Improving Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment of Disadvantaged Communities Through Projects

Abstract

Economic empowerment is a prerequisite for achievement of sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. The web of poverty and disability is tightly woven in such a way that disability may often lead to poverty and poverty can result into disability. The relationship is strong and it is clear that there is an urgent need to take action to address the impact of disability on the people, the families and the general population of Kenya. There are both aggravating factors and alleviating factors in the cycle of poverty and disability. The current support and existing bodies, policies, programmes and projects targeted towards this cause make an important difference to the quality of life of the persons with disabilities, in terms of empowerment and increased awareness creation and acceptance by society. Failure to address these issues puts at risk the development agenda of the country as the disabled persons constitute the population of Kenyans gravely affected by poverty and lack of empowerment opportunities. The disabled persons must have more equitable access to products and services, as well as have equal opportunities to participate in all development oriented goals in the same way as the rest of the Kenyan society. Achieving of economic empowerment requires a holistic approach and a long term commitment from various sectors.