Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago
Identify and explain the environmental factors that cause poverty.
Events such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, and hurricanes can destroy assets, reduce agricultural output, and displace populations, pushing households into poverty.
Long‑term changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect crop yields, water availability and health, especially in developing economies.
Over‑exploitation of soil, forests, and fisheries leads to reduced productivity and loss of livelihoods.
Landlocked countries or those in arid zones often face higher transport costs and limited agricultural potential.
Pollution, desertification and loss of biodiversity diminish the capacity of ecosystems to support livelihoods.
| Environmental Factor | Mechanism Linking to Poverty |
|---|---|
| Natural Disasters | Destruction of homes and crops → loss of income → increased debt and reduced savings. |
| Climate Change | Reduced agricultural productivity → food insecurity → higher food prices and lower real wages. |
| Resource Depletion | Decline in soil fertility → lower yields → reduced employment in agriculture. |
| Geographical Constraints | Higher transport costs → less competitive markets → limited export earnings. |
| Environmental Degradation | Health problems from pollution → higher medical expenses and lower labour productivity. |
The Sahel region of Africa experiences recurring droughts. These droughts reduce crop yields, force pastoralists to migrate, and increase reliance on food aid. The resulting income loss pushes many households below the poverty line.
Environmental factors such as natural disasters, climate change, resource depletion, geographical disadvantages, and environmental degradation can directly and indirectly push individuals and communities into poverty. Understanding these links helps policymakers design targeted interventions to break the cycle of poverty.