Poverty Reduction Strategy Research Articles

Poverty reduction strategies and national development in Nigeria

The study on poverty reduction strategies and national development in Nigeria sets out to evaluate the effectiveness of the poverty reduction strategies on improving national development of Nigeria between 1999 and 2015. The proposition of the study stated that poverty issues were endemically a political challenge and that poverty reduction strategies were merely a technical response that cannot reduce poverty. The qualitative research approach based on conceptual and normative analyses of data was adopted whilst the theoretical framework used was dependency theory. The study found that despite the several poverty reduction programmes embarked on, some multi-sectoral while others were sector specific, the poverty incidence in Nigeria was steadily on the increase thus validating the proposition that poverty reduction strategies of the World Bank and IMF are merely technical responses to a fundamentally political challenge. The study recommended that the World Bank, IMF, donor and aid agencies as well as the poor countries should understand the impact of politics on poverty as such emphasize political reforms alongside poverty reduction strategies in order to deal with poverty reduction in the Third World.

Empirical analysis of poverty eradication and its determinants in Rwanda: lessons from China

This paper analyzed empirically the lessons Rwanda learned on poverty reduction strategies used by China. The simulations were made using the Fixed Effect Model where the coefficients of explanatory variables were constant or the same for both countries to reflect how poverty reduction strategies used by both countries result in the same outcomes and relatively the same output. Outcomes from simulations revealed that Adjusted Net Saving, government spending, citizen‟s empowerment, education for all and Foreign Direct Investments strategies used and drawn from Chinese economy by Rwanda are statistically significant; hence reduced poverty in both economies. In the light of the findings, the study recommended to policy makers a strong review of their empowerment strategies since it was the only explanatory variable which was not statistically significant in the model. It also recommended that women empowerment in political, social and economic aspects must be accompanied by youths‟ empowerment in those domains as the main driving forces of both economies.

Levels and trends in key socioeconomic inequalities in childhood undernutrition in Ethiopia: evidence from Ethiopia demographic and health surveys 2000-2019

IntroductionThe global burden of childhood undernutrition is mainly concentrated in low-income and lower-middle-income countries. In Ethiopia, childhood undernutrition varies significantly across different population groups. The present study is aimed at examining the levels and trends in key socioeconomic inequalities in childhood undernutrition in Ethiopia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a total pooled sample of 48,782 under-five children drawn from five rounds of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (2000–2019). We used multilevel binary logistic regression analysis to determine the key socioeconomic determinants of undernutrition among under five children. In addition, we applied concentration index and decomposition rate analysis techniques to explore the levels and trends in key socioeconomic inequalities in childhood undernutrition.ResultsPlace of residence, household wealth status (approximated by asset-based wealth index), and maternal education, among others, were the key socioeconomic variables significantly associated (p < 0.001) with childhood undernutrition in Ethiopia. The level of inequality was the highest with children from rural areas, poor households and uneducated mothers. Absolute socioeconomic inequality in childhood undernutrition prevalence rate was declined by 9.72 during the study period (2000 to 2019).ConclusionChildhood undernutrition was unequally distributed among under-five children in Ethiopia, and largely concentrated among low socioeconomic status population groups. The identified key socioeconomic drivers of inequality in childhood undernutrition can be used to inform localized interventions and communication strategies to improve nutritional status of under-five children in Ethiopia. The study underscores development of poverty reduction strategies that directly address the existing challenges of the food insecurity and childhood undernutrition for the low-income population groups in the country.

A time of need: Exploring the changing poverty risk facing larger families in the UK

Abstract Despite its significance in determining poverty risk, family size has received little focus in recent social policy analysis. This paper provides a correction, focusing squarely on the changing poverty risk of larger families (those with three or more dependent children) in the UK over recent years. It argues that we need to pay much closer attention to how and why poverty risk differs according to family size. Our analysis of Family Resource Survey data reveals how far changes in child poverty rates since 1997 – both falling poverty risk to 2012/13 and increases since then – have been concentrated in larger families. Social security changes are identified as central: these have affected larger families most as they have greater need for support, due to both lower work intensity and higher household needs. By interrogating the way policy change has affected families of different sizes the paper seeks to increase understanding of the effects of different poverty reduction strategies, with implications for policy debates in the UK and beyond. In providing evidence about the socio-demographics of larger families and their changing poverty risk it also aims to inform contested debates about the state’s role in providing financial support for children.

