The latest Afrobarometer Pan-Africa Profile reveals a troubling trend in Africa – an increase in the share of people living without basic life necessities. The report, based on data from 39 African countries surveyed in 2021/2023, shows that the proportion of people experiencing severe material deprivation has reached its highest level in the past 25 years. This means that more Africans are going without essential items like cash income, medicine, food, clean water, and cooking fuel on a frequent basis.
One of the key findings of the report is that a majority of respondents in the surveyed countries reported going without a cash income, medicine or medical care, sufficient food, clean water, and cooking fuel at least once in the previous year. This trend has been on the rise since 2014/2015, with significant increases in deprivation for all five basic necessities.
Moreover, the rates of severe lived poverty, where individuals experience a lack of basic necessities on a frequent basis, have also reached a new high, affecting 24% of citizens. This trend is not uniform across the continent, with some countries experiencing a decline in severe material deprivation while others are seeing a sharp increase.
Afrobarometer is a pan-African survey research network that has been conducting face-to-face interviews in up to 42 countries since 1999. The data collected provides valuable insights into African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. The surveys have shown that lived poverty varies widely across the continent and further research is needed to identify the factors driving this trend.
In conclusion, the Afrobarometer report highlights the urgent need for action to address the increasing levels of poverty and deprivation in Africa. By understanding the root causes of these issues and implementing targeted interventions, governments and organizations can work towards improving the quality of life for all African citizens. For more information and to access the full report, visit the Afrobarometer website at www.Afrobarometer.org.
