The Gambia is one of Africa’s poorest nations, ranking 175th out of 188 countries in the United Nations Development Programme’s 2015 Human Development Index. Income poverty and household food insecurity are widespread, with nearly half the population living below the absolute poverty line. Poverty is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas mainly due to over-reliance on rainfed agriculture for income, and exclusion from economic opportunities and social services. Poverty also disproportionately affects young people and the elderly.