Poverty remains high in rural areas - UNDP Chief

United Nations Development (UNDP) Chief Helen Clark says Botswanas poverty remains entrenched in rural areas, which is home to the countrys highest population.

During her visit to the country last week, during which she also attended the just ended Commonwealth Local Government Forum, Clark, said despite the country having made enormous progress in reducing poverty, slashing it from 50 percent from 40 years ago to 19 percent, the situation in rural areas remains a challenge.

“The country’s progress has transformed living standards for many, with poverty rates declining over the past 40 years from 50% to around 19% today. However pockets of poverty remain particularly in rural areas,” she said.

Editor's Comment
Consult, get buy-ins first for 6 to 6 policy, Hon Minister

While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...

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