best-social-entrepreneurs/

Blog 6: While Cambodia's poverty rate drops, many still struggle to survive

Summary:
Cambodia has managed to alleviate their number of poverty from 52.2 to 20.5 between the years 2004 to 2001, which is a number that passed their goals. Despite Cambodia's effort to help all people, they still have a numerous amount of families that are still struggling, living in poverty. Many Cambodians take a part n leisure activities, but according to the World Bank report, the gap between rich and poor is great. There is talk of building a new airport, which will further cause people to loose their home, making the poverty number rise again. Previous studies have been conducted that showed that only horrific results can come from such building, most importantly unemployment and debt. Citizens of Cambodia that live close to where the airport will be built have been in fear since they've heard the news f the new airport. One particular family have had generations of people stay in the place they are staying now, JUST enough money is made to feed their household of eight, and their don't have funds for medical care.

Analysis:
 While it is great that Cambodia made efforts to get people out of poverty, a substantial amount of people may I add, it is not okay for them to forget about the rest of the people living in poverty. It seems as if they feel like they've accomplished a big goal, and for that goal they need to reward themselves with an airport, that will only reverse the numbers of poverty again. Everyone loves to get an incentive when they perform a great act, but I feel like it is the job of Cambodia to make sure people are not suffering, especially at their hand. I could understand if Cambodia wanted to build an airport after they alleviated all of their citizens from poverty, that would be a well deserved reward, but that isn't the case. "It is as if" they are sending the message to those remanding that they are less important than a new airport that will bring then revenue, which could make those citizens  feel worthless. Contrary to Cambodia building the airport and making people loose their homes, if they were doing it to create fund to further help people, that would happen to be a great idea! Although, they would need to find another location, so the people that lived near their current location could continue to have a home. If Cambodia has more ideas about helping their people out of poverty, then they need to carry those plans out, instead of building an airport that hasn't been presented as if it will help their citizens as a whole. Cambodia did good, dropping poverty number from more than half, but they can surely do better.

http://www.catholic.org/news/international/asia/story.php?id=54406

Irma Suffern: Blog 6 Poverty

 

Summary:

                The article started out by telling a story of a Syrian woman and her daughter. The woman noticed her daughter was not doing very well and she managed to get to Lebanon to see a doctor. The doctor informed the woman her daughter was starving. Starvation in Syria was once very uncommon and frankly did not exists. A survey showed that four percent of children were suffering from starvation. Those numbers grew, in 2012, to 5.9 percent of children in Lebanon who are Syrian refugees and had malnutrition issues that.

 

 

Response:

                Things in Syria have become so bad. In a matter of time the country went from have health care that was virtually free to now having children who are starving to death and the parents are helpless. The poverty is so bad in Syria that if 10,000 children did not get immediate help they would die from malnourishment. Children are dying and at risk for dying due to the lack of money and resources to properly be fed. Women leave their home country for a better life and to get treatment for their children, but still cannot seem to catch a break, because Lebanon only offers basic care due to a lack of money and surplus in people in need. Kids were being turned away from doctors’ offices due to costs of covering the procedures needed was not available. Babies were facing starving to death due to other conditions that they have and it not being deemed as an emergency. The people of Syria are fearful for the future and so are their refugees. The place they once knew as home is now estranged.

 

Date: Mar 14, 2014 1:04 PM

URL: http://www.newser.com/article/995ae9632a1c462fa97767a3f6626fc2/malnutrition-grows-among-syrian-children-as-poverty-lack-of-heath-care-take-toll.html

Title: Malnutrition grows among Syrian children as poverty, lack of heath care take toll

Irma Suffern Blog 5: Poverty

Analysis:

            Peru is known for the world’s third largest production, copper. It is projected that its production of copper could triple by 2015. Mining within Peru is expected to boom as some projects they are working on completes in the next couple of years. The mining sector could pull in half of all investments in Peru over this time period of two years. The reliance and optimism regarding mining and all the possibilities it offers Peru is in disregard that the vast majority of the projects they have in progress are Chinese owned. But even with all of this promise to bring in new money to Peru, it has been noted that currently nearly seven and a half million people live in absolute poverty in Peru.

