"What Causes Inequality in African Countries? New Book Traces a Vicious Cycle"

" What Causes Inequality in African Countries? New Book Traces a Vicious Cycle \r\n\r\nInequality is a problem that exists in various forms in sub-Saharan Africa.\r\n\r\nInequality is created by, among other factors, where you are born and live. Alongside this, income, assets, and access to education and healthcare differ among and between populations. These inequalities reinforce each other. The result is persistent poverty, lack of social mobility across generations, increased exposure to climate change, and a lack of inclusive economic growth.\r\n\r\nOur recently published book\u00a0 Inequalities in Sub-Saharan Africa: Multidimensional Perspectives and Future Challenges \u00a0presents an overview of the current situation. It identifies the key dimensions, challenges and causes of inequalities in the region. The book also proposes some solutions for equitable and sustainable development. These include progressive taxation and policies that address inequalities at their roots.\r\n\r\n The impact of inequality \r\n\r\n Migration: \u00a0On a global scale, the greatest determinant of individual incomes \u2013 and thus of inequalities between individuals \u2013 is place of birth. More than half of income\u2019s variability is explained by the country of residence and by the given circumstances at birth. These include being born in a rural environment.\r\n\r\nIn sub-Saharan Africa, especially in low-income countries, internal migration remains\u00a0 the most prevalent migration pattern . Migration is often the chosen route for people seeking to escape poverty.\u00a0 The rural exodus \u00a0that characterises many countries in sub-Saharan Africa illustrates this well. Young people in Africa, faced with high unemployment rates, often see migration as the only opportunity for\u00a0 social mobility .\r\n\r\nThe dynamics of international migration are more complex. Given the high costs involved, international migration concerns only\u00a0 2.5% of the population \u00a0in sub-Saharan Africa. This is mostly intra-continental.\r\n\r\n Labour market: \u00a0Access to the labour market remains the main determinant of inequalities in sub-Saharan Africa.\r\n\r\nLabour markets in the region are characterised by high proportions of informal employment. Formal sectors are relatively small ( about 15% of total employment on the continent ). Since the turn of the century, countries like\u00a0 Kenya \u00a0have seen their share of informal employment increase significantly (from 73% in 2001 to 83% in 2017). At the same time formal wage employment has declined.\r\n\r\nThis amplifies inequality because the informal sector is characterised by a lack of protection and high vulnerability. But not all informal activities are precarious. Some serve as\u00a0 springboards into formal jobs .\r\n\r\nIn the formal sector, wage inequality in Africa is among\u00a0 the highest in the world . In South Africa, workers in high-skilled jobs earn nearly\u00a0 five times more \u00a0than those in low-skilled jobs.\r\n\r\nYoung people entering the labour market have much higher unemployment rates and little chance of regular employment.\r\n\r\n Gender inequality: \u00a0Many gender inequalities persist, particularly access to the labour market. Unpaid care work makes women\u2019s work invisible. In many African countries,\u00a0 women and girls spend more time on unpaid care \u00a0which limits their economic opportunities.\r\n\r\nThese inequalities are reinforced by inequalities in access to resources. About\u00a0 38% of African women report owning land, compared to 51% of African men .\r\n\r\n Climate change: \u00a0Africa is suffering the most severe impacts \u2013 droughts, floods and food insecurity \u2013 while contributing\u00a0 less than 5% \u00a0of global carbon emissions.\r\n\r\nArid conditions affect\u00a0 43.5% of agricultural land in sub-Saharan Africa compared to an estimated global average of 29% . Similarly, climate change mitigation costs, such as finding alternatives to hydroelectric power, are higher for low-income countries.\r\n\r\nIn sub-Saharan Africa,\u00a0 the richest 10% emit seven times more tonnes of carbon dioxide than the poorest 50% . Disadvantaged groups are more vulnerable to adverse climate effects as their housing and wealth are more likely to be damaged by storms and floods.\r\n\r\n Skewed economic growth benefits: \u00a0Economic growth has led to notably lower reductions in poverty in African countries than elsewhere. Unequal distribution of growth and its capture by those at the top of the income distribution ladder are evidence of non-inclusive economic growth.\u00a0 The richest 1% of Africans received 27% of the total revenue from growth on the continent .\r\n\r\n What needs to be done \r\n\r\nIt is vital to give priority to promoting social and economic inclusion in the development strategies of African countries. Importantly, multidimensional inequalities such as income and health persist because they reinforce each other. Tackling them therefore requires coordinated and coherent policies."

"What Causes Inequality in African Countries? New Book Traces a Vicious Cycle"

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