Analysis of child poverty and vulnerability in Zambia

Abstract

Vulnerability is increasingly becoming synonymous with poverty in the social policy literature. There are three age-groups that are more likely to be vulnerable and in poverty at any given time although with variations. These are children, adults with children and the elderly. This study focused on the children due to their dependence on adults for most of their needs and general wellbeing. This makes them particularly vulnerable and in need of care. In Sub-Saharan Africa in general and Zambia in particular, children's poverty and vulnerability is exacerbated by HIV and AIDS. A substantial percentage of orphanhood in Sub-Saharan Africa could be attributed to HIV and AIDS.

This study used a descriptive study design and qualitative methods to collect and analyze data. It sought to establish among other things vulnerabilities that affected children and how social protection catered for this category. Views from key informants were sought . These included frontline staff and carers of children purposefully selected. The study used semi-structured interviews to collect data in the three provinces also purposefully selected.

The study found that most of the vulnerabilities that affected children were interrelated and mutually reinforcing. These included HIV and AIDS, poverty, climatic changes, dropping-out of school and early marriages. It also found that poverty and vulnerability are more pronounced among children though varies according to age, sex and region. As such, it proposes integrated poverty alleviation interventions that take into account these variations.

Keywords: Children, Poverty, Vulnerability, HIV and AIDS