World Bank reports over 76 percent of South Sudanese live below national poverty line

(MENAFN) A new World Bank report released on Tuesday revealed that at least 76 percent of South Sudan's estimated 12.4 million population lives below the national poverty line, which is set at 358,724 South Sudanese pounds (roughly 105 U.S. dollars) per person per year. The report, titled the South Sudan Poverty and Equity Assessment, is based on the most recent South Sudan Household Budget Survey and highlights the country’s decade-long economic decline, which has resulted in widespread poverty and vulnerability among the population.

According to Charles Undeland, the World Bank's country manager for South Sudan, the factors contributing to the country's poverty include weak governance, ongoing conflicts, high food prices, limited economic opportunities, and recurrent shocks. These factors have compounded the challenges faced by South Sudan, making poverty a pervasive issue. Undeland emphasized that despite these challenges, there are opportunities to improve livelihoods through better resource management and fostering a stable and secure environment that allows citizens to engage in farming, work, and investment for a better future.

The report also points to the deep-rooted and extreme poverty in South Sudan as a result of complex historical and systemic factors. These include persistent conflicts and violence, the state’s inadequate capacity to provide essential services, weak governance structures, and frequent natural disasters that have further hindered development efforts. The combination of these issues has entrenched poverty and left much of the population vulnerable.

In conclusion, the World Bank stresses the need for comprehensive efforts to address these issues and improve living standards in South Sudan. This includes better governance, improved infrastructure, and sustained peace efforts to create a more stable environment in which people can escape poverty and build a more prosperous future.

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