Poverty in Ethiopia May.2014 | Page 2

Burley Jasmine Burley Emily Antwih Multi-Genre Essay 10th March 2014 Poverty in Ethiopia Ethiopia has the second largest population in the whole continent of Africa and is the oldest independent country in Africa (Stephen Hayes). Out of all the countries Ethiopia is one of the fastest growing economies in the world but also is one of the poorest (Stephen Hayes). There are about 80 million people that reside in Ethiopia (CIA). Out of that 80 million 35 million are living in what is considered poverty (CIA). Poverty (N) - The state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support (Dictionary). The majority of the people affected reside in the rural areas rather than the urban areas. Most of Ethiopians depend on agriculture to survive, around 80% to be exact (Garba Muhammad). The severe dry weather and abandonment of rainfall has worsen the poverty in Ethiopia making it hard to farm. After severe weather food prices and fertilizers are drastically increased. This only makes the situation worse. Since the majority of the population is located in the rural area, two thirds of the population is illiterate (UN News). Illiterate (adj) - Having or demonstrating very little or no education (Dictionary). Also over 12 million people are food insecure. Food Insecure (adj) - Limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate