The Unattainable Targets from Poverty Reduction Policy Strategy to Rural Grassroots: The Zanzibar Experience

S Ali Salum,Aini Suzana Ariffin

doi:10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p273

Abstract

Now a day several global initiatives like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and follow up with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been put in place aimed at combating various global issues including extreme poverty face by Third world. The MDGs target one and two of the goal one aimed at overcoming the income poverty and hunger respectively, by 2015. Yet its achievement in many developing countries is not attained including Zanzibar. Thus, the study attempts to determine and elaborate on the mismatch between the established targets in poverty alleviation programs in Zanzibar particularly in MDGs target one and two of the goal one. The paper argued that despite the poverty reduction strategy introduced by the government of Zanzibar, the escalating rate of poverty in the country particularly at the rural grassroots is still very alarming. Within this context, this paper among other things examines the strategic failure and some challenges and barriers in reducing the rate of poverty in the country. It proceeds by showing some performance trends that realized since the establishment of the poverty reduction initiatives. The paper concludes that proper grassroots participation may assist and actively play significant role in the poverty reduction initiatives. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n2s1p273

Highlights

The World Bank launched the Poverty Reduction Strategy during 1999 aimed at helping developing countries on their development strategies and supports the pro-poor growth results
One among the important initiative is the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the United Nations (UN) in the 2000 summit as declaration committed to all member countries - rich and poor – to establish a particular strategy among other things, to eradicate the extreme poverty, promote human dignity, equality and sustainable social development by 2015
To ensure the strategy is meeting the national and international standard, it was designed in line with Zanzibar Development Vision 2020 and the MDGs

Summary

Introduction

The World Bank launched the Poverty Reduction Strategy during 1999 aimed at helping developing countries on their development strategies and supports the pro-poor growth results. One among the important initiative is the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the United Nations (UN) in the 2000 summit as declaration committed to all member countries - rich and poor – to establish a particular strategy among other things, to eradicate the extreme poverty, promote human dignity, equality and sustainable social development by 2015. Amongst other goals are; end poverty in all its forms around the world; eradicate extreme hunger; achieve food security; improved child and mother nutrition; promote sustainable agricultural growth; ensure healthy lives and promote social well-being of all people around the world (Duke Center for International Development- DCID, 2015)

Methods

Results

Conclusion