Most of the poorest people in the world live in rural areas. According to the United Nations, poverty rates are nearly three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Globally, rural poverty is largely based in Africa. Seven out of the ten countries with the highest rural poverty rates are in sub-Saharan Africa, collectively accounting for 76% of global rural poverty.
Rural poverty is primarily driven by factors such as limited access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. The agricultural reliance of rural communities often leads to vulnerability to climate change and market fluctuations. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure further exacerbates the challenges faced by rural populations.
While most of the world’s poorest people live in rural areas, urban poverty still plagues around 200 million people. India, China and Nigeria are the top three countries with the highest number of people living in urban poverty. Many issues faced by those in urban poverty mirror those experienced in rural poverty, such as limited or no access to education and healthcare. In urban areas, those living in poverty might struggle to access existing infrastructure, whereas in rural regions, such infrastructure might not be there to begin with.
illuminAid works to help those in underdeveloped countries where the infrastructure is lacking or entirely nonexistent. Through advancements in technology, we equip others to use video to better engage with communities and implement more effective behavior change strategies. With solar-powered projectors and video cameras, these videos can reach and educate even those living in rural poverty without access to power.
To help us continue our work, visit illuminaid.org.
