Poverty Reduction Research Articles

Poverty reduction and the sustainable development goals: a bibliometric study focused on the Global South

Poverty reduction and the sustainable development goals: a bibliometric study focused on the Global South

Social inclusion and poverty reduction in sub-Saharan Africa

PurposeThe poverty puzzle persists in sub-Saharan Africa decades after some other regional bodies have recorded substantial gains in their poverty reduction efforts. This study seeks to explore the extent to which social inclusion influences poverty outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study constructs a social inclusion index and its sub-indices using principal component analysis and employs the Lewbel instrumental variable estimation method to test the impact of the computed social inclusion indices on poverty outcomes for 19 sub-Saharan African countries.FindingsThe results have shown that social inclusion reduces the proportion of the poor and the depth of poverty within sub-Saharan Africa significantly. We also observe a U-shaped relationship between social inclusion and poverty outcomes; thus, social inclusion’s poverty-reducing effect sees a reversal when it hits a certain threshold.Practical implicationsThe study provides the evidence needed to inform the policy discourse on the poverty problem, which continues to plague sub-Saharan Africa.Social implicationsWith sub-Saharan Africa’s position as the region with the worst poverty statistics, the results of this study will prove useful in tackling poverty to ensure improved quality of life.Originality/valueThis study presents original evidence on social inclusion and its relationship with poverty.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2023-0640

Analyzing the Impact of Microfinance Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development

This study investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation, economic development, and social outcomes in low-income communities. Microfinance, through providing small loans and financial services to individuals typically excluded from the formal financial system, has the potential to improve household income, stimulate entrepreneurship, and foster local economic growth. Using a quantitative research approach, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design with stratified random sampling of 250 microfinance beneficiaries and 250 non-beneficiaries. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources, including government reports and MFI records. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-tests, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson’s correlation, was used to assess relationships between microfinance access and key economic and social indicators. The results show that microfinance beneficiaries experienced a significant increase in household income (mean increase of 28%) compared to non-beneficiaries. Additionally, entrepreneurship rates increased by 15% among beneficiaries, and improvements were reported in health (17% improvement) and education (13% improvement). However, challenges such as high interest rates, limited outreach to marginalized groups, and over-indebtedness were identified. Despite these limitations, microfinance was found to have a positive impact on economic development, though more accessible and tailored programs are needed to maximize its potential. Recommendations for policy improvements, programmatic changes, and areas for future research are provided to enhance the effectiveness of microfinance initiatives.

Impact of rural transformation on rural income and poverty for sustainable development in Bangladesh: A moments‐quantile regression with fixed‐effects models Approach

AbstractThis study examines the impact of rural transformation on income and poverty in Bangladesh using district‐level panel data from five rounds of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey conducted in 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2016. Two key indicators are assessed: the share of high‐value agriculture and non‐farm employment. Fixed effects and moments‐quantile regression models are employed to analyze the relationships between rural transformation, income, and poverty, accounting for education, healthcare, electricity access, and land ownership. The results show that both high‐value agriculture and non‐farm employment significantly boost rural income and reduce poverty. Geographic disparities are evident, with high‐value agriculture being most effective in agriculturally favorable regions, while non‐farm employment has a stronger impact in areas with fewer agricultural opportunities. These findings are critical in shaping policies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 1, which seeks to eradicate poverty. The findings indicate the need for policies to prioritize high‐value agriculture and non‐farm employment to promote income growth and reduce poverty. Expanding agricultural extension services and vocational training is vital for this transformation, alongside targeted investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and energy access to enhance rural development and poverty alleviation across Bangladesh.

The Impact of Microfinance on Community Welfare: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Literature Review (SLR)

ABSTRACT Over the years, microfinance programs have been the major strategy of many developing countries to improve people’s welfare and reduce poverty. Yet several studies on the welfare impacts of microfinance result in contradictory conclusions. While some studies support the mainstream view that microfinance improves the welfare of the unbankable poor, others criticize its limited effect on business development and weak impact measurement methods. This study analyzes 409 articles to bridge the empirical gaps between mainstream and critical views of microfinance impacts on society through synthesizing major themes in existing research and their interconnections and provides recommendations for future research. Using bibliometric and systematic literature review (SLR) approaches, this study found five clusters of empirical research on microfinance impacts, including entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation; self-help groups and women empowerment; financial inclusion; household income; and community welfare. The study also suggests that microfinance programs have positive impacts on welfare across countries. However, future research needs to more deeply focus on the impact of microfinance programs on agricultural finance, specifically financial efficiency, and social efficiency.

