Poverty Trends Research Articles

Anti-poverty policies analysis for rural households in Iran: a system dynamics approach

Nowadays, poverty is one of the main problems in human societies. Poverty dynamics can help to predict the poverty trend in the future, and this can assist policymakers in making new policies to eradicate poverty. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new system dynamics model for the poverty of rural households to analyse anti-poverty policies in Iran. The proposed system dynamics model is used for analysing the anti-poverty policies and predicting their effects on poor households. This model is validated by data from rural households supported by relief foundation (RF) in Iran. Five different policies have been considered for these households to find which policy has a sustainable effect on rural household income. The model results show supporting households in non-financial aid programs have a sustainable impact on their income and eradicate poverty faster than financial aid programs. Teaching the environmental aspects of sustainable development goals like soil management and providing fertiliser for them affect soil fertility and provide more crop for them.

Prospects and Constraints to Attaining Universal Access to Modern Energy in Malawi: A Review

The Malawi Government regards energy as a life blood of the economy and as such a number of national policy documents have emphasized energy as one of the national priority areas that demand urgent intervention by the government and stakeholders. There is also a consensus that ensuring universal access to modern energy in an energy deficit country will also help improve living standards of people in line with national and global goals. Through a 2018 National Energy Policy, Malawi effectively domesticated the Sustainable Development Goal Seven and the Sustainable Energy for All objectives which among others seek to ensure universal access to modern energy by the year 2030. However, now in the last decade of the 2030 agenda, the country is not yet on the path to achieving the universal access to energy goal despite of having numerous opportunities for reversing the energy poverty trends. Doing a post-mortem is of essence in order to determine prospects and constraints to achievement of the national energy goals and objectives regarding universal access to modern energy. Therefore, this paper seeks to discuss the status of energy access to modern energy in the country, the prospects and constraints in relation to energy policy, regulatory environment, institutional capacity, energy resource, capital investment, technology and human resource.

Data Scarcity and Poverty Measurement

Measuring poverty trends and dynamics is an important undertaking for poverty reduction policies, which is further highlighted by the SDG goal 1 on eradicating poverty by 2030. We provide a broad overview of the pros and cons of poverty imputation in data-scarce environments, update recent review papers, and point to the latest research on the topics. We briefly review two common uses of poverty imputation methods that aim at tracking poverty over time and estimating poverty dynamics. We also discuss new areas for imputation.

Who is counted as in-work poor? Testing five different definitions when measuring in-work poverty in Sweden 1987–2017

PurposeThere is ongoing debate amongst in-work poverty researchers as to how to answer the question “who is counted as in-work poor?” and how to define the minimum size of work that should be used to determine a “working threshold”. The purpose of this paper aims to contribute to this debate by testing five different definitions of a “working threshold” and discussing their implications when testing the different measurement outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use data from Statistics Sweden (SCB), including the total population registered as living in Sweden for each year from 1987 to 2017. All calculations are on a yearly basis and in fixed prices (2017). The data set used is based on linked administrative data retrieved from Statistics Sweden and the software used is SAS 9.4.FindingsResults show how in-work poverty trends differ by measurement approach. The two definitions with the lowest income thresholds are found to include a very heterogenic group of individuals. The development of in-work poverty in Sweden over 30 years show decreasing in-work poverty during the first decade followed by an increase to almost the same levels at the end of the period. In-work poverty in Sweden has transformed from being female-dominated in 1987 and the typical person in in-work poverty 2017 is a male immigrant, aged 26–55 years.Practical implicationsThis methodological discussion might lead to a new definition of who is a worker amongst the in-work poor, which could consequently affect who is counted as being in in-work poverty and lead to new social policy measures.Originality/valueThis is, to the authors' knowledge, the first time different definitions of work requirement used to define in-work poverty have been tested on a data set including the total population and over a period of 30 years.

Why Retirement and Age Discrimination Policies Need to Consider the Intersectional Experiences of Older Women

We summarize how older women face intersectional experiences that affect their retirement security. These include differential trends in aging, life expectancy, labor supply, work history, retirement savings, and poverty at old age. We also highlight research showing that older women experience significantly more age discrimination than older men. affecting the ability for older women to improve their retirement security by working longer. We demonstrate through examples that these differential trends and intersectional experiences of older women have important policy implications. We provide examples of how Social Security policies, such as increases in the full benefit retirement age and changes to the retirement earnings test, have differential effects on older women. We also discuss how age and gender employment discrimination law fails to protect older women from intersectional sex-plus-age discrimination. We conclude by urging policymakers to consider how older women experience different challenges and how policy should consider their unique experiences.

