Poverty is a global issue which Kelechi Okereke finds is not endemic to one particular area of the world, though effects some countries more than others. While certain continents face harsher levels of poverty, even the industrialized regions deal with the issue daily. Having traveled to many countries and continents, he has seen first-hand how the growth of small businesses can have a positive impact on local poverty. As countries that are plagued with poverty grow their own business prowess, those who are struggling are offered goods and services at a less expensive cost as well as employment opportunities. The problem of poverty is not one that will be solved overnight, especially when considering the following facts.
To be considered “poor” on a global level, a person must live on less than $1.90 US per day. Currently, well over one billion people in the world are surviving on that meager level of income. Of that staggering number of impoverished, more than seventy percent of those effected are women.
The continent of Africa is the most highly effected by poverty. Nearly fifty percent of Africa's total population is considered to live below the poverty line. As the number of impoverished in Africa continues to rise, the average life expectancy in the region decreases. Recent studies show that the mean life expectancy in Africa is now sixty years old. These substantially frightening poverty facts and figures are important to professionals such as Kelechi Okereke, whose family was originally from the African country of Nigeria.
To be considered “poor” on a global level, a person must live on less than $1.90 US per day. Currently, well over one billion people in the world are surviving on that meager level of income. Of that staggering number of impoverished, more than seventy percent of those effected are women.
The continent of Africa is the most highly effected by poverty. Nearly fifty percent of Africa's total population is considered to live below the poverty line. As the number of impoverished in Africa continues to rise, the average life expectancy in the region decreases. Recent studies show that the mean life expectancy in Africa is now sixty years old. These substantially frightening poverty facts and figures are important to professionals such as Kelechi Okereke, whose family was originally from the African country of Nigeria.