Under the patronage of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shakir Majdi, and under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Agricultural Techniques, Prof. Dr. Mahdi Abdul Kadhim, and on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the College of Agricultural Techniques organized a scientific workshop entitled “Poverty: Its Types, Causes, Mechanisms for Mitigation, and Strategies for Eradication.” The workshop was delivered by Prof. Dr. Majid Kadhim Abbas, Head of the Department of Medicinal Plants and Natural Products. He discussed the major social and economic aspects of poverty, the causes of its prevalence, its impact on society, and possible solutions and practical measures to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. The workshop addressed the concept of poverty as one of the most significant challenges facing societies worldwide, given its impact on individuals’ living standards and their access to education, healthcare, and adequate housing, as well as its implications for sustainable development and social stability. It also explained that poverty is not limited to low income but includes deprivation of essential services and equal opportunities necessary to ensure a dignified life. ### First: Types of Poverty The workshop examined several types of poverty, including extreme poverty, which refers to the inability to meet basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, and relative poverty, which is measured by comparing an individual’s living standards with those prevailing in society. It also discussed multidimensional poverty, which involves deprivation of education, healthcare, and essential services, in addition to the different manifestations of poverty in rural and urban areas depending on the availability of employment opportunities, services, and infrastructure. ### Second: Causes of Poverty Prof. Dr. Majid Kadhim Abbas discussed the main factors contributing to poverty, including unemployment, limited job opportunities, low wages, unequal access to education and training, rising living costs, and disparities in the distribution of resources and wealth. He also highlighted the role of conflicts, economic crises, natural disasters, and climate change in increasing poverty rates, particularly among the most vulnerable groups in society. ### Third: The Impact of Poverty on Society The workshop shed light on the social and economic consequences of poverty, including school dropout, reduced access to healthcare, malnutrition, and declining living standards. It also explained that the persistence of poverty may limit individuals’ ability to participate effectively in development and increase social inequality, highlighting the need for practical and sustainable solutions. ### Fourth: Mechanisms for Reducing Poverty and Strategies for Eradication The workshop emphasized the importance of adopting integrated policies to combat poverty by creating decent employment opportunities, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, encouraging productive investment, and developing education and vocational training in line with labor market requirements. It also stressed the need to strengthen social protection programs, improve healthcare and educational services, and economically empower women and young people. In this context, the workshop highlighted the importance of rural development and the advancement of the agricultural sector, given their role in creating employment opportunities, improving food security, increasing household incomes, and strengthening local communities’ ability to address economic and environmental challenges. It also emphasized the importance of cooperation among government institutions, universities, civil society organizations, and the private sector in supporting initiatives and scientific research aimed at reducing poverty. ### Conclusion The workshop concluded by emphasizing that reducing poverty and addressing its underlying causes require coordinated efforts by government institutions, communities, and scientific organizations, alongside the adoption of sustainable development plans that ensure equal opportunities and improved living standards. It also stressed the importance of raising community awareness and strengthening the role of educational institutions in addressing humanitarian and development issues, thereby contributing to building a more equitable and stable society and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Al-Mustaqbal University Ranks First Among Private Universities in Iraq.
  جامعة المستقبل