Absolute Poverty

According to the World Bank, absolute poverty is defined as living on less than $1.90 per day. This
threshold ensures a minimal standard of living, encompassing basic human needs such good
healthcare, nutrition and education. The United Nations (UN) denotes absolute poverty as the
inability to meet fundamental human needs to live a dignified life, including access to adequate
food, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and affordable housing. Amartya Sen (1999)
argues that absolute poverty encompasses a deprivation of basic capabilities required for living a
fulfilled life, such as education, healthcare, and empowerment.
More so, Mukesh 2019 is of the view that countries can adopt their own poverty line
measurements, incorporating contextual variables such as living costs, national income
distribution, and local purchasing power. These definitions of absolute poverty allow for a more
tailored and localized approach in addressing poverty.

Remedies to Curb Absolute Poverty

Enhancing Universal Basic Education

Governments must prioritize education by ensuring its accessibility, equity, and quality. Mukesh
(2019) accentuates that by investing in primary and secondary education, people have better
opportunities to succeed, escape poverty, and sustainably develop their communities.

Women Emancipation
Women empowerment is imperative in curbing absolute poverty. Krishna (2014) is of the notion
that gender equality is essential in reducing absolute poverty. Ensuring women's access to
education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can break the cycle of absolute poverty,
fostering inclusive development and improving not only their lives but also their families and
communities.

Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth

Nussbsum M (2011) notes that governments have to formulate plolicies that promote equitable
economic growth inorder to alleviate extreme poverty. He argues that Governments should
prioritize employment creation, promote entrepreneurship, and invest in sectors that generate
employment opportunities, especially in the rural areas with the most marginalized communities.

References

Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Anchor Books.

Nussbaum, M. C. (2011). Creating Capabilities: The Human Development Approach. The Belknap
Press.
Krishna, A. (2014). Poverty, Participation, and Democracy: A Global Perspective. Cambridge
University Press.
Mukesh, S. (2019). Multidimensional Poverty and Social Exclusion. Palgrave
World Bank. (2018). World Development Report 2018: Learning to Realize Education's Promise.
World Bank.
United Nations. (2015). The Millennium Development Goals Report 2015. United Nations.