Since 2015 the international poverty line is set to $1,90. This means that every person that lives of US$1,90/day or less is considered extremely poor. In 2002, 26% of the global population was considered extremely poor, but when this was measured, the international poverty line was set at $1,25. Today, 10% of the world's population is extremely poor, which seems we are going in the right direction.
Sustainable Development Goal 1 - No poverty
Target 1. Eradicate Extreme Poverty For All People Everywhere
Today, 780.000.000 people live in these conditions, which is 269 times the total population of Jamaica, 2,5 times the population of the USA or exactly every person in Europe. Africa and South America have the highest concentrations of extremely poor people. Which is not really a surprise, given the continent's poor economics and corrupt governments.
As recorded on the last available data, Jamaica has 1.3% of his population living in extreme poverty. This does not mean that there are only 35000 poor people. These figures are based on the international poverty line of $1,90, which is different then the PPP-method (Purchasing Power Parity). More on this in the next blog where Target 1.2 will cover this topic. You will see that in reality much more people are poor and live in bad conditions.
I made the next graph to compare Jamaica with the rest of the world.
Extreme poverty in Jamaica compared to its region.
On the graph, you see that Jamaica is doing pretty well compared to its region. Haiti, a neighbour, and geologically a country with the same resources is doing not so well where 1/4 of its inhabitants live in extreme poverty. The entire Caribbean region is measured at 10%, same as global extreme poverty. Compared to the SIDS (Small Island Development States) Jamaica is also doing a pretty good job to eradicate this global problem.
How To Help
Now I would love to hear from you. How do you think we can solve this global problem? How to eradicate extreme poverty? Does your government or community do something for their less fortunate inhabitants?
Every Saturday when my husband and I go shopping. We buy extra rice, flour, milk and canned food for the homeless organisation that is posted at the entrance. But often I feel this is not enough. We are also donating to this charity that gives food: https://www.foodforthepoor.org/our-work/problems-we-solve/extreme-poverty.html
Anyways thanks for reading. Next blog is about target number 2. Which is about reducing poverty in all its forms.
