Poverty is a complex problem. The most common definition of poverty measures it in economic terms. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $3 a day, which puts 10% of the world’s population below the global poverty line.
While we define poverty in terms of numbers, living in poverty means a lot more than just lacking income. Poverty is daily hunger, child malnutrition, getting sick from dirty water, not being able to afford shelter and health care, having little or no opportunity to go to school or learn a trade, being constantly fearful about the future and being vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The Reality of Poverty in Africa
Africa has the highest concentration of people living in extreme poverty in the world. According to the Brookings Institution, 27 of the world’s 28 poorest countries are in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Bank estimates that one in three Africans live below the global poverty line, making up about 70% of the world’s poorest people.
While global poverty has declined in recent decades, the number of people living in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa has grown, from 278 million in 1990 to more than 430 million today.
Why Poverty Affects Children Most
Children are often the most harmed by poverty in Africa because they are the most dependent on others for survival. They naturally need more support and care. And their growing bodies are more affected by lack. When they don’t have enough nutritious food or access to clean water, they suffer from of malnutrition, weakened immune systems, illness and stunted growth.
Poverty also makes children more vulnerable to child labor, early marriage, trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Parents struggling to feed their families are more likely to pull children out of school so they can work for an income. And if parents are desperate, the false promises of traffickers or the possibility of child marriage may seem like their only options.
The ILO estimates that more than 138 million children in Africa are involved in child labor, with 54 million working in hazardous conditions. For children who lose one or both parents, the dangers multiply, especially in communities where there are no safety nets like foster care to protect them.
The Problem of Chronic Hunger
In 2024, more than 307 million people in Africa faced chronic hunger.
One in three children under 5 in Africa are chronically malnourished. And for children, the effects are chatastrophic.
Without enough nutritious food, a child’s body and mind cannot develop as they should. They may miss school because of illness or lack the energy to focus in class. Frequent sickness weakens their immune system further. Over time, hunger stunts physical growth and brain development.
If children survive these dangers, the lifelong affects aren’t just physical. They can affect a child’s confidence, cognitive capacity, relationships and ability to prepare for their future.
What Causes Poverty in Africa?
The root causes of poverty across Africa are diverse and complex, but a few key factors include:
Conflict and displacement destroy homes, livelihoods and local economies.
Climate extremes such as droughts and floods damage crops and limit access to safe water.
Lack of infrastructure prevents many families from accessing healthy food, education and medical care.
Government corruption and instability slow progress and keep vital resources from reaching the people who need them most.
Limited natural resources in some areas, and overused or damaged land in others, make it harder to grow food or earn a living.
These challenges threaten children and families across the continent, forcing them to focus on how they’re going to survive the day rather than how they can build a brighter future. Investing in tomorrow is a luxury they can’t afford.
How Local Churches Are Changing Lives
But there’s hope. Across Africa, local churches are on the front lines of the fight against poverty.
They know the children in their communities by name, understand the challenges local families face and are trusted to provide care that meets urgent needs.
In partnership with Compassion, these churches can respond quickly to those in need, offering:
Safe community and loving care at child development centers.
Vigilant monitoring for malnutrition, providing nutritious food and supplements when children need them.
Education and vocational training to equip children for self-sufficient futures.
Protection from abuse and exploitation, along with training on how kids can advocate for themselves.
Medical checkups and care whenever children are sick or injured.
Immediate support after disasters like droughts or conflict.
And most importantly, and introduction to the gospel and opportunities to grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Rooted in long-term relationships, local churches show children they are known, loved and valued by God and their community.