Long- and short-term analysis on the Human Development Index in West Nusa Tenggara

Purpose — With the low human development index in West Nusa Tenggara, this study is intended to analyze important factors in increasing the Human Development Index in an area.Method — This research combined cross-sectional data consisting of 10 regencies and cities in West Nusa Tenggara and time-series data from 2016 to 2020. In addition, a series of model tests were carried out. This research employed the Arellano-bond estimator for the dynamic panel estimation, which used first-difference (FDGMM) with robust standard error.Result — We found that the previous year's Human Development Index, poverty rate, and GDRB significantly increased the human development index in West Nusa Tenggara, especially in the short term. Meanwhile, in the long run, all variables do not affect the human development index in West Nusa Tenggara. In addition, this study revealed that the previous year's HDI, poverty rate, and GRDP only affected the short term. Moreover, long-term policies are needed to increase the HDI in West Nusa Tenggara, such as increasing community capacity, health assistance, price stabilization, and creating new jobs.Contribution — This study clarifies in practice the need for differentiating poverty reduction strategies according to their duration. This is because short-term interventions have little long-term impact on reducing poverty.

An exploratory study of local social innovation initiatives for sustainable poverty reduction in Nigeria

AbstractThe eradication of extreme poverty remains an intractable global challenge. This paper explores social innovation (SI) as a strategy for fostering sustainable poverty reduction in a developing country, Nigeria. Analysis is based on semi‐structured interviews with founders of SI initiatives. Findings indicate SI as a sustainable poverty reduction strategy because it addresses: (i) some underlying causes of poverty such as poor nutrition and lack of access to education; (ii) different dimensions of sustainability (i.e., economic, social and environmental). The study also identifies socially innovative cultural practices such as traditional rotational saving/credit and apprenticeship schemes which help eradicate poverty by ensuring improved access to finance and encouraging entrepreneurship. Furthermore, results indicate local SI initiatives in Nigeria are largely private sector‐led, while a weak institutional environment hampers expansion. The study highlights the need for policy aimed at identifying, strengthening and scaling up innovative local practices, and creating favourable framework conditions for SI.

Maternal Mortality in a Rural District of Pakistan and Contributing Factors.

Pakistan is among the ten countries that account for 60% of global maternal mortality. Lack of accurate data on maternal mortality and a complex interrelation of access and quality of healthcare services, healthcare delivery system, and socio-economic and demographic factors contribute significantly to inadequate progress in reducing maternal mortality. A population-based prospective cohort study was conducted in a rural district of Pakistan using data obtained from an enhanced surveillance system. A total of 7572 pregnancies and their outcomes were recorded by 273 Lady Health Workers and 73 Community Health Workers over 2016-2017. Logistic regression was used to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) for maternal mortality for each risk factor. Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) was derived from the ORs and risk factor prevalence. The study recorded 18 maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate was estimated at 238/100,000 pregnancies (95% CI 141-376), and the maternal mortality ratio was 247/100,000 live births (95% CI 147-391). Half of the maternal deaths (9) were from obstetric hemorrhage, and 28% (5) from puerperal sepsis. Postpartum hemorrhage was associated with a 17-fold higher risk of maternal mortality (PAF = 40%) and puerperal sepsis with a 12-fold higher mortality risk (PAF = 29%) compared to women without these conditions. Women delivered by unskilled birth attendants had a three-fold (PAF = 21%), and women having prolonged labour had a fourfold risk of maternal mortality compared to those with these conditions. Women with leg swelling (47%) and pre-eclampsia (26%) are at seven times the risk of maternal mortality compared to those without these conditions. Mortality in women delivered by unskilled birth attendants was three times higher than with skilled attendants. The study, among a few large-scale prospective cohort studies conducted at the community level in a rural district of Pakistan, provides a better understanding of the risk factors determining maternal mortality in Pakistan. Poverty emerged as a significant risk factor for maternal mortality in the study area and contributes to the underutilization of health facilities and skilled birth attendants. Incorporating poverty reduction strategies across all sectors, including health, is urgently required to address higher maternal mortality in Pakistan. A paradigm shift is required in Maternal and Child health related programs and interventions to include poverty estimation and measuring mortality through linking mortality surveillance with the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system. Accelerated efforts to expand the coverage and completeness of mortality data with risk factors to address inequalities in access and utilization of health services.

Geographical variations of food insecurity and its associated factors in Bangladesh: Evidence from pooled data of seven cross-sectional surveys.