Deciphering the anthocyanin metabolism gene network in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) through structural equation modeling.

Tea is an important cash crop that significantly contributes to rural development, poverty reduction and food security in many developing countries. It provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder producers and aids their economic stability. Anthocyanins in tea leaves provides excellent commercial quality and germplasm exploration potential. These compounds give tea leaves vibrant colors and increase health benefits. The current understanding of the synergistic regulation mechanisms responsible for color changes in purple tea, attributed to anthocyanin degradation, remains unclear. In this study, we have identified 30 gene families within the genome that are associated to with anthocyanin metabolism from tea. These gene families play distinct roles in the biosynthesis of anthocyanin including the formation of the core, structure, modification of the molecular framework, facilitation of transport process, regulation of gene expression, breakdown pathways, sugar transportation and iron ion respectively. Subsequently, we investigated the synergistic mechanisms of anthocyanin metabolism related gene families within tea leaves using structural equation modeling. The results showed that sugar transport positively affects anthocyanin transportation, and promotes anthocyanin degradation during leaf pigmentation, whereas, it inhibits anthocyanin degradation during the fading of leaf color. Further, Iron ions facilitate the degradation of anthocyanins during their deposition and conversely, impede this degradation process during digestion. These finding suggests that tea plants may regulate the synthesis and degradation of anthocyanins through sugar transport and iron ions ensure healthy levels and vibrant colors. Our study contributes valuable information into the dynamic equilibrium anthocyanin mechanism and sheds light on complex regulatory mechanisms that govern the synthesis, transport and degradation of these pigments. These insights could be further used to develop strategies for enhancing anthocyanins content in unique tea germplasm to aid tea industry in producing new tea products with increased health benefits and aesthetic appeals.

Mitigating structural violence through legislative oversight: examining poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria

Mitigating structural violence through legislative oversight: examining poverty alleviation programmes in Nigeria

Influence of Credit Limitations on the Growth of Small Enterprises in Fragile States: The case of Bosaso, Somalia

In recent years, the development of small enterprises has emerged as a vital component of economic growth and poverty alleviation in many countries. This study aimed to investigate the influence of credit limitations on the growth of Small Enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia. To achieve this objective primary data was collected and analyzed employing content analysis and multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that a majority of small enterprises in Bosaso have access to credit, with Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and banks being the primary sources. However, a significant minority still lacks access to credit, mainly due to weak banking infrastructure and insufficient collateral. Small enterprises face numerous challenges when seeking loans, including insufficient guarantor, Political instability, limited financial infrastructure, high interest rates, and limited collateral. These challenges hinder their ability to access credit, limiting their growth potential. Also, the regression analysis indicated a positive and significant relationship between credit availability and small enterprise growth. Conversely, the access to loan and the cost of credit were found to have negative impacts on growth. On the other hand, Small Enterprises in Bosaso employ various coping strategies to overcome credit limitations, including informal financing, asset-based financing, diversification of income streams, cost reduction measures, and seeking grants or donor funding. Based on these findings, the authors made several recommendations to address the challenges and enhance the growth prospects of small enterprises in Bosaso, Somalia.

Sports poverty alleviation: concept and model innovation for the development of Chinese sports towns in the new Era

In recent years, sports-themed towns have emerged as a key component in China's rural revitalization and poverty alleviation strategy, integrating sports, culture, tourism, and health industries to drive regional economic and social development. However, the literature often overlooks their long-term impact on social, cultural, and community development. Research aims to explore the concept of “sports poverty alleviation” and propose a new development model for sports towns in China, focusing on economic growth as well as social and cultural enhancement, public health, community integration. The study employs mixed methods, including documentary analysis and empirical research, to evaluate the effectiveness of various sports town models in poverty alleviation. Findings reveal that while these towns successfully boost short-term economic growth, especially through tourism and events, their sustainability is challenged by homogenization and a lack of competitiveness. Many towns fail to capitalize on local cultural and natural resources, and while they contribute to immediate economic benefits, they often lack long-term employment and integration strategies for local communities. Successful cases like the Mashan model demonstrate how integrating local resources and cultural identity with sports industries can lead to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. The research concludes that a more holistic approach to the development of sports towns in China is needed. Economic benefits should be complemented by a focus on social, cultural, and community development to ensure long-term success. The proposed innovative development models offer practical solutions to enhance the uniqueness and sustainability of sports towns, contributing to China's rural revitalization and poverty alleviation efforts.

