An evaluation of poverty eradication under agender 21 of the world summit on sustainable development (WSSD) : a case study of South Africa

Abstract

The study set out to evaluate the Implementation of Poverty Reduction Strategies under Agenda 21 framework in South Africa. Agenda 21 is one of the five documents produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. It mapped out a plan of action for future global partnership on critical issues of sustainable development and poverty reduction. The study found out that the goal of poverty reduction under Agenda 21 can only be achieved if there is a progressive commitment and partnership at national and international levels. It was further established that the delay or failure by rich countries and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in implementing the Johannesburg Plan has escalated the levels of poverty in South Africa and elsewhere. Based on these findings, the following were made. Poverty reduction remains not only a South African problem but also a global challenge. Without action on critical issues that are the means of implementation such as finance and market access, countries will simply be unable to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets. Investment in good

governance at national and international level will go a long way m the fight against poverty reduction.