Rural poverty in Liberia has surged to eight in ten residents, while urban poverty has decreased, worsening inequality. Experts warn that this divide threatens security, exacerbated by potential USAID funding cuts. The struggles faced by rural communities exemplify broader systemic issues, including climate change and government neglect. Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing equitable development and improving livelihoods to prevent social unrest.
A severe increase in rural poverty was noted in Liberia, where eight out of ten residents lived in poverty as of the 2016 report by the World Bank. In stark contrast, urban poverty decreased, highlighting rising inequality as urban areas prosper while rural regions deteriorate. Experts warn that this inequality, further worsened by cuts in aid such as those from USAID, poses a risk to national security, potentially leading to civil unrest.
Massa Kollie, a rural woman, exemplifies this struggle as she creates iron soap due to failed crops exacerbated by climate change. With her husband unable to work, she resorts to borrowing to maintain their family’s basic needs amidst dire financial constraints. Her situation reflects a larger trend of rural families facing hard choices like forgoing school for their children.
A World Bank report revealed that rural poverty rose significantly in 2016, leading to profound national struggles, with Liberia ranking poorly in global poverty and development metrics. Observers are concerned that without reliable data post-COVID, conditions are likely even worse today. With limited resources, Liberia grapples with dependence on external support amidst a meager national budget.
Experts point out that neglecting rural citizens can lead to social unrest, referencing Liberia’s tumultuous past driven by inequality. Call for strategic reforms emphasize the need for a budget that serves all citizens adequately and prioritizes essential services. Key figures warn that current inequalities mirror past injustices contributing to the nation’s historical conflicts.
The hardships are echoed by many rural voices like J. Gbanja Kollie, who after losing a job decades ago, speaks to a generation of unaddressed grievances. The frustration is compounded by government negligence and an inability to secure stable employment, worsening their plight year after year.
Climate change presents significant additional challenges, impacting agricultural livelihoods that sustain most rural households. A broad survey in 2024 indicated farmers are driven to consider migration due to the profound impacts of changing weather patterns on their crops and survival.
Marie Martey White’s move to Montserrado underscores these challenges as she grapples with the loss of farming viability. Turning to small enterprise work improved her situation, but it illustrates a larger trend of migration driven by necessity rather than opportunity. The growth of savings clubs among women, like Marie’s Susu, represents adaptive strategies in the face of ongoing economic struggles.
Despite assurances from officials about seeking solutions to poverty, skepticism remains among citizens due to the slow pace of change and lack of visible governmental strategies, especially concerning climate adaptation. Future predictions of worsening climate conditions could heighten poverty and forces migration, threatening Liberia’s social cohesion.
Rural poverty in Liberia has reached alarming levels, with the World Bank’s findings indicating a majority of rural residents lived in poverty long before the pandemic struck. Urban poverty has declined during this period, exacerbating the divide between urban prosperity and rural despair. With agriculture as the main livelihood, climate change has threatened food security, further destabilizing rural communities. Historical context tells of how past governmental neglect has catalyzed conflict, highlighting the urgent need to address current inequalities to avert future crises.
The rise in rural poverty and inequality could become a catalyst for social unrest in Liberia if left unaddressed. Rural communities face multifactored challenges, including climate change, lack of economic opportunities, and inadequate government support, leading to rising frustrations and mistrust. Experts advocate for a holistic approach to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing equitable resource distribution and improving rural livelihoods to safeguard national stability.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
