Endemic Poverty

Endemic poverty is the long-term persistence of poverty that characterizes a particular people or region. The long-term prevalence suggests the poverty extends over decades or generations, not just years. A population or region characterized by endemic poverty typically displays significant shortfalls in human development indicators. These include substandard housing, [Page 480]food insecurity, lack of access to sanitation facilities and clean drinking water, a high incidence of infectious diseases, chronic health problems, high rates of infant mortality, and a large deficit in infrastructure development and environmentally sustainable practices.

Regions and people experiencing endemic poverty are more likely to be severely affected by natural events such as famines, droughts, floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Additionally, they are usually more susceptible to adverse market and human developments such as ...