The purpose of this position paper is to clarify why and how of urban poverty and begging in various African towns, and to look ahead to areas and methods those are particularly relevant to reducing urban begging. This includes measures targeted directly on urban begging, and areas of cooperation that will also benefit vulnerable groups in the urban population.
The pace of urbanization is rapidly increasing in countries all over the world, Africa included. Just under half of the world’s six billion people now live in towns. By 2025, four billion people in developing countries will be living in urban areas. Urbanization involves major challenges related to the environment, health and HIV/AIDS and exerts considerable pressure on land, housing, and infrastructure. Uncontrolled urbanization is linked to rising levels of begging and social unrest. The characteristics of urban poverty are different from those of rural poverty and have a particularly negative impact on women, children and young people. There is a clear link between urbanization and economic growth, and economic growth and poverty reduction. For towns to play a central role in poverty reduction, they must be well organized and well governed.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Causes of beggary in African cities
3. Effects of Begging
4. The way forward to African cities beggary
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the underlying causes and social impacts of urban begging in African cities, aiming to identify effective strategies for mitigation and policy improvements for vulnerable populations.
- Economic and social drivers of begging in African urban centers
- The intersection of poverty, unemployment, and family disintegration
- Specific vulnerabilities of street children and individuals with disabilities
- Challenges associated with government institutional effectiveness
- Proposed solutions including food security, rehabilitation, and social policy reform
Excerpt from the book
Causes of beggary in African cities
For us to be able to understand begging in different African cities, it is important to determine the explanation to beggary, what really leads to begging and the resulting implication to the system and organization of African cities. There exist many causes to this menace, ranging from mental and physical disability, poverty, unemployment, the giving custom, and family business collapse among others. These causes may appear alone or in some instances a combination of two or more reasons to create a beggary situation. Despite mentioning the above causes, two underlying causes remain common – poverty within a family or underemployment which results in a family being unable to support disabled member(s) and also the absence of security from government social policies which in turn forces these members of the family to beggary.
The leading cause of beggary in African cities is linked to economic reasons. The economic causes include job loss, unemployment and lack of business income. Poverty takes the position of a significant factor which forces most people to resort to the habit of beggary. However, poverty cannot be the sole cause of beggary. Unemployment follows closely although not all who are unemployed have resorted to begging. According to Rugoho and Siziba (2014), the beggary menace in Harare, Zimbabwe, combines both poverty and unemployment as the leading causes of beggary in that city. Another contribution to the problem is the collapse of social disability fund. Unemployment takes a whole 89% of begging cases followed by poverty (Rugoho & Siziba, 2014)
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter contextualizes the prevalence of begging in Sub-Saharan Africa, establishing a link between deep-seated poverty, socio-economic stratification, and the emergence of begging as a persistent urban challenge.
Causes of beggary in African cities: The author details various drivers of begging, ranging from biological and physical disabilities to economic factors like unemployment and structural issues such as family breakdown and weak government support.
Effects of Begging: This section explores the adverse consequences of begging, highlighting risks such as sexual abuse, involvement in criminal activities, kidnapping, and the negative psychosocial impacts on those living on the streets.
The way forward to African cities beggary: This chapter proposes potential remedies, including social responsibility, enhanced food security programs, the establishment of better rehabilitation centers, and improved government-led vocational training.
Conclusion: The author concludes that eradicating urban begging requires a collaborative effort between the government, society, and international organizations, emphasizing food security and social policy reform as key solutions.
Keywords
African cities, begging, beggary, economic aspect, social aspect, urban areas, urbanization, poverty, unemployment, street children, disability, food security, social policy, rehabilitation, Sub-Saharan Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the phenomenon of begging in African cities, analyzing its root causes, the socio-economic conditions that sustain it, and potential pathways to reduce this practice.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
Central themes include the impact of urbanization on poverty, the role of government institutions, the vulnerability of children and the disabled, and the transition of begging from a survival mechanism to a managed business.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary objective is to clarify the "why" and "how" behind urban begging in African towns and to identify actionable strategies, such as food security and social support, to help vulnerable groups.
Which scientific methodology does the paper employ?
The study is a position paper that synthesizes existing literature, case studies from various African regions, and demographic data to evaluate the dynamics of urban poverty and begging.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers a comprehensive breakdown of the economic, social, and biological causes of begging, its psychological and physical effects on the individuals involved, and a proposal for strategic interventions.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include urbanization, begging, beggary, poverty, social aspect, economic aspect, African cities, and food security.
How does family structure contribute to urban begging?
The text highlights that marital breakups, family disintegration, and the lack of parental control are significant factors that push children into the street, forcing them to beg for survival.
What role does corruption play in the persistence of begging?
The author notes that weak government institutions often suffer from internal corruption, where funds allocated for poverty eradication programs are embezzled, failing the low-income citizens and leaving them with no choice but to beg.
How does the author view the 'business' of begging?
The paper identifies an alarming trend where begging is treated as a lucrative business managed by 'bosses,' who exploit children and vulnerable individuals for financial gain, distinct from individuals who beg due to absolute necessity.
- Quote paper
- Timothy Musa (Author), Roland Koech (Author), 2019, Urban Poverty and Begging in African Countries. Possible Ways Out, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/594507
