World Poverty Terms LEDCs Less economically developed countries

World Poverty

Terms �LEDCs – Less economically developed countries e. g Sudan �EDCs – Economically developed e. g USA Global interdependence: Different countries depend on each other for trade and survival

Causes of World Poverty �Location: Climate can be an important issue with location BUT resources can make a huge difference. OIL reserves in countries like Saudi Arabia �Natural Disasters – Earthquakes – Tsunami ETC can effect both types of countries. EDCs – recover more quickly e. g Haiti has problems 3 years on

Causes of World Poverty �Politics and Corruption. Civil War in some countries causes poverty. In unstable countries there are some very rich people who keep money for themselves �Climate – One of the biggest causes – To grow crops to eat or feed animals rainfall is needed. 92% of Africa has insufficient rainfall

Causes of World Poverty �Population Growth – A big population means more mouths to feed. Population is high due to lack of education / contraception and the need to ensure some children survive �Economic reasons – World trade system decides what country buys what and the price they pay. Poor countries cannot afford to buy products. Food grown is sold to rich countries

Christianity and World Poverty �The main teaching is to ‘love your neighbour as yourself, ’ which introduces the parable of the Good Samaritan. �The parable teaches Christians that people in need must be helped, even if they are from a different race or religion.

Christianity and World Poverty �Spending life obsessively gaining money prevents a Christian from getting closer to God or showing their love for God. Instead, money should be used to help the poor and homeless.

Christianity and World Poverty �There are many Christian charities working throughout the world (e. g. Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tear fund, World Vision) to help the poor.

Islam and World Poverty �Wealth is given by Allah for the good of humanity and therefore should be shared. �Giving to charity is not voluntary. Zakah (2. 5% of savings) has to be given every year and extra giving (sadaqh) is encouraged.

Islam and World Poverty �Charging interest or loans (which could be seen as exploitation) is forbidden in Islam. �This helps the poor by reducing repayments and preventing debt. If repayments cannot be made, the loan can become a gift.

Islam and World Poverty �Islamic charities and relief organizations such as the Red Crescent and Islamic relief provided worldwide help.

Terms �Justice – fairness: it is unfair that people live in poverty and die because they have no food �Stewardship: Not only is it our responsibility to look after the planet but also the people on it. People are part of the creation and we should not exploit them �Compassion: We should care for other people – TV appeals are very good for empathy

Christian Aid �Set up after WWII designed to help refugees. Provides practical help and publicises the causes of poverty to help change the root of the problem. In 2005 they set up the “make poverty history” campaign which resulted in rich countries cancelling debts from 18 of the world’s poorest countries.

Campaign Awareness of Christian Aid �A focus on Climate Change �Help with HIV �Conflict - War is expensive and innocent civilians suffer as a consequence �Unfair Trade – Some countries exploit poor countries by paying less for goods �Corruption – To stop the government from keeping money that should be used to help the poor

Islamic Relief �Started in Britain in 1984, to help the suffering of some of the worlds poorest. Inspiration for the charity came from the Qur’an. �They are keen to encourage people to take control of their own lives by offering opportunity and equipment to develop. Education, health child welfare and clean drinking water are important.

Islamic Relief �They also respond to emergency situations such as natural disasters (Haiti and Pakistani Floods) and assist in the rebuilding of countries.

Fair Trade �A system of trading that produces a fair price for the products bought from LEDCs. Money goes to the farmers

Emergency V Long term aid �Emergency aid – how many lives can be saved after a disaster, focus on food, water, shelter and first aid �Long term aid – rebuilding / improving communities, focus on building houses / schools/ improving farming methods – clean water systems