Poverty in Haiti Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Poverty in Haiti - Essay Example During the last four years, there have been some positive changes like the restoration of political stability in 2006, the establishment of a better macroeconomic framework, the reduction of insecurity, and a slight economic growth (IMF, 2008:8). In spite of these positive signs, the country faces many challenges. In 2001, 4.4 million persons (56 percent of the total population of 8.1 million) were living below the extreme poverty line (US$1 per person, per day), and 7.6 persons out of 10 were poor (less than US$2 per person, per day) (IMF, 2008:8). At the same time, 40 percent of the poorest population only had access to 5.9 percent of total income, while 68 percent of this income belonged to the most affluent 20 percent of the population. (IMF, 2008:8). This means that 80 percent of the population was in control of only 32 percent of the total income. It has been calculated that 2 percent of the richest group in Haiti was in control of 26 percent of this income. (IMF, 2008:8). This is a clear picture of a high level of poverty and inequality. Besides that, Haiti fell from position 146 in 2000 to 153 in 2005 regarding the indicator of human development. There have been a gradual increase of deforestation, very low life expectancy at birth, and a deterioration in living conditions due to the annual average decline in real per capita income and average consumption. (IMF, 2008:8). Lack of education and the prevalence of ignorance and superstition keep many Haitians in a state of underdevelopment. For many Haitians survival is the most important issue that they face day by day. Both economic and human development have to be addressed with quick and effective solutions. 2.- Challenges Ahead. Challenges have to be identified accurately in order to tackle them in a proactive way. Haiti's Government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been implementing the guidelines established in the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (DSNCRP) in which four key challenges have been identified: achieving more meaningful social development in order to overcome the lag regarding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), creating a modern, competitive economy to align Haiti with other Caribbean economies by rebalancing its competitiveness at the regional level, modernizing the State so it can really be at the service of all citizens by reshaping the public management system, and using at the fullest the country two comparative advantages (its cultural creativity and historical heritage, and the economic resources from the Diaspora). (IMF, 2008:9). Since poor Haitians struggle to survive desperately day by day, the most critical challenge of immediate survival must be consid ered as the highest priority problem to be solved in a viable, concrete way. 3.- Poverty