Response:

            When discussing the mining to be done in Peru, it was looked over that the mining was illegal. $3 billion worth of gold mining is illegally being done to bring in a profit to the country as well as others who they are in business with. With such high numbers of impoverished people in Peru, it is understandable why now more than ever it is necessary to try to improve their equity market. Peru is in competition with so many other countries, for trade of goods produced from mining, it seems their illegal efforts may not only fall short of what they need, but also put them into much more financial trouble. Peru is in need of legitimized means to experience a surplus in finances and improve the lives of their people.

Date and time: March 7, 2014 12:54 pm

URL: http://www.ibtimes.com/perus-mining-sector-bright-spot-amid-emerging-market-turmoil-1560111

Title: Peru’s Mining Sector: A Bright Spot Amid Emerging Market Turmoil?

Blog #5, One-quarter of female led households live in poverty

Summary

This article goes into detail about the poverty rate of households in Turkey.  A little over one-quarter of households run by women in Turkey, are in poverty at 27.2 percent.  Households ran by men have a 20 percent poverty rate.  When looking at research conducted by Bahçeşehir University's Center for Economic and Social Research, they stated that 7.7 million out of the total population of 72 million, live in a household where the primary provider is female.  This leads to poverty being very vast and widespread.  When looking at Turkey, the females are divided into two separate groups.  There is a younger group which is more educated and more attached to the labor market, and an older group that is less educated and more isolated from the labor market.  A study on March 5, showed that female participation in the labor force is at 25.9 percent and male participation is at 69.2 percent.  According to the EU, the average rate of female participation in the labor force in developed countries is at 62 percent, which puts Turkey well under the average.  High-level public officials who are female remained at 9.3 percent.

Analysis

Honestly, these statistics were not very shocking.  Women throughout the entire world are discriminated against on a daily basis.  Specifically within the educational system and the work force.  These statistics proved true in Turkey as well.  In 2013, females in high-level public official positions ranked at 9.3 percent, judges were at 36.3 percent, and the academic staff was at 28.1 percent.  When looking at these numbers, it is evident as to why households ran by women have such a high poverty rate.  They cannot obtain jobs that pay very well.  The president of the Turkish Association of University Women (TÜKD) Nazan Moroğlu told Today's Zaman that Turkey is ranked 120th out of 135 countries with regard to women's employment, and stressed that Turkey does not have much to celebrate on March 8, International Women's Day.  However, the rate for female executives wasn't that far behind global average.  The global average for female executives is 24 percent, and Turkey was at 20 percent.  In Eastern Europe the rate for female executives is at 37 percent, 38 percent in Southeast Asia and China, and the lowest rates for female executives fell in Japan at 9 percent, followed by the United Arab Emirates and India at 14 percent.  

 http://www.todayszaman.com/news-341474-one-quarter-of-female-led-households-live-in-poverty.html

Blog #5: South Asia – where weapons are more important than the poor

Summary:
At the launching of a ceremony a South Asia report stated that South Asia accounts for forty percent of the worlds poor people. One of the key speakers at the ceremony was Dr. Riaz Shaikh, he stated that it is a shame for the people of South Asia used to be famous for the provision of food over the entire world and now they can't even provide enough food for themselves, causing them to suffer from starvation. He believes that they are not spending enough money on the development of their country, but instead spending money. Women and children are the most affected people by starvation of this country. South Asia spends the most money on weapons, their military has an abundance of weapons, but military spending is more than developed countries. South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication is an important part in fighting against structural causes of poverty and social injustices in the region and beyond. SAAP has been doing reports since 2003 and the current report is the fourth one. People are consistently fighting against political forces to receive and this increases the resistance movements giving these citizens a bigger voice in their society. This report is a voice of the people of South Asia concerning injustice, it gives an overview of the people and factors dictating this injustice. 

