Poverty Reduction Research Articles

Moving forward from escaping the poverty trap in China's greenest regions: Examining four decades of socioecological evolution to re-orient sustainable development policies

Afforestation is an important aspect of ecosystem restoration (ER) and poverty alleviation (PA) through direct and indirect social, economic, and environmental effects. However, the existing afforestation projects worldwide have mainly viewed economic benefits through the narrow lens of subsistence and livelihood, thereby underestimating both indirect PA and the associated negative effects on agricultural production when formulating long-term solutions to global poverty. This study aimed to systematically examine the ecological, agricultural, and economic effects of ecosystem restoration in southeastern China over four decades based on biophysical models and statistical records, and further proposed an upgraded strategy for sustainable PA through ER that addresses conservation objectives and resource needs. We found that ER promoted vegetation growth and enhanced carbon sequestration and soil retention. Meanwhile, industrial transformation improved the economic scale and livelihood diversity (i.e., disposable income), which alleviated poverty and improved social services and infrastructure conditions. Nevertheless, the secondary and tertiary industries gradually replaced the primary industry in terms of output, and increased animal husbandry and forestry development weakened crop planting. Planting structure adjustments further threatened the stability of the grain supply, particularly after 1999, which could potentially lead to a grain crisis. Therefore, we propose upgraded forest management and coordinated development policies to avoid a grain crisis, improve livelihood diversity, balance multidimensional benefits, and facilitate sustainable development. Study results serve as a valuable reference for policy formulation and ER measures for more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable PA.

Assessing the Economic Viability of Solar Electrification Against Grid Extension in Rural Ghana

Electricity availability is crucial for socioeconomic development, particularly in developing nations' rural areas. As a result, solar electrification has therefore been recommended as a more sustainable and cost-effective option for rural electrification. The research aim was to compare the economic viability of solar electrification against grid extension in rural Ghana, by examining the cost-benefit of solar electrification and grid extension and identifying the most cost-effective and sustainable approach for providing electricity to rural communities in Ghana. Hundred respondents were selected for this study using a simple random sampling technique. Most respondents believe that solar systems are cheaper to install estimating between GHS 40000 and GHS 50000 compared to grid extensions which averages about GHS 320000, as they can be installed by professionals. Solar electricity offers a good return on investment and doesn't require monthly bills, making it economically sound. Maintenance is easy and cost- efficient compared to grid extensions. Solar electrification doesn't emit carbon emissions of greenhouse gases, and it improves grid security. Most respondents agree that solar electrification generates employment opportunities and is cost-competitive with conventional electricity. They also believe solar energy ensures clean energy for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Solar electrification is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to grid extension, reducing carbon footprint and providing reliable power. Its initial capital investment is crucial for its economic viability. The study recommends research on hybrid systems integrating solar electrification with grid extension, exploring new technologies like energy storage and smart grids, and exploring regulatory frameworks and policy incentives to promote private sector investments in solar electrification in rural Ghana.

Advanced Fungal Biotechnologies in Accomplishing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): What Do We Know and What Comes Next?

The present era has witnessed an unprecedented scenario with extreme climate changes, depleting natural resources and rising global food demands and its widespread societal impact. From providing bio-based resources to fulfilling socio-economic necessities, tackling environmental challenges, and ecosystem restoration, microbes exist as integral members of the ecosystem and influence human lives. Microbes demonstrate remarkable potential to adapt and thrive in climatic variations and extreme niches and promote environmental sustainability. It is important to mention that advances in fungal biotechnologies have opened new avenues and significantly contributed to improving human lives through addressing socio-economic challenges. Microbe-based sustainable innovations would likely contribute to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) by providing affordable energy (use of agro-industrial waste by microbial conversions), reducing economic burdens/affordable living conditions (new opportunities by the creation of bio-based industries for a sustainable living), tackling climatic changes (use of sustainable alternative fuels for reducing carbon footprints), conserving marine life (production of microbe-based bioplastics for safer marine life) and poverty reduction (microbial products), among other microbe-mediated approaches. The article highlights the emerging trends and future directions into how fungal biotechnologies can provide feasible and sustainable solutions to achieve SDGs and address global issues.