Do the 'poor matter’ in regional integration among SACU countries?

ABSTRACT This study examines the linkages between regional integration, poverty, and inequality reduction in the South African Customs Union. This was achieved by applying an econometric analytical technique to panel data on the five-member countries covering 2000–17. Results confirmed that regional integration is important in poverty and inequality reduction. This study has revealed that poverty can be reduced by increasing the levels of integration with other economies, increasing Human Development Indexfst and reducing inequalities. Therefore, these findings show that SACU governments’ commitment to enhancing each of these variables is critical in achieving zero or reduced poverty among member states.

Community Prosperity/Poverty and Entrepreneurship in United States Counties

ABSTRACT This analysis links business sector entrepreneurship and prosperity/poverty levels of 3000 U.S. counties. A community prosperity/poverty continuum based on the enterprise dependency indices of the counties provides 20 bins of 150 counties each. Sector entrepreneurial strengths, expressed as proportions of total bin entrepreneurship, are linked to the prosperity/poverty levels of the binned groups. The entrepreneurial strengths of some business sectors increase in step with increasing community poverty. Other sectors behave oppositely. The null hypothesis that entrepreneurship is quantitatively and qualitatively associated with community prosperity/poverty is accepted. Poverty alleviation efforts should heed these findings.

Strategies for feeding tilapia in smallholder aquaculture systems: a study of aquaculture feed access and availability in two districts of Northern Province, Zambia

ABSTRACT Aquaculture contributes to agricultural development, economic growth, and poverty reduction initiatives in Zambia. In northern and rural regions of the country, development requires improvements to the management of local and farm-generated inputs. Fish farmers have limited market access and purchasing power, which restricts access to commercial inputs, such as formulated feeds and chemical fertilizers. Instead, farmers adopt integrated-agriculture-aquaculture (IAA) practices, whereby on-farm resources supply essential inputs. Research is limited regarding local systems of resource management, and this hinders development of innovations for improving efficiency. This mixed-methods study explored local patterns of resource utilization. Smallholders (n = 63) participated in surveys and interviews regarding resource management. A series of quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, principal component analyses (PCA), and multinomial logistic regression (logit) models, identified relationships between these resources, household livelihood, and system productivity. Qualitative analyses explored farmer perceptions regarding seasonal resource availability. Results suggested that livestock manure, homemade feeds comprising maize and soybean, garden residues, and kitchen wastes were the most frequently selected inputs. Logit models of feeding intensity found that income, proximity to Luwingu Town, experience in aquaculture, and access to extension services were key household resources. High-intensity feeding strategies incorporated commercial feeds, chemical fertilizers, as well as home-made feeds containing a wide diversity of both high- and low-quality ingredients. Low-intensity feeding strategies incorporated only farm waste and termites. Potential innovations that may improve system performance in resource poor contexts are considered and recommendations for additional research are offered.

Mapping microfinance research to sustainable development goals: Insights from Scientometrics and BERTopic analysis

AbstractMicrofinance research plays a pivotal role in addressing global development challenges, yet comprehensive assessments of its alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs) remain scarce. This study fills this gap by systematically mapping the landscape of microfinance literature to its corresponding SDG contributions. Leveraging data from Scopus and SCIval, we analyzed 1004 microfinance articles spanning between 2014 and 2023. Our findings reveal a substantial body of research focused on poverty alleviation (SDG 1) and economic empowerment (SDG 8), with notable attention to gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Key thematic clusters include the performance and impact of microfinance institutions (MFIs), microinsurance innovations, and Islamic microfinance. Notably, top‐cited articles underscored the sector's commitment to poverty alleviation and economic growth, with a nuanced exploration of gender dynamics and rural household impacts. Furthermore, our BERTopic analysis unveils the multidimensional nature of microfinance research, highlighting prevalent themes such as MFI performance and rural household impact. Geographically, research efforts are concentrated in the United States, India, and France, reflecting a global commitment to SDG‐aligned microfinance interventions. The paper's theoretical contributions lie in its framework development, interdisciplinary engagement, nuanced understanding of microfinance themes, global perspective, and methodological advancements, all of which enhance the scholarly discourse on microfinance's role in achieving SDGs.

