Poverty in families is a persistent issue in many African communities, and despite significant efforts, the cycle continues from one generation to the next. Poverty can mean children going without basics such as food, clothing, etc., and it can also mean missing out on everyday fun and activities that other kids take for granted. Thus, helping others financially is essential.

This article delves into the root causes of family poverty, examining historical, societal, and individual behaviors that perpetuate financial struggles. The solution, as proposed here, lies in the concept of a “sacrificial lamb”—a family member who takes responsibility for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Causes of poverty in families: Why Poverty Never Ends in Most African Families?

The following points give an accurate picture of poverty in African families. Understanding these parameters can help design strategies for ending poverty in families. The following are some of the reasons I believe individuals and families find themselves in poverty or homeless.

1. Poverty in families: A generational perspective: Where at all began

To understand why poverty persists, it’s crucial to look back three generations. For many African families, grandparents either fought for independence or were born soon after their country gained it. This generation, despite having little access to resources, successfully won freedom for their nations. However, in the aftermath of independence, there was chaos—a lack of healthcare, education, and policing. These grandparents, while considered a successful generation for securing freedom, could not provide the stability needed for long-term prosperity.

2. Poverty in families: The Next Generation Missed Opportunities

The parents of today’s millennials inherited a free country, but many failed to capitalize on the opportunities that followed independence. Some refused to pursue education, seeing it as unnecessary or irrelevant, while others lacked the means to attend school. Those who did receive an education found jobs as civil servants, teachers, and doctors. Still, many opted out in favor of starting families early, often due to societal pressure to marry based on age rather than financial or emotional readiness.

In African societies, it’s common for individuals to marry because they are “old enough” rather than because they are mentally, emotionally, or financially prepared. This practice creates a cycle where the next generation is born into instability, unable to access the resources they need to escape poverty. For those parents who did succeed, the burden of supporting siblings, extended family, and even parents fell on them, further diluting their financial success.

3. Poverty in families: The Sacrificial Responsibility

The root of the problem is that many African families lack what is referred to here as a “sacrificial lamb”—a family member who is willing to sacrifice their immediate desires and success to break the chain of poverty.

In many cases, when one sibling becomes successful, they are immediately burdened with the responsibility of supporting the entire family. Instead of focusing on their children’s future and ensuring they receive a better education and opportunities, the successful sibling ends up dividing their resources between supporting aging parents, educating siblings, and raising their own family.

This pattern continues across generations, with each new success being siphoned away by family obligations, preventing any one generation from genuinely breaking free from poverty. Without a sacrificial individual to make tough choices and prioritize the next generation, the cycle continues.

4. Poverty in families: The burden of family expectations

Family expectations in African cultures often contribute to the persistence of poverty. Successful family members are expected to share their wealth with their extended family, even at the expense of their financial growth. For example, when one child becomes financially stable, parents may expect them to pay for their siblings’ education or take care of family expenses, regardless of the financial strain this puts on them.

While helping others financially is essential, the lack of balance means that individuals cannot accumulate wealth or invest in their children’s future, leading to the perpetuation of the poverty cycle. In many cases, siblings may even become complacent, knowing that a successful family member will take care of them.

5. The Need for Personal Responsibility

Another critical factor in the continuation of poverty is the lack of personal responsibility. While colonization and historical injustices undoubtedly play a role in the economic struggles of African nations, it’s crucial to shift the focus to what individuals can do to improve their situation. Blaming external forces like colonization and witchcraft does not provide a solution to the current economic realities.

Individuals must take responsibility for their financial well-being by making informed decisions about saving, investing, and prioritizing education for their children. The mindset of “life is for the living”—where individuals focus on immediate gratification rather than long-term planning—only contributes to the cycle of poverty. Those who disregard the importance of saving and investing in their future often find themselves in financial difficulty later in life.

The Role of Education in Breaking the Cycle

Education is a crucial tool in the fight against poverty, but many families are unable to provide their children with quality education due to financial constraints. When one sibling is forced to take on the responsibility of supporting their entire family, their children often miss out on opportunities for a better education. This leads to a situation where the next generation is no better off than the last.

Investing in education, both within and outside Africa, is one way to break the cycle of poverty in families. Countries like South Africa are known for their quality universities, and pursuing higher education, even within the African continent, can provide young people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

How Can We Break the Cycle?

The key to breaking the cycle of poverty lies in individual and familial responsibility. Families need to shift away from the mindset that one successful individual must support everyone. Instead, family members should focus on becoming self-sufficient and contributing to the family’s overall success.

Parents should prioritize their children’s education and future over short-term gains, and siblings must be encouraged to take responsibility for their financial well-being rather than relying on others. This requires a cultural shift, where success is not seen as an obligation to support the extended family at the expense of personal growth.

Conclusion: Poverty in families

Ultimately, poverty in families will persist until someone steps up as the sacrificial lamb—willing to make tough choices, focus on the next generation, and take personal responsibility for breaking the chain of poverty. Without this crucial step, families will continue to struggle, and the cycle will repeat.

By focusing on education, long-term planning, and personal responsibility, individuals can begin to break free from the burdens of familial obligations and create a path to financial stability for themselves and future generations. The road is not easy, but with a shift in mindset and a commitment to change, it is possible to end the cycle of poverty in African families.