Analysis:
This article is basically showing how South Asia is not distributing their funds the way that they should so that their citizens are able to sustain life. If the government continues to spend money on military supplies then that doesn't leave money for food, shelter and clothing for the people that live their.Why is a government spending money on the military if their citizens need this money distributed to them more? These people can die from starvation, just like they can from an invasion of another military on their country.  Like previous blogs, I believe that this country needs to get their priorities straight, get a budget, and this will help them to distribute money in the proper amount to each section of people that need it.  If South Asia needs weapons, then they should buy weapons IN ADDITION  to buying the necessary items for their citizens. It is amazing that a country that one was a huge provider for the worlds food is now suffering and can't provide for JUST for their country. This shows that somewhere, someone in their political system who had power over the distribution of funds changed their budget and caused for their economical structure to struggle in some aspects and this just causes for them to go back and try to get to that place where they once were, when their country was prosperous and abundant. 

http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-4-236464-South-Asia-%E2%80%93-where-weapons-are-more-imp

Irma Suffern Blog 4 Poverty in Venezuela

Analysis:

                Students have been in the streets of Venezuela protesting for weeks now. According to Venezuelan President, this protesting and revolting is taking place simply because of the interference of the United States. Venezuelans are faced with paying inflation fees of 56 percent, which is the highest it’s ever been worldwide. They are also facing one of the highest murder rates in the world, without being in a war zone. These people are living is such impoverished conditions they do not have the basic necessities for sustaining daily life at a minimum level. They are without food, electricity and toilet paper.

 

Response:

With all of the revolting going on in Venezuela right now it is only natural to see an amount of poverty right in the front line. These people are fighting for their lives. The amount of destitution around them has caused an uproar and they won’t stop until their conditions for living are met and then some. The line has not only been crossed, but it has been totally obliterated. Venezuelans are fighting to win back some of their rights. Venezuela’s left most neighbors are not involving themselves, because this country is fighting for what they need and deserve to have as a people. It is understood that this revolt is long overdue and these people have a right to their fight. Things have become so bad that they are not even allowing major television stations to stay up and running. Coverage on the revolts has been strictly revoked and anyone caught doing so has and will be punished. This country is on the rise and is moving into the direction or reducing their poor conditions. Things may not be lavish, but they certainly won’t be as bad as they are now.

 

Date: February 24, 2014 at 9:06 am

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carlosgonzalez/venezuela-international-left_b_4844724.html

Title: Venezuela and the Hypocrisy of the International Left

Blog #4: Plan Uganda to boost youth employment

Summary:
This article is about Uganda's plan, Plan International Uganda, to boost the job market for their younger generations. Youth unemployment is seen as one of the main factors in stinting the development of Africa.  An estimate of 12,00 youth will receive job placement, and Patrick Ssebowa Lubowa, the micro finance and business development specialist at Plan says that hopefully in three years this groups of young people will be able to teach others how to receive employment with what they will learn. This program is designed to help them reach their full potential and will be geared towards private sectored jobs. Their goal is to create new opportunities, so these kids can work their ways out of poverty. This is not the first time one of these plans have been implemented, and when they did try it didn't stop the unemployment rate from rising by the end of 2013, to 80%. The youth count for the largest amount of unemployed, yet Uganda can only provide 20% with jobs. In 2011, the government tried to implement a plan to allow youth to be able to take loans, but the banks said that youth were too unreliable and they had a hard time working with them at that time. However, in their fight to try to lower unemployment again, the bank agrees to support them with their plan, especially if it would create working products for their youth.

Analysis:
This article is showing that you have to reach your general population at a young age. In the effort to relieve poverty, it was a great idea for Uganda to target young people, because they are the next generation that will have to work for what they want to have. creating job for these young people, will contribute to their funds and will ultimately help them get themselves out of poverty and, for some, it may even help them get their families out of poverty. If private sectored jobs agree to begin to create new jobs for these youth, then it will help them to learn how to create their own businesses at a young age, to eventually create more jobs for others when they are well established in their business! While is is good for the youth in this program to be able to make bank transactions, it can also affect them negatively in the long run. Loans can be taken out, but they eventually have to be paid back, and who's to say that these youth will be able to make this money back to pay off their loan? No one, so with loans not being paid off, their debt rises, ultimately putting these kids back in poverty. I think Uganda's plan to help create jobs for their youth is awesome, and it is best that they are catching them at a youth age. Not that its bad to work with people when they are of an older age, but youth is the optimal age for teaching them lifelong skills. Reach them young and teach them young, it will make a world of difference.

 http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30380:-plan-uganda-to-boost-youth-employment&catid=38:business&Itemid=68