From 50.4% in 2010, poverty registered an increase to 51.5% in 2017, says a 2019 African Economic Outlook Report.

The study, carried out by the African Development Bank (AfDB) states that poverty in rural areas registers 56.6%, citing food security as the major cause for the record.

Comparing the study to a National Statistical Office (NSO) Malawi Poverty Estimation Report from 2016/17, the two studies agree that moderate poverty levels in the country have elevated.

Meanwhile, Malawi is amidst presidential candidates’ manifestos which are outlining plans to eradicate poverty in Malawi