Poverty Alleviation Programs in South Asia and Latin America: How the Governments Provided Public Goods in Order to Set Up Inclusive States (2000-2017)

Abstract

During the 2000-2017 period, most Latin American and South Asian countries experienced relatively high rates of economic growth and their poverty rates reduced significantly. Although economic growth by itself is an important variable when discussing poverty, the redistributive role of the State is equally important to attain more equitable and inclusive societies. Generally, this role is embodied in poverty alleviation programs (PAPs). This paper focuses on the experience of the above-mentioned regions regarding the implementation and effectiveness of PAPs. These are compared, which serves to obtain lessons from both continents’ countries regarding six important aspects of the development of the programs. From this analysis we obtain six lessons for the implementation of new PAPs and the improvement of existing ones. These lessons include the need for complete information systems, as well as a standardizing the process of delivery of public goods. Moreover, the importance of providing information to the beneficiaries is highlighted, along with the key role that monitoring plays.