Factors that Influence the Sustainability of Poverty Alleviation in Somalia

Abstract

Poverty in Somalia is deeply rooted due to prolonged civil conflict, political instability, and environmental adversities. With approximately 70% of the population living in poverty, Somalia ranks sixth in Sub-Saharan Africa for poverty prevalence. The combination of widespread and severe poverty poses significant challenges to socioeconomic and economic progress unless appropriate policies are implemented. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that influence the sustainability of poverty alleviation in Somalia. In this paper, we examined the impact of four sustainability goals, namely, SDG 2 (no hunger), SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 17(social protection) in relation to poverty alleviation in Somalia. A judgemental survey using 130 respondents was conducted using face-to-face (42%) and online (58%) techniques. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and estimate the model parameters. The results found that SDG 2, SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 17 are all factors that contribute to poverty reduction in Somalia. Based on these findings, the study suggests that the government and policymakers should invest in sustainable agricultural practices (SDG 2) that not only ensure food security but also create job opportunities and income sources for impoverished communities. The government should also allocate resources to prioritize quality education (SDG 4) to equip individuals with the necessary skills for decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Finally, the government should focus on social protection (SDG 17) in rural and urban areas, thereby reducing unemployment and providing pathways out of poverty, focusing on various dimensions of social protection interventions.