Equality of healthcare resource allocation between impoverished counties and non-impoverished counties in Northwest China: a longitudinal study

BackgroundThe Health and Medical Assistance Program for Poverty Alleviation is part of China’s targeted poverty elimination strategy, which aims to protect poor people’s right to health and prevent them from becoming trapped in or returning to poverty because of illness. Many tasks have been defined in this program, including raising the medical insurance level, providing a triage system, improving medical and health services, and enhancing people’s health. One pivotal aspect of this initiative involves equitable health resource allocation, a key measure aimed at bolstering medical and health services. This study aimed to analyze and compare health resource allocations in different counties in Northwest China after the implementation of the program.MethodsThe Gini coefficient quantifies the level of distributional equality, the Theil index assesses the sources of inequality, and the Health Resource Agglomeration Degree gauges the accessibility of health resources.Results1) The health resource allocation distributed based on population(Gini Coefficient < 0.45) was more equitable than that distributed based on area(Gini Coefficient > 0.35) among counties in Northwest China. 2) The contribution rate within non-impoverished counties is higher than that of impoverished counties, which means the inequality within non-impoverished counties. 3) The allocation of beds in medical institutions by area in non-impoverished counties was better than that in impoverished counties, and accessibility to health services for residents in non-impoverished counties was better than that in impoverished counties.ConclusionThe analysis of health resource allocation among the five provinces in Northwest China revealed significant differences in equality among the five provinces in Northwest China, and the differences were mainly derived from the non-impoverished counties. Although the equality is gradually improving, the number of health resources in impoverished counties remain lower than that in non-impoverished counties.Subsequently, it is essential to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare resources while also taking into account their utilization and quality.

The Path of Rural Social Capital Improvement in China from the Perspective of Planners: A Case Study of Hongtang Village in Yunnan Province

China’s rural areas have long been backward in development, and many villages have completed poverty alleviation with the help of the government. Facing the requirements of sustainable development, it is necessary to change the development path, continuously increase social capital, and effectively connect with government investment resources. The existing research and practice mostly construct the strategy of social capital from the inside of the village, lacking interaction with the superior government. This paper argues for the method of planners’ intervention. The advantage is that it links the power of government and villagers, creates a perceptible, experiential, valuable material environment, and promotes collective action. Through this process, the knowledge interaction and social relations in the village can be improved. The purpose of this paper is to study how participatory planning affects the content and mechanism of this process mentioned above. Taking Hongtang village as a case study, we analyze the in-depth changes that participatory planning has brought to the rural space and social level. In the participatory planning practice of Hongtang village, college rural planners took a small vegetable garden as the breakthrough point to stimulate villagers’ participation. In the process of the upgrade, planners evolved the interaction between the village committee and villagers in the path of IMEE, which is “Intervene, Motivate, Enable, Empower”. Moreover, planners always maintained contact with the higher-level government. Through the upgrade of small vegetable gardens, the villagers’ initiative was brought into practice, the social capital was fully explored, and an effective link with the government’s resource allocation was realized.

Cameroon and its 21st Century Challenges towards Achieving Sustainable Development: Appraisals and Proposals

Purpose: This study presents an appraisal of some of the dynamics which Cameroon continues to face in the 21st Century in its quest to achieve sustainable. Using various indicia, the study identifies and proffers explanation why the country continues to face surmountable challenges in its pursuit towards achieving sustainable development. To attain this objective, a broad review of published literature was employed using various journal articles, textbooks, internet sources, etc. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative research methodology in the interpretation of data. These data are both primary and secondary derived from laws, text books, journal articles, reports, working papers and other internet sources. This study adopts an analytical approach in the interpretation of the available data. Findings: The study observes that irrespective of existence of deterrent penal laws, policy formulations from international organization and support from foreign donor institutions, the country is not yet on the path towards sustainably sound environmental practices. Cameroon is engulf in a number of challenges both internal and external, which has accounted for continuous impoverishment of its population, social progress and economic advancement of the country generally. The Study employs the post-colonial and dependency theories of development to justify some of the key findings. The internal challenges revealed in the study ranges from the continuous prevalence of poverty and hunger, corruption and misappropriation, lack of judicial independence, the prevalence of conflicts, environmental degradation and poor enforcement measures. Similarly, this study also found the underlying external challenges to include the Structural Adjustment Programmes, the influence of Foreign Financial Institutions, and neo-colonialism. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study therefore concludes that strengthening enforcement measures, effective implementation of poverty alleviation policies, fight against corruption and misappropriation, and citizen participation can positive contribute to sustainable development in the Cameroon.

