While poverty affects both rural and urban populations, we recognize that rural dwellers who constitute the majority of the population in African countries are the most affected. However, while African countries have posted marginal economic growth in recent years, the development of rural people is still neglected. Consequently, poverty eradication in rural areas remains a critical priority. It is our view that there are enough resources both within and outside Africa to eradicate poverty. There has to be an immediate solution to the debt problem facing African nations.
Immediate measures have to be taken to improve the management of national resources.
Immediate measures have to be initiated by African governments to create and maximize the opportunities, and to minimize the disadvantages and constraints of globalization in order to eradicate poverty. Food self-sufficiency and security, personal security, education and health care delivery have to be improved. The problem of debt is exacerbated by the unfair terms of trade, the present Structural Adjustment Programs, the reductions in ODA to Africa and a lack of political will on the part of the creditors to solve the debt problem. The proper management and equitable distribution of national resources are hampered by the poor management of these resources and the corruption of many African governments. In some cases these practices are encouraged directly and indirectly by certain international actors.