THE STATE OF POVERTY IN SOUTHERN CHAD
Keywords:
poverty, south, ChadAbstract
Despite the difficult context, the economic outlook in Chad is rather favorable.[1]Indeed, Chad's economy has experienced sustained growth since 2022; macroeconomic indicators are therefore positive. However, this economic upturn has unfortunately not translated into a positive impact on the well-being of the Chadian population in general, and those residing in the southern part of the country in particular (World Bank, 2021). How then can we explain the alarming state of poverty and vulnerability in the southern provinces of Chad, despite the country's economic advantages and local resources? The objective of this study is to highlight the state of poverty and vulnerability in this part of the country and to identify the contributing factors. To conduct this study, both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. Documentary research, interviews (structured and semi-structured), focus group discussions, participant observation, and surveys were used to collect data. This study reveals that extreme poverty[2]reached 36.5%[3]in 2024 at the national level, with 24% of that in the south alone[4]Of Chad's 18.19 million inhabitants, more than 6 million are in need (OCHA, 2024), including approximately 3.6 million people in the south.[5] would require emergency aid. All of this unfortunately and blatantly reveals the disconnect between the dynamics of the national economy and the well-being of the Chadian people.
[1]Source: Chadian Ministry of Women and Early Childhood, 2024, “National Evaluation Report of Thirty (30) Years of Implementation of the Beindjing Declaration and Programme of Action”, p. 26.
[2]The value of extreme poverty is estimated at $2.15 per person per day.
[3]Source: Official figure from the Chadian government.
[4]Estimate of the study based on data from the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Chad in 2024.
[5]Ibid
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