Urban Vs Rural: Angola's Development Dichotomy

Angola is a country on the west-central coast of Southern Africa with a population of approximately 37.2 million people. It is the second-largest Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) country in both total area and population and is the seventh-largest country in Africa. Angola's urban population was estimated to be nearly 22 million in 2020, accounting for 66.7% of the country's total population. This figure has risen from 17.7 million in 2015, indicating increasing urbanisation. However, Angola's urban population is largely concentrated in coastal cities, particularly Luanda, Benguela, and Cabinda, which together account for almost 60% of the country's urban population. In contrast, rural areas in Angola are characterised by sparse populations, with people living in mud- and grass-roofed dwellings, limited access to employment, and a dominant economic focus on agriculture. Angola's overall standard of living is low, with life expectancy among the lowest in the world and high levels of poverty and inequality.

Angola's urban population

The urbanization of Angola is evident through a comparison of its rural and urban areas. Luanda, the capital, is densely populated, with a mix of brick houses and shacks, and a constant reminder of the surrounding affluent areas. In contrast, villages in rural Malanje are sparsely populated, with people living in mud- and grass-roof dwellings. Agriculture is the dominant economic activity in rural areas, while Luanda's urban areas offer formal and informal employment opportunities, with shops and markets omnipresent.

Despite its growing urbanization, Angola is ranked 147th out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index, indicating exceptionally poor scores in education and health, particularly in rural areas. The official consumption-based poverty rate in the country is 38%, with 18.7% for urban and 58.3% for rural areas. The child mortality rate also reflects disparities, with 230 deaths per 1000 children in rural areas and 170 per 1000 in urban areas.

The dynamics of urban and rural poverty in Angola present a complex picture. While material poverty may be more visible in rural areas, urban residents face challenges such as insecure working conditions, the cost of living, and limited access to social safety nets. Income inequality is also prevalent in urban areas, with the affluent cidade surrounding the bairros serving as a reminder of the stark inequalities.

Angola's rural population

Agriculture is the primary economic activity in rural Angola, and it is often subsistence agriculture. Incomes are low, and access to education and healthcare is limited. Schools and hospitals are largely unreachable, and employment opportunities are scarce. The standard of living in rural areas is low, and basic necessities such as food and water can be difficult to attain.

However, it is important to note that there are some advantages to living in rural areas. For example, there is a stronger sense of community and social cohesion, and access to agricultural land can provide a potential road out of poverty. Additionally, the cost of living is lower in rural areas, as most basic necessities are locally produced.

Urban poverty in Angola

Angola is a country with a high rate of urbanization, with an estimated 66.7% of its population living in urban centers in 2020, a number that has been increasing over the years. Despite this, Angola is ranked 147th out of 189 countries in the Human Development Index, indicating exceptionally poor scores in terms of education and health indicators, particularly in rural areas.

The high poverty rate in urban Angola can be attributed to decades of war, poor governance, spiraling inflation, and overcrowding. The city's infrastructure was not designed to accommodate such a large population, and this has led to a lack of access to basic services such as running water and electricity. Additionally, the availability of informal employment opportunities often comes with poor and fluctuating incomes, inconvenient working hours, and insecure contracts.

The impact of urban poverty in Angola is far-reaching, affecting not just the economic well-being of individuals but also their health, education, and overall quality of life. The child mortality rate, for example, is alarmingly high, with nearly one in four children in rural Angola dying before they reach the age of five. Furthermore, street children, often abandoned by displaced families, are at risk of engaging in petty crime or falling prey to more hardened criminal elements.

Despite the challenges, some Angolans, like Katy, a domestic worker, are trying to better their situation. She is saving up money from her job to return to school and pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, with cooking as a backup plan. However, stories like Katy's are exceptions, and the overall picture of urban poverty in Angola remains dire.

Rural poverty in Angola

Angola is a country of stark contrasts. Despite being one of Africa's most resource-rich countries, with a booming oil industry, it has a high poverty rate. Angola is the second-largest oil producer in Africa and the fourth-largest producer of diamonds, yet two-thirds of the population live on less than $2 a day.

Villages in rural Angola are sparsely populated and homogeneous. People live in dwellings with mud and grass roofs, and employment opportunities are scarce. Markets are near-empty, and agriculture is the dominant economic activity. Access to schools and hospitals is limited, and income levels are low.

The very poorest in rural areas are those who do not have enough labour to produce crops and have to beg or work in the fields of others. The high child mortality rate in rural Angola is a stark indicator of the vulnerability of the rural poor: nearly one in four children die before they reach the age of five.

Other issues facing rural communities in Angola include low electrification rates, with only 6% of rural households having access to electricity, and limited access to safe water sources, affecting 38% of the population.

The Angolan government claims that poverty rates have dropped in recent years, but corruption remains a significant concern, with government elites and employees reaping the benefits of the oil industry. Successful reconstruction programs have been implemented, including the development of roads, airports, bridges, hospitals, and schools. However, there is still much work to be done to alleviate poverty, particularly in rural areas.

Angola's economy

Angola's economic fortunes are closely tied to global oil demand. Oil production and supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and 90% of exports. In 2017, the oil sector accounted for over 90% of exports by value and 64% of government revenue. High international oil prices and rising oil production contributed to strong economic growth, with a trade surplus of $30 billion in 2022. However, the end of the oil boom around 2015 led Angola into a period of economic contraction.

The non-oil sector, including agriculture, plays a significant role in the economy as well. A large portion of the population relies on subsistence agriculture, and Angola has abundant agricultural and arable land. The government has recognized the need for economic diversification and is working to remove barriers to private sector investment and promote agricultural development. Efforts to improve food security and reduce poverty include the Angola Commercial Agriculture Development Project and the Angola Smallholder Agricultural Transformation Project.

Despite its economic growth, Angola continues to face challenges such as high unemployment, income inequality, and poverty. The country's dependence on the oil sector has increased its vulnerability to external shocks and undermined macroeconomic stability. Additionally, strong real exchange rate appreciation has hindered the non-oil economy and limited economic diversification and job creation. The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted the economy, with a decline in oil exports and a depreciation of the currency.

To address these issues, the Angolan government and the World Bank Group have implemented various strategies. These include promoting more inclusive development, enhancing the quality of service delivery, and establishing a strong social protection program. The government is also working to improve macroeconomic management and public sector governance, with reforms leading to enhanced macroeconomic stability and a more flexible exchange rate regime. While economic recovery is expected, the over-reliance on the oil sector means that risks to the economic outlook remain.

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