The economic, social, and environmental impact of ecologically centered integrated pest management practices in East Africa

Agricultural pest management faces mounting challenges with increasing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use while ensuring food security, and environmental sustainability. Ecologically centered approaches, such as integrated pest management (IPM), offer promising sustainable agroecological crop protection alternative solutions to pesticides. This study assesses the investment viability and environmental sustainability of two IPM interventions—mango fruit fly IPM (FF-IPM) and push-pull technology (PPT) in Kenya and Uganda, using project investment and adoption data from 2007 to 2021. The study also evaluates these technologies contribution to food security and poverty reduction. FF-IPM integrates biological control, cultural practices, and targeted bait traps to manage fruit flies in mango production, while PPT employs Desmodium and Brachiaria grass to control stemborers and striga weed. The findings highlight that these IPM interventions achieved a combined net present value of $500 million, with a benefit-cost ratio of about 8:1, and an internal rate of return of 21%, comparable to returns from improved crop varieties. These technologies also improved food security for 641,000 people, lifted 445,349 people above the poverty line, representing 2% of the poor population in both countries, and generated an average income increase of $5 per capita in Kenya and Uganda annually. Environmentally, they sequestered 2.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, valued at $12.2 million, and are reducing pesticide use by 86,000 to 204,000 L per year. These results demonstrate the potential of IPM approaches to simultaneously enhance livelihoods, local economies, and generate global environmental public goods, suggesting that addressing adoption barriers could further amplify these positive outcomes.

Local Potential Management for Poverty Alleviation in Maluku

Poverty, as a social problem, has a significant impact on human life. Therefore, various theories have been produced for poverty alleviation, followed by various policies. It is carried out by the governments of sovereign countries, organizations, families, and personal efforts. Nevertheless, poverty still exists and even shows fluctuating numbers, as if poverty cannot be eradicated from the lives of humanity. The Central Bureau of Statistics shows that Indonesia’s population in March 2023 reached 280.73 million people with a poverty rate of 9.36% or 29.9 million people, above the average poor population of the world community. In Maluku, the poverty rate was 16.42% in September 2023, which represents 301.61 thousand people. It is an increase from the previous year, which places the poverty of the Maluku people above the average of the world’s poor and the average of the poor in Indonesia. Through research with a unique sociological approach to system theory by Talcott Parsons with his AGIL, it was found that in rural communities, especially in sago-producing countries, poverty can be alleviated not in a moment but sustainably with the quality of life of the community and the quality of the environment that constantly increases. Through qualitative research conducted, it was found that managing and cultivating sago regularly will have an impact on increasing community income, the emergence of new water sources resulting in the emergence of many aquatic animals, the opening of various business lands, the natural environment becomes cool and fertile, and various other benefits. In this way, poverty can be erased in sago-producing communities, with the quality of community life and the environment continuing to improve. Keywords: local potential, poverty alleviation, Maluku

CSR Strategies for Promoting Sustainable Development in the Emerging Market: An Analytical Study

Business can now address significant social environmental and economic issue under the framework of corporate social responsibility (CSR) this is especially true as corporate ethics and sustaianbility become more widely recognized. With rapid technological advancement, economic expansion and urbanization frequently accompanied by environmental degredation, social inequality, and governance problem, corporate social responsibility is crucial to fostering sustainable development in emerging economies. A weak regulatory structure, scarce resources and the stakeholder participation are some of the particular difficulties this sector faces. Years are covered in this study to examine how multinational corporations are implementing CSR initiatives in emerging economies in order to match them with the sustainable development goals ( SDGs) of the UN. They will focus on issues including social justice environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation. Using case studies from the emerging economies, the article thoroughly examines the unique opportunities and problems associated with the application of CSR in emerging markets, where striking a balance between responsible corporate practice and economic success is crucial. This article gives useful insights into how CSR can be effectively used to promote long term economic growth, boost public wellbeing and assure environmental sustainability creating innovation, establishing strategic networks, incorporating CSR into core company strategy and promoting sustainable development. They also emphasize how crucial it is to boost stake holder participation in order to improve results.

