In the developing economies of the world, it is often stated by economists that the country’s economic condition and poverty arise, to a great extent, due to the lack of education of the masses.

It is true from a general point of view that more education leads to greater earning prospects. But what you need to understand in macro term is the impact that education has on the widespread poverty in a country.

You need to understand the cause/effect relationship between poverty and lack of education. Which concept follows which one? Or is it a vicious circle? Poverty causes lack of education and learning causes poverty – is that it? What are the remedial measures? And how far have the governments of poverty stricken countries resorted to programs for poverty alleviation and for spreading education?

Educated Mass Forms a Better Workforce

Whether it is in the urban or the rural scenario, education brings about a change in the way people view their occupations and are able to make the changes required in the field.

An agriculturist with the proper education about the best ways to grow crops will get a much better yield than a person who is unaware of the latest developments. One educated farmer can make a large difference between a good and an average harvest.

Likewise, in the urban sector as well, the more you educate yourself, the more are your prospects to do well in life. All prospects of making it big in any field primarily depend on the quality of education that you have received.

Efficacy of the Education and Poverty Alleviation Programmes by the Governments

There has undoubtedly been a tremendous boost in spreading elementary, as well as, specialized education in the third world countries. Now the question here is, has the change only been in quantity or is the education imparted of good quality? Is the training trade and job oriented skill development? How far are children of the basic learning age willing to attend school? What are the ways in which the government can reduce the percentage of dropouts?

The programs for poverty alleviation must also be checked for efficacy. It is easier for the government, that is more concerned about its vote rather than the true welfare of the society, to sanction grants and subsidies. The policy of mediocracy is not going to work in the long run.