Global energy trilemma

The international community has become increasingly concerned with sustainable development and particularly with preventing climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic and global recession of 2020 will exacerbate the situation not just for 2020–2021, but for many years to come. Sadly, it is a game-changer. The necessity to solve problems of poverty (energy poverty) and inequality, as well as growth and climate change mitigation, now haunts intellectuals, forecasters, and politicians. These three problems constitute the global energy trilemma (GET). There is a wide range of forecasts, scenarios, and political plans emerging after the Paris Agreement in 2015. They demonstrate concerns about the slow progress on the matter; however, they still increase the goals for 2030–2050. The global capital formation is a key tool for changes while also representing the hard-budget investment constraints. This article examines practical features of recent trends in energy, poverty, and climate change mitigation, arguing that allocation and coordinated management of sufficient financial resources are vital for a simultaneous solution of GET. No group of countries can hope to solve each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) separately. The global economy has reached the point where it has an urgent need for cooperation.

The Levels and Trends in Deep and Extreme Poverty in the United States, 1993-2016.

Recently, there has been tremendous interest in deep and extreme poverty in the United States. We advance beyond prior research by using higher-quality data, improving measurement, and following leading standards in international income research. We estimate deep (less than 20% of medians) and extreme (less than 10% of medians) poverty in the United States from 1993 to 2016. Using the Current Population Survey, we match the income definition of the Luxembourg Income Study and adjust for underreporting using the Urban Institute's TRIM3 model. In 2016, we estimate that 5.2 to 7.2 million Americans (1.6% to 2.2%) were deeply poor and 2.6 to 3.7 million (0.8% to 1.2%) were extremely poor. Although deep and extreme poverty fluctuated over time, including declines from 1993 to 1995 and 2007 to 2010, we find significant increases from lows in 1995 to peaks in 2016 in both deep (increases of 48% to 93%) and extreme poverty (increases of 54% to 111%). We even find significant increases with thresholds anchored at 1993 medians. With homelessness added, deep poverty would be 7% to 8% higher and extreme poverty 19% to 23% higher in 2016, which suggests that our estimates are probably lower bounds. The rise of deep/extreme poverty is concentrated among childless households. Among households with children, the expansion of SNAP benefits has led to declines in deep/extreme poverty. Ultimately, we demonstrate that estimates of deep/extreme poverty depend critically on the quality of income measurement.

Analysis of Poverty of Different Countries of the World

Analysis of Poverty of Different Countries of the World

Jurgen Moltmann’s Theology of Hope and the Task of Public Theology in Ghanaian Context

This article examines the relevance of theology in public life particularly from the Ghanaian (African) Christian experience in society. The idea of the public relevance of theology has been ably examined by Jurgen Moltmann in the perspectives of his Theology of Hope and the continuous reflections in the “Ethics of Hope”. The eschatological sacrifice of Christ’s story animates in Moltmann the understanding of what particular transformation one must experience when envisaging what the shape of Christianity is in modern society and the task it has to fulfill in the field of social ethics in the Ghanaian social and political history. Critical to the Ghanaian social- political life is to be encountered with is a sub-culture trend that the task for the socio-political and the economic development of the nation-state is the preserve of politics or political activists. The conversation on the rise to action of the Ghanaian Christian to social ethics is now due to the growing trends of poverty, violence, unemployment, corruption, dwindling social and moral order and failing institutions of state. Jurgen Moltmann develops his thoughts in the Ethics of Hope to deliberately project Christian social ethics that is focused on projecting the Bible as the gospel of hope for the people. This paper evaluates Moltmann’s understanding of modern realities of life and how Christians must relate with and what Christian character brings to bear on the positive change in the life of the people.

Russia, China: Poverty Alleviation (Comparative Analysis)

Goal and objectives. The article analyzes the state policy of Russia and China on poverty alleviation, conducted a comparative analysis of the strategy of the two countries in solving the problem, basic areas, social programs, measures, measures of social support for poor categories of citizens. The general and specific approaches of each. The results achieved are considered, as well as the objectives set by each country in this direction for the near and far term.Methods. The study uses a set of general scientific methods, such as analysis, synthesis, generalization, comparison, system-functional and integrated approach. Within the framework of the stated theme, theoretical provisions and modern approaches were systematic on the basis of the study of the works of various authors, federal and regional regulatory documents, official statistics.Results. The theoretical and practical significance of the study is to specify and organize the modern strategic approaches of the state policy of Russia and China, both in the sphere of poverty alleviation and in the provision of state social assistance to poor categories of citizens. These areas of state social policy of each country are not sufficiently researched by national science. The analysis provides an opportunity to identify the state of poverty in Russia and China, actualizes the importance of state policy to reduce poverty in each country, justifies the need for its further improvement in this direction. The findings highlight the positive results achieved by countries to date and identify the ways that have led to them, which can further promote public social policies to overcome poverty in each country and the system of state social assistance to the poor.Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the study of the state policy of Russia and China to reduce the poverty level of the population, as one of the most acute problems of both countries. The article shows the characteristics of poverty in each country, the scale and concentration of poverty, the trend of changing poverty in recent years as a result of the efforts of states and new strategies in public social policy. Weaknesses and strengths in the state social policy to overcome poverty in Russia and China have been identified. The lack of effectiveness of the organization of state social assistance to poor categories of citizens is justified. The conclusions are drawn on the versatility of ways to overcome poverty, the need to unite the efforts of all countries in this direction, the fruitfulness of the exchange of experience accumulated by different countries.

