<P> The Fraser Institute, a public policy think - tank reported that characteristics increasing Canadians' risk of "experiencing persistent low income" include "having a physical or mental disability, being part of a lone - parent family, and having less than a high school education ." </P> <P> From 1921 to 2001 food prices increased due to a change in the policies of commodity prices which increased the poverty rate . From 1960 to 2009 slow economic growth has contributed to the persistence of poverty and has also contributed to the non-poor becoming poor . Although poverty has been reduced overall, the inequality of poverty has increased, according to the Asian Development Bank . </P> <P> Unemployment is the leading cause of poverty within the US . In 1999 and 2005, 71 percent of the families that were below the poverty line did not have any working family members . Among the families below the poverty line that had at least one family member working, low wages and insufficient benefits were also leading causes . </P> <P> One of South Africa's major causes and effects of poverty is unemployment . Unemployment causes families to live in unsanitary conditions because a lack of financial means to improve living conditions . If the parents are unemployed, this can also affect how the child is brought up and what kind of education they receive . This issue has been recognized by the South African government and they have created organisations like the Expanded Public Works Program, also known as the EPWP . This program is an important gateway to labor absorption and provides income for poor families . Poverty stricken people now have the chance to receive income thanks to the jobs that the EPWP provides . </P>

What is the biggest cause of poverty in america