REMAKING AFRICA THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF RELIGION: A FOCUS ON POVERTY REDUCTION

Abstract

During the precolonial period, dating back to early nineteenth century, when Africa had established empires, kingdoms and states, there was both poverty and affluence. The poverty of that time, however took a different form. In general, traditional Africa was fairly governed by traditional, mores, customs and laws that regulated the economy of the people and the nation- states in precolonial indigenous societies. African beliefs and indigenous system had real and symbolic meaning and granted protection to African children, women and the poor. Reinvigorating these practices and traditions was an important aspect of long-term poverty reduction in Africa and the Africans in diaspora. However, in the colonial period some of these traditions lost their power as colonial rule and laws were introduced. Africans began to lose their sense of religio- cultural identity as a new group of elites emerged to replace the traditional rulers and to collaborate with the colonial powers. Despite its natural resources and riches, Africa is now known to the world as a poor continent. Though materially poor, Africa is spiritually wealthy. It is a continent where African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam are well established. The data for this research was collected through primary and secondary sources, and interpreted through descriptive method. This focuses on religion and poverty. There is a strong link between religion and poverty. There are two major forms of poverty, the structural and spiritual. Structural or material poverty is what Africans are faced with today. Poverty is described in its severe sense as food shortage, malnutrition, inadequate housing, disease and illiteracy etc. The findings of this research, is that poverty is as old as Africa, the church and government had fought and is still fighting poverty. This research recommends that the church, government, NGOs and other international bodies should join forces to fight poverty in Africa.