Food insecurity has multiple negative effects on maternal and child health and nutritional outcomes. There is a dearth of up-to-date evidence on the prevalence of food insecurity in Bangladesh based on geographical variations. We investigated the prevalence of food insecurity based on geographical variations and its associated factors. We pooled data from seven cross-sectional surveys conducted in 15,009 households from March 2015 to May 2018. This study was a part of the evaluation of the Maternal Infant Young Child Nutrition Phase 2 programme implemented by BRAC, one of the largest international non-governmental organizations located in Bangladesh that covered rural areas in 26 districts and two urban slums in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We used Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (a widely used scale to measure household food insecurity) to estimate the food insecurity status from the data collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Hot spot analysis was conducted using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic. The multiple logistic regression model was applied to explore the associated factors of food insecurity. The food insecurity hotspots were in the northwestern, central-southwestern, and coastal districts of Bangladesh. The overall prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity were 12.7%, 13.8%, and 3.5%, respectively. In the adjusted model, household heads and caregivers of children with five or more years of schooling had respectively 42% (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52, 0.64) and 46% (AOR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.61) less likelihood to suffer from food insecurity. Households in the middle (AOR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.65) and rich (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.36) wealth status had lower odds of food insecurity. Food insecurity is widely spread in rural districts of Bangladesh and the degree of vulnerability is higher among the households of the northwestern, central-southwestern, and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Comprehensive interventions including strategies for poverty reduction and education for all might be effective to reduce food insecurity at rural households in Bangladesh.

Government Expenditure and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria (2000-2022)

This study investigates the association between government expenditure and poverty reduction in Nigeria from 2000 to 2022, employing a panel dataset and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression method. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is the dependent variable, while government spending on education, health, and infrastructure is the independent variable. The analysis is conducted using E-VIEW statistical software. The study’s primary findings reveal that an increase in government education expenditure has a statistically significant and negative effect on poverty reduction, both in the short and long run. Conversely, government health expenditure demonstrates a significant negative impact only in the short run, losing its effectiveness in the long run. On the other hand, government capital expenditure exhibits a significant negative influence on poverty reduction in both the short run and long run. These results emphasise the critical importance of prioritising investments in education and infrastructure for sustained poverty reduction endeavours in Nigeria. In terms of policy implications, the study underscores the necessity of augmenting government spending on education to foster inclusive education and address the predicament of out-of-school children. Additionally, policymakers should consider healthcare systems’ long-term viability and efficacy while allocating health expenditures. Sustained investment in capital projects and infrastructure development is indispensable for poverty reduction. The study’s findings significantly contribute to existing knowledge and underscore the pivotal role of these sectors in poverty reduction strategies. Consequently, it underscores the urgency of targeted and enduring investments, efficient resource allocation, and comprehensive strategies to combat poverty and foster inclusive development within the country effectively

Poverty reduction strategy in countries with economies in transition

Poverty reduction strategy in countries with economies in transition

Carbon emissions, climate change, and Nigeria's agricultural productivity

This paper examined the impact of climate change through the carbon emissions channel on agricultural productivity in Nigeria. It adopted the transposed second-generation environmental Kuznets curve model, which defined growth (agricultural productivity) as a function of climate change. Data from world development indicators between 1960 and 2019 were utilized to examine the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. The paper employed the bound test (ARDL) method. The result showed the existence of a long-run relationship between carbon emissions (proxy by CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions and CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; intensity) and agricultural productivity (proxy by Agric.GDP, crop production index, and food production index) in Nigeria. The speed of adjustments is between 34% and 80%. Thus, a change in CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions and intensity affects Agric.GDP differently, but CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions and intensity negatively impacted crop and food production in Nigeria. The result implies that carbon emissions and carbon intensity cause decline and generates a dampening threat to Nigeria’s agricultural productivity through physical risk channels. By extension, the study concludes that carbon emission causes climate vulnerability that affects agricultural yields, production, and productivity. Carbon emissions results in low agricultural productivity which in turn disrupt food security as well as distort the poverty reduction strategy in the country. This study, therefore, recommends an equitable implementation of carbon pricing, adoption of mitigation policies, promotion of effective and efficient environmental laws, and the implementation of an appropriate abatement policy that jointly optimizes environmental stability and growth targets of the sustainable development goals.

Is UBI (Universal Basic Income) An Effective Poverty-Reduction Strategy for Highly Developed Countries?

Is UBI (Universal Basic Income) An Effective Poverty-Reduction Strategy for Highly Developed Countries?

