Poverty Reduction

12 Grade 9 Social Studies questions on Poverty Reduction, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   Which of the following is the most sustainable strategy for reducing poverty in a community?

   A. Providing education and vocational skills training

   B. Giving free handouts forever

   C. Banning all small businesses

   D. Discouraging savings

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Which of the following is a cause of poverty that is MOST closely linked to a lack of skills and education?

   A. Unemployment due to inadequate training

   B. A large variety of cultures

   C. Good road networks

   D. Heavy rainfall in the highlands

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   3 marks

   State three causes of poverty in Kenya.

   (3 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three (1 mark each): unemployment/lack of jobs; low levels of education and skills; poor health/diseases; corruption and misuse of resources; drought and unreliable rainfall affecting farming; rapid population growth; insecurity/conflict; lack of capital to start businesses; poor infrastructure. Accept any three valid causes.

4. Question 4

   1 mark

   The Kenyan government offers bursaries and free primary education partly to reduce poverty. This works because education:

   A. Equips people with skills to earn a better income

   B. Guarantees every learner a government job

   C. Reduces the size of the country

   D. Immediately removes all taxes on families

   (1 mark)

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5. Question 5

   1 mark

   In Mtaani village, many families cannot afford three meals a day, school fees or medical care. This situation is BEST described as:

   A. Globalisation

   B. Urbanisation

   C. Inflation

   D. Poverty

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   Which of the following best describes a sustainable way of reducing poverty in a community?

   A. Giving people money once a year

   B. Equipping people with skills and creating jobs

   C. Banning all small businesses

   D. Discouraging education

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   A self-help group in a rural area starts a table-banking scheme where members save and borrow small amounts to start businesses. How does this MOST directly help reduce poverty?

   A. It removes the need for any government support

   B. It increases the price of goods in the market

   C. It gives members access to capital to start income-generating activities

   D. It reduces the population of the village

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   6 marks

   Explain three measures the government and communities can take to reduce poverty in Kenya.

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   Any three measures, well explained (2 marks each): provide free/affordable education and training to give people employable skills; create jobs and support small businesses through loans/credit (e.g. youth and women funds); improve infrastructure (roads, electricity, water) to boost economic activity; promote agriculture through better methods and cooperatives; fight corruption so resources reach the poor; provide social safety nets such as cash transfers to the vulnerable. Accept any three explained measures.

9. Question 9

   4 marks

   Mama Atieno belongs to a women's group that practises table banking.

   (a) Explain how membership in such a group can help her family come out of poverty.

   (b) State one challenge such groups may face.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Explanation (3 marks): the group lets her save regularly and borrow capital cheaply; she can start/expand a small business; the extra income lets her meet needs such as food, fees and healthcare, and members support and advise one another. (b) One challenge (1 mark): members defaulting on loans, mismanagement of funds, conflicts among members, or low savings. Accept any valid challenge.

10. Question 10

    1 mark

    A county encourages farmers to form cooperatives to sell their milk together rather than individually. The MAIN way this reduces poverty is by:

    A. Forcing all farmers to move to towns

    B. Increasing farmers' bargaining power and incomes

    C. Making farmers stop growing crops

    D. Reducing the number of cows farmers own

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    Which of the following best illustrates a sustainable approach to poverty reduction rather than a short-term one?

    A. Training youth in vocational skills so they can start their own enterprises

    B. Lending money that must be repaid the next day

    C. Giving out free food once during a drought

    D. Handing out cash without any plan

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    1 mark

    Which of the following is an example of an indicator of poverty in a community?

    A. High enrolment in private schools

    B. High rate of malnutrition among children

    C. Frequent family holidays abroad

    D. Many families owning more than one car

    (1 mark)

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