Poverty in Development Economics | Study

Running head: ECONOMICS
Economics
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Introduction
Poverty in development economics is associated with a condition under which a
community or a person does not have sufficient financial resources to support a minimum living
standard. This is aligned with level that is not sufficient to support basic necessities of people
(Roland 2016). In analyzing state of economic development, one important dimension is poverty.
Afghanistan is considered as one of the poorest nations in the world. The problem of poverty is
widespread in different regions of rural and urban areas. It has been observed that four among
five poor people reside in rural areas. West-Central regions, Northeast and Eastern region have
half of the poor people. Approximately 42% percent of total population in Afghanistan live
below the poverty line (Haider and Kumar 2019). In addition to government initiatives to
enhance human development, different non-government organizations take measures to stimulate
social welfare. The essay analyzes role of non-government organizations in eliminating poverty
in Afghanistan.
Non-Government Organization in Afghanistan
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Afghanistan stands as the most developed
form of modern civil society. By definition, in Afghanistan NGOs are considered as independent,
non-profitable civil organizations that are involved in civilian well-being and serve different
public goods in necessary sectors such as health, education, water supply, agriculture, child
protection and sanitation (West 2017). Growth of NGOs in Afghanistan undergone different
phases.
1977-1988

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Immediately after Soviet invasion, NGOs starts program to look after shelter, food and
health care necessities of Afghan refugees. In the beginning of 1980s, these NGOs arranged
different cross border programs for addressing basic needs related livelihood and basic health in
regions of Afghanistan that are outside the Soviet control. During this time many NGOs engaged
in increasing awareness regarding Afghan refugees and Afghans who are victimized due to
military aggression.
1988-1995
This was the phase when NGOs had started their development activities along with
providing emergency assistance to the nation (Mitchell 2017). It is in the late 1980s that change
in political context of Afghanistan and increase in resources contributed to an increase in number
of working NGOs.
1996-2001
Despite strict political control during Taliban regime, the improved condition of security
allowed many agencies to work with local communities in rural areas. The severe drought in
1997 increased humanitarian need in many rural areas. During this period there came a new
wave of refugee camp, internal camps and displacement into different urban areas. In response to
these events NGOs expand activities for providing emergency service to these populations.
Along with this, these NGOs continued initiatives in different development program.
Late 2001 to present
This period began with end of Taliban regime and a subsequent change in working
environment of ongoing NGOs in Afghanistan. On September 11, 2001 Taliban group was
ejected from their ruling power. During 2002, a considerably large number of refugees entered

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into Afghanistan from different bordering countries. This required need for new emergency
service for arranging shelter and food for the refugees (Rush 2016). NGOs during this time had
to balance their emergency services with the broader objectives of development and
reconstruction initiatives. Establishment of a new government that had an international
recognition gave NGOs new opportunities to expand their activities in different areas. There was
a rapid increase in number of NGOs in the nation during this time. The activities of NGOs
however sometimes are criticized by some of the government circles with the claim of
overpriced or substandard work and hence, have some negative bearings within the nation.
At present, Afghanistan has a number of national and international NGOs working on different
grounds of human development. Some of the currently working NGOs within the nation are
ActionAid, Afghanaid, Afghan Development Association, Aga Khan Development Network,
CARE Afghanistan, Danish Committee for Aid to Afghan Refugees, International Rescue
Committee, Islamic Relief Worldwide and others (Aslami 2019).
Role of NGOs in eliminating poverty
Among various objectives related to human development, eliminating poverty is one primary
objective of all the NGOs. In order to address the problem of poverty, different programs have
been undertaken by NGOs.
The poverty reduction program undertaken by NGOs in assistance with Asian Development
Bank are as follows
Agricultural Sector Program
The program was approved on 4th May, 2004 having a fund of $55 million. Objective of
the program was to promote growth of agricultural sector and reduction of poverty by supporting