Supplementation With Iron Syrup or Iron-Containing Multiple Micronutrient Powders Alters Resting Brain Activity in Bangladeshi Children

BackgroundAnemia and iron deficiency have been associated with poor child cognitive development. A key rationale for the prevention of anemia using supplementation with iron has been the benefits to neurodevelopment. However, little causal evidence exists for these gains. ObjectivesWe aimed to examine effects of supplementation with iron or multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) on brain activity measures using resting electroencephalography (EEG). MethodsChildren included in this neurocognitive substudy were randomly selected from the Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Children study, a double-blind, double-dummy, individually randomized, parallel-group trial in Bangladesh, in which children, starting at 8 mo of age, received 3 mo of daily iron syrup, MNPs, or placebo. Resting brain activity was recorded using EEG immediately after intervention (month 3) and after a further 9-month follow-up (month 12). We derived EEG band power measures for delta, theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands. Linear regression models were used to compare the effect of each intervention with that of placebo on the outcomes. ResultsData from 412 children at month 3 and 374 at month 12 were analyzed. At baseline, 43.9% were anemic and 26.7% were iron deficient. Immediately after intervention, iron syrup, but not MNPs, increased the mu alpha-band power, a measure that is associated with maturity and the production of motor actions (iron vs. placebo: mean difference = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.50 μV2; P = 0.003; false discovery rate adjusted P = 0.015). Despite effects on hemoglobin and iron status, effects were not observed on the posterior alpha, beta, delta, and theta bands, nor were effects sustained at the 9-month follow-up. ConclusionsThe effect size for immediate effects on the mu alpha-band power is comparable in magnitude with psychosocial stimulation interventions and poverty reduction strategies. However, overall, we did not find evidence for long-lasting changes in resting EEG power spectra from iron interventions in young Bangladeshi children. This trial was registered at www.anzctr.org.au as ACTRN12617000660381.

The role of Non-Governmental organisations in enhancing household poverty reduction in Uganda: a review of literature

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discuss the contribution of Non-Governmental Organisations in enhancing poverty reduction among households in Uganda by looking at the relationship between NGO Activities and poverty reduction in Uganda as well as the contribution of NGO activities and poverty reduction in Uganda.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a literature review of available data on Uganda, the region and other parts of the world regarding the link between Non-governmental organisations and household poverty reduction. The sources consulted include academic manuscripts, journals, peer-reviewed books, policy documents, annual reports as well as statistical papers.&#x0D; Findings: Results suggest a positive relationship between microfinance and poverty while most studies confirm that microfinance has a potential outcome on reducing poverty. More, results indicate NGOs’ support to food security and household poverty reduction as well as complex community perception of NGOs activities in poverty reduction, promotion of education and training, health, environmental conservation, and protection against child abuse.&#x0D; Conclusion and recommendations: NGOs might be doing a wonderful service to community members in various countries in the name of poverty reduction, not much of their achievements have been documented. It was even more paramount that, Uganda, with many NGOs working along poverty reduction strategies have their achievements studied, documented and widely shared. Thus, the government provides a more conducive working environment for the NGOs to be able to function and operate with less fear from the censorship of state organs; and, an amicable working relationship be forged between government and the NGOs given that the two are partners in community development.&#x0D; Unique contribution to policy and/or practice: This review on the contribution of NGOs to household poverty reduction is essential to national and local policy makers on facilitating the stakeholders to appreciate the fundamental role played by non-state actors in community transformation.

POVERTY REDUCTION EXPERIENCE OF CHINA (1947-1978): LESSONS FOR PAKISTAN

Poverty eradication is a critical issue that must be tackled as part of the world's economic and social progress. China and Pakistan have distinct ways of combating poverty. Since the start of reforms and opening up in 1978, China has taken a number of initiatives to alleviate poverty. The Communist Party China (CPC) Central Committee's decision on several major issues concerning rural reforms and development, adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the CPC's seventeenth Central Committee, proposed increasing support for the development of poor areas in old revolutionary base areas, ethnic minority areas, and border areas. The CPC's 18th National Congress set the lofty objective of completing the construction of a moderately affluent society in all aspects by 2020. The report emphasized the parties tenaciously fought for aims to lift people out of poverty. This paper attempts to explore and understand the causes of Pakistan's poverty reduction strategies and the elements that impact it, utilizing the experience of China's poverty reduction to identify the difficulties that have arisen as a result of Pakistan's poverty reduction process. This research shows that the poverty policies of China are more mature, which led the country towards progress and today it is one of the leading economies in the world. Similarly, Pakistan after its independence is struggle to tackle the issue of poverty and still could not get rid of it and this is all because of the policies of Pakistan which could proof to be successful.

