Paper short abstract:

Poverty in Africa remains a great challenge. Due to its multidimensionality nature, there has always been conflicting views on the best approaches in its measurements and an effective methodology for its eradication. The Sustainable Livelihood approach (SLA) is prescribed and Academicians are best suited to use this approach.

Paper long abstract:

Africa is faced by a lot of challenges ranging from political, economic and social cultural problems. Poverty is one of the major challenges which different actors have taken keen interest in eradicating from an international, regional and local level. A lot of initiatives such as the Millennium Development goals (MDGs) to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and approaches such as the sustainable livelihoods (SLA) have been used which prioritize the eradication of poverty. What is important is having an approach which aims to reduce the vulnerability of the poor, uplifting their potentialities/capabilities not their needs, making them participate in finding ways to eradicate their poverty and making sure that these livelihoods are sustainable. The Sustainable Livelihood approach should be encouraged if we are to have a true measurement concerning the multidimensionality of poverty and if poverty is to be eradicated in Africa. Then who is to take the leadership role in ensuring that this approach works in eradicating poverty in Africa? African Politicians have failed using this approach as they are among the most corrupt politicians in the World, pocketing aid meant for a sustainable livelihood such as social cash transfer. NGOs and the private sector can only reach certain limits in eradicating poverty. The responsibility to save Africa out of poverty lies with Academicians who through accurate and objectivity in monitoring and evaluating projects being implemented by African governments, donors, NGOs and private sectors and who fully understand the dynamics of this approach.