Mathematics Literacy: An Agent of Poverty Alleviation and National Development

Abstract

The phenomenon of poverty has been affecting societies of the world from time immemorial and currently the disturbing trend of its menace is quite worrisome; as a result of which societies are committed to see to its alleviation to some level if not completely eradicated. To do this, the paper looks at the duo of mathematics literacy and poverty to see how the former, if acquired by individuals could be used to address the latter. Mathematics literacy enables individuals to be acquainted with basic mathematical skills so as to handle effectively well the aspects of local trading, business and entrepreneurship. Quite a number of views as advanced by scholars and some world economic policy agencies were discussed in the paper and their bearing to national development. The role of mathematics in the reduction of poverty and national development was also highlighted. The paper in the end recommended how mathematics literacy could be applied in alleviating poverty and the sustenance of national development.

Keywords: Mathematical literacy, Poverty, Alleviation, National Development