Disability and poverty ­ reflections on research experiences in Africa and beyond

Background: Whilst broadly agreed in the literature that disability and poverty are closely interlinked, the empirical basis for this knowledge is relatively weak. Objectives: To describe and discuss the current state of knowledge and to suggest the need for further generation of knowledge on disability and poverty. Method: Two recent attempts at statistically analysing the situation for disabled people and a series of qualitative studies on disability and poverty are applied in a discussion on the state of current knowledge. Results: Firstly, the surveys confirm substantial gaps in access to services, and a systematic pattern of lower levels of living amongst individuals with disability as compared to non-disabled. Existing surveys are however not originally set up to study the disability - poverty relationship and thus have some important limitations. Secondly, the qualitative studies have shown the relevance of cultural, political and structural phenomena in relation to poverty and disability, but also the complexity and the contextual character of these forces that may sometimes provide or create opportunities either at the individual or the collective level. Whilst not establishing evidence as such; the qualitative studies contribute to illustrating some of the mechanisms that bring individuals with disability into poverty and keep them there. Conclusions: A longitudinal design including both quantitative and qualitative methods and based on the current conceptual understanding of both disability and poverty is suggested to pursue further knowledge generation on the relationship between disability and poverty

Children's Vulnerability to HIV/AIDS; Poverty and Malnutrition in Buhaya:Advancement through Women's Empowerment

Children form a vulnerable segment in society in general; given their dependence on adults for their immediate needs. HIV/AIDS has resulted in increasing children's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS; poverty and hunger. This epidemic has also resulted in many children being orphaned and raised by grandparents and members of their extended family. This paper focuses on children's particular vulnerability to the vicious cycle of poverty; hunger and HIV/AIDS in Buhaya in northwestern Tanzania; a region that has been impacted by HIV/AIDS for nearly three decades. The region has also experienced a decline in access to land and agricultural productivity; which has escalated household poverty. I highlight the plight of children living with single mothers who are often viewed as `illegitimate' and not recognized by patriarchal Bahaya clans. This results in deprivation of their rights to land inheritance; as well as to basic needs such as food security; health and education. Given that children's and women's health; nutrition; and poverty generally work in synergy; I argue that empowering women and upholding their human rights is crucial to advancing the lives and future of children