Household poverty in people with severe mental illness in rural China: 1994-2015.

Little is known about poverty trends in people with severe mental illness (SMI) over a long time span, especially under conditions of fast socioeconomic development. This study aims to unravel changes in household poverty levels among people with SMI in a fast-changing rural community in China. Two mental health surveys, using ICD-10, were conducted in the same six townships of Xinjin county, Chengdu, China. A total of 711 and 1042 people with SMI identified in 1994 and 2015, respectively, participated in the study. The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke poverty index was adopted to measure the changes in household poverty. These changes were decomposed into effects of growth and equity using a static decomposition method. Factors associated with household poverty in 1994 and 2015 were examined and compared by regression analyses. The proportion of poor households, as measured by the headcount ratio, increased significantly from 29.8% in 1994 to 39.5% in 2015. Decomposition showed that poverty in households containing people with SMI had worsened because of a redistribution effect. Factors associated with household poverty had also changed during the study period. The patient's age, ability to work and family size were of paramount significance in 2015. This study shows that the levels of poverty faced by households containing people with SMI has become more pressing with China's fast socioeconomic development. It calls for further integration of mental health recovery and targeted antipoverty interventions for people with SMI as a development priority.

Has recent economic growth/recession in Brazil been pro-poor?

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates whether recent economic growth/recession in Brazil was pro-poor during the period of 2006–2016 and compares the boom and recession periods. The results show that in boom periods, the growth in Brazil is pro-poor but not pro-ultrapoor. While the recession is anti-poor especially anti-ultrapoor and such worsened inequality dominates the increasing trend of poverty in Brazil.

An Assessment of the Level, Trend, and Distribution of Multidimensional Poverty in Iran

An Assessment of the Level, Trend, and Distribution of Multidimensional Poverty in Iran

Assessment of poverty incidence in Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT The rate of poverty in the Northern region of Nigeria is quite alarming despite the enormous resources the region is endowed. The region has fertile land with varied agricultural products and other resources such as tin, barite, zinc, limestone, columbite, lead and gypsum. Despite these numerous resources, the region has the highest population of people in extreme poverty with violence and high crime rate. These necessitate investigation into the extreme poverty in the region. The aim of this study is to attempt an in-depth conceptual exposition on how the political and economic system has contributed to the high rates of multidimensional poverty in Nigeria, with more focus on the Northern region of the country. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to understand the reasons for the complex poverty situation in Nigeria. Also, to investigate the trends of poverty in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria with more focus on the Northern zones of the country. In addition, to determine whether the poverty intervention programs by successive governments were successful in reducing poverty in the country. To achieve this, the study considers both aggregate and disaggregate analysis of poverty in the six geopolitical zones (North East, North West, North Central, South East, South South and South West) of Nigeria with more emphases on the Northern zones. Firstly, the study analyzes poverty using per capita expenditure approach to determine the poverty level for the country. Then, the study further determines the disaggregated poverty value for the six geopolitical zones. Thereafter, the poverty level in the Northern zones was accentuated. The method of analysis used in this study is Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) Pα class poverty measure and the Cumulative Distributive Function (CDF). The Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) Pα class poverty measure is used to determine the Headcount ratio, Poverty gap and Poverty gap squared. The Cumulative Distributive Function (CDF) is also derived. The dataset used in this study is the General Household Survey (GHS-Panel) wave 1 (2010–2011) and wave 2 (2012–2013). The findings from the study showed persistent poverty in all zones but most extreme in the Northern region with little change between the waves.

THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN THE NORTH EASTERN STATES OF INDIA

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) applies the direct method of measuring poverty using the Alkire and Foster (AF) approach. The study aims at analyzing the comparative study and trends of the multi-dimensional poverty among the north eastern states of India. The MPI value was continuing to be higher in Assam and Meghalaya over the decade (2005-06 to 2015-16). Vulnerability to poverty was estimated to be lower in Mizoram over the decade as compared to all India level. On the other hand, severity of poverty was higher in two states, Assam and Meghalaya as compared to the all India estimate (8.8%) between 2005-06 and 2015-16. In can be concluded Assam, a gateway to north east India, remains as multidimensionality poor as compared to all states of NE India. Vulnerability and severity of poverty are higher in Assam over the decades among the NE States. Thus, it is recommended for pro-poor strategy for Assam in health, education and standard of living to come out of multidimensional poverty. KEYWORDS: MPI, Assam, North East India, Vulnerability of poverty, severity of poverty