Quantifying farmers' Livelihood Efficiency, Regional Indicators and Its Influencing Factors: Implementing an Improved Sustainable Livelihood Framework

ABSTRACTResearch on sustainable livelihoods tend to emphasis on objective and macroregional aspects. However, there is space to expand research on the farmers' livelihoods in the context of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization development. This paper uses a field survey on farmers' livelihood efficiency, influencing factors and mechanisms of farmers' livelihood efficiency in the Qinba mountainous areas of southern Shaanxi China. Based on DEA and Tobit approaches, the authors investigate farmer livelihood efficiency and analyze the disparities according to the farm households' socio‐demographics descriptions. Findings of this study show that, livelihood efficiency is a new entry point of sustainable livelihoods for farmers, and currently, the overall livelihood efficiency of farmers in the study area is low, which needs to be further improved. The results also show that the willingness of environmental protection activities, village busses and government financial expenditure have a significant positive impact on the livelihood efficiency, while the abandonment has a significant negative impact on the livelihood efficiency of farmers. These factors have significant differences in the impact of farmers' technical efficiency and scale efficiency. The results further indicate that, utilization and conversion rate of the existing livelihood capital of farmers is low. Livelihood diversification should be stimulated to enhance “livelihood export” and its operation ability of livelihood capital accumulation. The study findings also propose that, there is a need of reform of dual paths to improve the efficiency of farmers' livelihood, and promote farmers' livelihood development with “wide path” and “wide choice.”

Ecotourism for Coastal Slum Alleviation: A Strategic Approach to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tangerang, Indonesia

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore the potential of ecotourism as a strategic tool for transforming coastal slum areas in developing regions, with a focus on alleviating poverty, improving living conditions, and fostering sustainable development. Theoretical Framework: The research draws on theories of sustainable development, ecotourism, and community-based tourism. The study builds on frameworks that emphasize the role of local community involvement, environmental conservation, and socio-economic improvement in developing effective strategies for slum transformation. Method: This research adopts a quantitative approach, utilizing Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using R Studio to analyze relationships between ecotourism development, infrastructure investment, community participation, and sustainable tourism outcomes. Data were collected through surveys of 160 residents in a coastal slum area, complemented by direct observations of the region’s environmental and infrastructural conditions. Results and Discussion: The findings reveal that investments in ecotourism infrastructure and active community engagement significantly improve the economic conditions and environmental sustainability of coastal slum areas. However, gaps in policy support and sustainable tourism principles were identified, which limit the full realization of ecotourism’s potential in alleviating slum conditions. Research Implications: This study highlights ecotourism's potential to alleviate poverty and transform coastal slum areas through infrastructure investment and community participation. It offers practical insights for policymakers and developers in sustainable tourism, emphasizing improved economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Theoretically, it enriches sustainable development literature by linking local governance with ecotourism-driven regional transformation. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a comprehensive framework that integrates ecotourism with poverty alleviation strategies, focusing on the transformation of coastal slums into sustainable tourism hubs. The findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners working on sustainable development initiatives in coastal regions.

Variations in Earned Income Tax Credit Allocation between the Program’s Eight Qualifying Categories

Abstract The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been an important anti-poverty program over the past five decades. Research shows that the EITC improves social and health outcomes. However, eligibility is not equitably allocated across the tax credit’s eight qualifying groups. This study examined this inequity while highlighting how it reflects and reproduces socially embedded deservedness narratives. The study investigated the federal poverty threshold (FPT) and EITC phase-out threshold data from 1994 to 2022. We assessed disparities in EITC disbursement amounts by exploring the percentage of EITC phase-out threshold relative to FPT differences between groups. The percentage showed how much a household’s income can exceed their FPT while still qualifying for the EITC. Over the study period, three of the eight EITC qualifying categories that included children were each eligible to receive an average greater than 200% (i.e., two times) their corresponding FPT while remaining EITC eligible (single one child, 229.12%; single two children, 225.77%; married one child, 215.77%). Married couples and individuals without children benefited far less, earning 118.30% and 111.38% of their FPT, respectively. The findings show that the outcome percentages dramatically vary between those with and without children. This disparity engenders a deservedness narrative, delineating who is deserving of receiving the credit. The EITC is unequally available and needs to be adjusted. Social workers should therefore advocate for policies that anchor the EITC phase-out threshold to at least 200% of the FPT for childless households, aligning it with the threshold for households with children.

Does alcohol consumption cause poverty? Evidence from Vietnam

ABSTRACT This paper examines the impacts of alcohol expenditure on poverty. A main challenge of doing so is to remove the endogeneity arising from the bidirectional relationship between the two variables that seriously distorts the estimated correlation coefficients. This paper proves that an instrumental variable (IV) probit model outperforms the treatment effect and the panel probit models in terms of purging this endogeneity. When this IV probit model is applied to the Vietnamese data, the results show that alcohol expenditure increases the likelihood of consumers becoming poor; therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the regulation of alcohol spending as a fundamental element in the execution of poverty alleviation initiatives.