What works on the ground to end poverty?

Abstract

How do the poor perceive poverty, and what can we learn from the poor about the type of development that works to overcome poverty? This chapter explores these two questions through a review of the poverty literature and four case studies of development projects (in Ethiopia, India and Tanzania). The studies highlight the many facets of poverty as understood by the poor; they emphasise clear linkages between economic deprivation and the non-economic dimensions of poverty, such as poor health, access to education, lack of dignity and participation in village matters. Succesful projects shared the following features: grassroots participation ownership and empowerment, social policy frameworks, a pro-development agenda and a functioning institutional infrastructure for public services – including service delivery systems accessible to poor people.