Toward a spatial approach for convergence

PurposeIn recent years, there is growing recognition of the importance of geography and space in the analysis of economic convergence by focusing on the dynamics of monetary indicators. The analysis of spatial convergence based on socio-economic indicators are rare. These variables present a complement to understand the spatial dynamics of territorial units. The purpose of this paper is, first, to analyzes and describes trends in multidimensional poverty in Morocco and second it explores the convergence hypothesis.Design/methodology/approachData are driven from HCP (2017). It concerns 75 provinces over the period 2004 and 2014. In addition to the availability of data, this period corresponds to significant changes in public policy. The nature of the observations necessitates the use of the spatial analysis techniques.FindingsThe results show that poverty is a geographical phenomenon with low speed of convergence. The paper propose some solutions to help policymakers implement an effective targeting policy aimed at reducing spatial inequalities in terms of multidimensional poverty in Morocco.Originality/valueThe analysis of spatial convergence based on socio-economic indicators are rare. This paper will focus on the convergence of the poverty index for a developing country.

Poverty Trend and Infant Malnutrition in Rwanda

Poverty Trend and Infant Malnutrition in Rwanda

Determinan dan Trend Kemiskinan di Kabupaten Wonosobo Provinsi Jawa Tengah

This study aims to analyze the effect of population, education, regional Minimum Wages, inflation, and Gross Regional Domestic Product on poverty and analyze poverty trends in Wonosobo Regency. This study uses secondary data in the form of time series data with an observation period of 2002-2017 and the research method is multiple linear regression with the Ordinary Least Square model. The analysis shows that education, regional minimum wages and gross regional domestic product have a negative and significant impact on poverty in Wonosobo Regency. Population growth, and inflation does not have a significant effect on poverty in Wonosobo Regency. In addition, the future poverty trend of Wonosobo Regency is negative. These findings imply the first need for skills and expertise training programs in improving the quality of education. Second, the government must increase regional minimum wages, so that people can meet their daily needs. The government needs to increase economic growth in all sectors of the economy by using its potential.

Poverty in British Columbia: Income Thresholds, Trends, Rates, and Depths of Poverty

We present and assess extensive statistics regarding poverty rates and depths for Vancouver, B.C., and Canada. We show that not only are single adults in B.C. the most likely to experience poverty, but they also experience the deepest level of poverty. Both single adults and single parents who are younger (i.e., ages 18–24) are more likely to be in poverty and are deeper in poverty than single older persons (i.e., 65+) or those who live as couples. These poverty rates and depths of poverty remain high for single adults and single parents as they get older (i.e., ages 26–65), at which point the depth of poverty decreases. Lastly, poverty tends to be experienced at higher levels by women than by men when conditioning on family type. For these reasons, B.C. government will have to consider these groups in reforms focused on addressing poverty reduction targets.

Poverty modeling in the Islamic Republic of Iran using an ANFIS optimized network with the differential evolution algorithm (ANFIS_DE)

Poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon that its study and analysis from all dimensions requires accurate knowledge. In the past, poverty was measured only by the income approach. That is, only people's incomes were compared to the poverty line. But this approach does not identify other dimensions of poverty. Given the importance of discussing poverty in the economies of developing countries, this article examines and models poverty in the Islamic Republic of Iran. This article presents the internal and external dimensions of poverty in the period 1996–2017.In this paper, to model the poverty in Iran, the ANFIS method optimized with a differential evolution algorithm was used. In this method, a differential evolution algorithm was used to train the ANFIS system instead of the FIS system. To evaluate the strength of the model, mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), Mean absolute error (MAE), STD_error, Mean_error criteria have been used. The data used in this paper are from the World Development Index (WDI) Database, the World Bank Good Governance Indices, the Heritage Foundation's Economic Freedom Indices, and the United Nations data. This information is related to Iran and in the period (1996–2017). The purpose of this paper is to train the ANFIS network with DE algorithm using time series data and to model the data related to the Iran Multidimensional Poverty Index using the trained network. Multidimensional Poverty Index is a very suitable index for monitoring data. Poverty is in society. With the help of this data, we can assess the trend of poverty and income distribution and welfare in this country. The results of this study showed that training the ANFIS system by differential evolution algorithm, can make a very good improvement in the modeling process and reduce error criteria and improve the accuracy of this method.•This article has been compiled with the aim of modeling poverty in the Islamic Republic of Iran.•The method used in this paper is ANFIS network training using the differential evolution algorithm•The use of evolutionary algorithms to train fuzzy systems and artificial neural networks leads to improved performance.