Gender Exploitation: from Structural Adjustment Policies to Poverty Reduction Strategies

The aim of this paper is to review the existing empirical research concerning women’s exploitation as a result of policy measures imposed by the World Bank and the IMF, particularly under Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs). The central argument here is that SAPs have not been successful in achieving their basic objectives of ‘adjusting’ the economies instead, these policies have created severe social problems for the human beings, particularly for the poor and middle-income groups, in the countries where they (SAPs) have been implemented [Beneria and Feldman (1992); Cornia, Jolly and Stewart (1987); Floro (1995); Messkoub (1996) Moser (1989)]. Among these groups, although all members have to mobilise their efforts to support households so as to cope with the economic crisis, women have to bear an unequal share of this burden [Agrawal (1992); Ali (2000); Beneria (1992, 1995); Cagatay (1995); Chant (1991); Elson (1991, 1992a); Feldman (1992); Floro (1995); Reilly and Gorden (1995); McFarren (1992); Moser (1992); Perez-Aleman (1992); Sahn and Haddad (1991); Safa and Antrobus (1992); Stewart (1992); Trip (1992)].

Fostering FDI in the Agriculture Sector.

Given the relative importance of the agriculture sector in many countries including Pakistan, at the core of any sustainable development and poverty reduction strategy is the development of agriculture. The 2008 food crisis triggered renewed interest in the agriculture sector when food security was threatened in several countries, and civil unrest emerged in others. Although there is potential to exploit underutilised agricultural land, the extent of FDI in the agriculture sector is constrained by many factors. In this regard, development partners have an important catalytic role to play to ensure “win-win” outcomes that will jumpstart inclusive growth in countries that exhibit potential. The paper contends that unless the enabling environment in countries is as good as elsewhere in the world, the opportunity to attract FDI into the agriculture sector will be lost.

Housing: Opportunity, Security, and Empowerment for the Poor

The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper for Pakistan1 lays considerable emphasis on housing finance as a major intervention for poverty reduction. The national Housing Policy of 2001 has as its corner stone housing for the poor and needy. The Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy of Pakistan (IPRSP) completed in November 2001 explicitly recognised the importance of Housing for the poor. It stated that “housing is a fundamental human need as it provides physical, economic, and social security to the poor. However, depressed economic growth, rising population, and rapid urbanisation have resulted in an increased demand for housing infrastructure. It stated that the present backlog of housing units is more than 4 million in the country with the result that millions are forced to live in Katchi Abadis or under-serviced slum settlements. Estimates for urban population living in Katchi Abadis range from 35-50 percent”.

Decomposition of Changes in Poverty Measures: Sectoral and Institutional Considerations for the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper of Pakistan

Two extremely significant empirical questions on the relationship between growth, distribution and poverty have remained the focus of attention for researchers and academicians. First, how does a change in aggregate poverty reflect intrasectoral gains/losses versus intersectoral shifts in population? Second, how much of an observed change in poverty can be attributed to the changes in the distribution of income, as distinct from growth in average incomes? Standard inequality measures like the Gini coefficient can be misleading in this context. At any rate, the change in an inequality measure can be a poor guide to its quantitative impact on poverty. Ravallion and Huppi (1991) proposed decomposition formulae to throw light on the contributions of sectoral gains and population shifts (on the one hand) and economic growth and changes in inequality (on the other) to aggregate changes in poverty. They found that both population shifts and gains to the urban and rural sectors alleviated aggregate poverty in Indonesia over the 1984-87 period. In addition, they obtained estimates of the relative contributions of growth and greater equity to poverty alleviation in Indonesia. Datt and Ravallion (1992) extended the analysis to study poverty in Brazil and India during the 1980s. Kakwani (1993) explored the relation between economic growth and poverty for Cote d’Ivoire from 1980-85. He developed his own methodology to measure separately the impact of changes in average income and income inequality on poverty. Kakwani (2000) applied the same methodology to analyse changes in poverty in Thailand covering the period from 1988-94. Recently, Contreas (2003) examined the evolution of poverty and inequality in Chile between 1990 and 1996. Using the “Datt-Ravallion decomposition”, he computed that economic growth accounted for over 85 percent of the poverty reduction in Chile.

Labour Market Dynamics in Pakistan: Evidence from the Longitudinal Data

The bulk of research on labour market conditions in Pakistan has concentrated on the economic activity rate, the number of employed persons, or the unemployment rate at a particular point in time. These stock measures of labour market situation are useful from a policy viewpoint as they give a broad indication of the dimension of the problem. For example, the recent labour force surveys show an increase in the level of open unemployment from 5.9 percent in 1997-98 to 7.8 percent in 1999-2000 [Pakistan (2001)]. There is also an emerging consensus that during the 1990s poverty has increased at the national as well as for rural and urban areas of the country [Qureshi and Arif (2001)]. Labour market is considered as the main route for establishing the link between macro policies, the resulting GDP growth and poverty alleviation [Rahman (2002)]. Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (IPRSP) and other development plans have suggested various targets of employment creation for poverty reduction.