NAIROBI, Kenya — In homes across Africa, and in many parts of the world, it is common to find families and communities depending heavily on a single individual for financial and social support.
While such reliance can provide immediate relief and comfort, experts warn it comes with hidden risks. When the main provider falls ill, loses their job, or passes away, the fragile web of dependence can collapse, leaving households and communities exposed.
Take the story of Mildred Alango, a mother of three living in Nairobi. For years, she relied on her elder brother, who worked abroad, to pay school fees, buy food, and cover medical expenses. “We never had to worry about money,” she recalls.
But when her brother suddenly fell ill last year, the household was thrown into chaos. Tuition bills went unpaid, groceries became a daily struggle, and Mildred felt the immense weight of having to provide everything herself.
Across rural Kenya, Uganda, and other parts of Africa, similar stories are unfolding. Many young people depend on grandparents, aunts, or uncles who are the sole breadwinners in the household.
While the support is invaluable, it often discourages individuals from developing their own financial independence, leaving them vulnerable if the primary provider is no longer available.
Why dependency syndrome persists
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- High unemployment despite graduates: Many young adults complete higher education only to face scarce job opportunities. With limited income options, they become reliant on relatives or well-placed family members to meet basic needs.
- Cultural habits of borrowing: In an unfortunate situation, there are people accustomed to borrowing from others even when they have the means to earn or manage independently. This pattern reinforces dependence rather than encouraging self-reliance.
- Economic inequality: A small proportion of individuals hold substantial wealth while the majority have limited access to resources. Families naturally turn to the few with disposable income, creating an unhealthy concentration of responsibility.
- Short-term relief over long-term planning: Immediate help, while lifesaving, can discourage proactive thinking about building multiple streams of income, skills, or small businesses.
The consequences for families and communities
Dependency syndrome is not just a financial problem, it carries social, emotional, and generational risks:
- Fragile households: When one person shoulders the entire financial burden, any setback; illness, job loss, or death can trigger a cascade of problems, affecting housing, education, and healthcare.
- Emotional strain: Main providers often experience overwhelming stress and pressure, which can strain relationships and lead to burnout.
- Generational vulnerability: Children growing up in dependent households may internalize the habit of relying on others, perpetuating the cycle of vulnerability.
James Otieno based in Kisumu, Kenya, an economist specializing in social welfare, explains: “People are less likely to build their own skills or income streams if they feel someone else will always provide. This leaves families extremely vulnerable to shocks and diminishes the resilience of entire communities.”
Stories from the region and beyond
The issue is not unique to Africa. In Latin America, parts of South Asia, and urban centers across the globe, similar dependency patterns emerge in families struggling with economic inequality and high youth unemployment.
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In East Africa, Mildred Alango’s story mirrors thousands of households across Kenya and Uganda, where people often rely on a single sibling, parent, or relative who has a formal job or access to resources.
In rural areas, the risk is even higher: if a grandparent or elder passes away, multiple generations may suddenly face destitution.
Breaking the cycle: Solutions to dependency syndrome
Experts and NGOs suggest practical ways to reduce dependency while maintaining community support:
- Encourage skill-building and entrepreneurship: Training programs, vocational schools, and micro-enterprise initiatives help individuals create their own income streams.
- Promote savings and shared responsibility: Community savings groups, cooperatives, and joint household budgeting distribute the financial burden across multiple members.
- Teach responsible borrowing and lending: Families should aim to cultivate financial literacy, reducing the culture of borrowing when alternatives exist.
- Pay it forward: Those who are able to help should also empower others to stand on their own feet. A culture of mentorship and support combined with independence can prevent future vulnerability.
Mildred Alango reflects on her experience:
“We love him for what he does, but we also learned that depending on just one person can be dangerous. We have to learn to stand on our own too. Now, I’m taking small steps to generate my own income and ensure my children won’t be helpless if something happens.”
A call for a balanced approach
Dependency is not inherently negative, support systems are vital during crises. But relying entirely on a single individual is unsustainable and risky, especially in regions facing high unemployment and economic inequality.
Families and communities that balance aid with empowerment are more likely to thrive in the long term.
Ultimately, fostering independence alongside communal support is essential to protect not just the present generation, but the future.
By building resilience, skill, and shared responsibility, households can weather uncertainty without falling into crisis, and children can grow up learning the value of both receiving help and contributing back.
