How does displacement from conflict hinder poverty eradication?

Displacement from conflict hinders poverty eradication by disrupting livelihoods, limiting access to resources, and exacerbating social inequalities.

Displacement due to conflict often forces individuals and families to abandon their homes, lands, and livelihoods. This sudden loss of income-generating activities can plunge them into immediate poverty. For instance, farmers may lose access to their farmland, artisans may lose their workshops, and business owners may lose their businesses. This disruption of livelihoods is a significant obstacle to poverty eradication as it not only increases the number of people living in poverty but also makes it more challenging for them to escape poverty due to the loss of their primary income sources.

Moreover, displacement often results in limited access to basic resources such as food, water, healthcare, and education. Displaced people may find themselves in areas where these resources are scarce or inaccessible, further entrenching them in poverty. For example, displaced children may not be able to attend school, which limits their future employment prospects and perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Similarly, lack of access to healthcare can lead to poor health outcomes, which can prevent adults from working and generating income.

Displacement can also exacerbate social inequalities, which hinders poverty eradication. Displaced populations often face discrimination and marginalisation in their host communities, which can limit their access to employment opportunities and social services. This can lead to increased poverty among these populations. Furthermore, certain groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, may be disproportionately affected by displacement. These groups often have fewer resources and opportunities to begin with, and displacement can further exacerbate these inequalities.

In addition, the instability and insecurity associated with conflict and displacement can deter investment and economic development. This can lead to a lack of job opportunities and economic stagnation, which can further entrench poverty. Therefore, displacement from conflict presents a significant barrier to poverty eradication by disrupting livelihoods, limiting access to resources, and exacerbating social inequalities.