A biblical approach to the reduction of child poverty in Anambra state, Nigeria

Uzonna F Echeta

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i4.5565

Abstract

Child poverty reduction is one of the most important and urgent tasks that requires attention in most regions of the world, nations and Anambra state specifically. The population of impoverished children is progressively increasing in Nigeria because of economic recession and poor security situations that lead to displacement and death of their parents. Although children constitute half of the entire population, commensurate attention is not given to them to match the dimensions of poverty they face. This study argued that child poverty is multidimensional, evidenced in lack of safe drinking water, adequate nutrition, shelter, decent sanitation, medical advice or health services (immunisations) and education, to mention a few. The article highlighted the laudable efforts of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Anambra government and maintained that multiple strategies can help in solving this problem. To complement these efforts, the enforcement of biblical policies or principles about children’s rights would in no small measure reduce child poverty. It was concluded that a proper repositioning of children would be matched with implementation of biblical strategies. Biblical intervention could help children socially, mentally and psychologically and in their general well-being. Biblical principles would erase wrong socio-cultural notions about children.

Highlights

Child poverty occurs when children are deprived of certain basic needs which they require for comfort and survival
Latest data of Multidimensional Child Poverty Index state that 83% of all multidimensional poor live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia (United Nations Development Programme & Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative [UNDP & OPHI] 2018)
A joint statement by partners united in the fight against child poverty (UNICEF 2015:1) states that since the turn of the millennium when the world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there has been unprecedented progress in alleviating and improving the living standard of millions of children and families

Summary

Introduction

Child poverty occurs when children are deprived of certain basic needs which they require for comfort and survival. A joint statement by partners united in the fight against child poverty (UNICEF 2015:1) states that since the turn of the millennium when the world leaders adopted the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), there has been unprecedented progress in alleviating and improving the living standard of millions of children and families. Efforts have been made through both policy enactments in the state and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to eradicate hunger by 2030, Stewart and Okubo (2017:3) still maintain that child poverty persists As it is, a diversification of strategies or a multidimensional approach would be a better way to tackle the problem. The article reviews related literature on child poverty in Anambra state (its brief history and child poverty level); discusses biblical intervention towards reducing child poverty and makes recommendations

Literature review

Discussion

Recommendations and conclusion

Findings

Data availability statement