Addressing Rural Poverty, Efficacy of MGNREGA and Migration Against Agricultural Productivity: Case of Kalahandi, India

ABSTRACT Poverty remains a major challenge for the countries of the global south. Decent employment opportunity, a crucial determinant of poverty reduction, is increasingly becoming elusive for those countries regardless of a decent rate of economic growth. There is a growing separation of economic growth and employment growth under the aegis of neo-liberal economic policies. Economic growth, instead of becoming inclusive, turns out to be “jobless” or “job loss.” Failing to reverse this trend, “Active Labour Market Policies” (ALMPs) in the form of “Public Works Programmes” (PWPs) have emerged as a major strategy to reduce unemployment and poverty. Secondly, rural–urban migration is very much relied upon for the same. Raising agricultural productivity, a crucial question of “agrarian transition,” well evident and verified across the globe, is, however, becoming oblivion in the fight against poverty. In this context, based on a primary survey of 300 households in the poorest regions of India, this paper endeavors to investigate the relative strength of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), rural–urban migration, and land productivity on poverty. The study suggests that an agrarian-centric intervention is more effective in dealing with poverty as compared to MGNREGA (ALMPs) and migration.

Is participatory budgeting a driving force behind excessive social welfare spending?

ABSTRACT Participatory Budgeting (PB) allows citizens to directly influence public fund allocation, often enhancing poverty reduction and administrative efficiency. This study explores PB’s impact on social welfare spending in 214 Korean municipalities, identifying a significant increase in such expenditures post-PB adoption. The research highlights a potential overemphasis on social welfare spending due to PB, exceeding levels justified by socio-economic, political, and fiscal factors. It also shows that legislative checks, political pressures on mayors, and diverse political orientations can counterbalance the spending surge. The study cautions against a PB’s disproportionate focus on social welfare, which might neglect other government functions.

Islamic microfinance services: a catalyst for poverty reduction in eastern Ethiopia

Purpose This study aims to examine the influence of Islamic microfinance services (IMFS) on poverty reduction in the eastern part of Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach A binary logistic regression model was used to analyze poverty reduction and income, education, household size, age and saving of IMFS through a semi-closed questionnaire by using a purposive sampling technique. A semi-closed interview with higher officials from an Islamic microfinance service was also used. Findings The study results show that the income, education, household size and age of the IMFS’ clients are the major influencing factors that affect poverty reduction in Ethiopia. Practical implications The study’s findings provide insights for policymakers to revise intensively their regulations and directives for Islamic microfinance operators. It emphasizes the government’s role in serving the community’s interests through financial inclusion and in developing programs to enhance the effectiveness of Islamic microfinance operations in the poverty reduction process. As a social implication, Islamic microfinance service providers gain insights into how beneficiary-side variables contribute to the country’s poverty reduction after offering Islamic microfinance products to them. Originality/value The results of this study are distinctive because they show how poverty reduction in Ethiopia is influenced by how income level is increased, how better educational level is attained, how household size is managed and how well the age of the client is effectively used for productivity. The paper also provides a new view of Islamic microfinance in Ethiopia, its influencing factors for poverty reduction and challenges with the operating system.

Factors Influencing Sustainable Poverty Reduction: A Systematic Review of the Literature with a Microfinance Perspective

Factors Influencing Sustainable Poverty Reduction: A Systematic Review of the Literature with a Microfinance Perspective

Green Infrastructure Vulnerability and Regional Poverty Reduction: New Sustainable Development Recommendations Based on a Spatial Clustering Approach

ABSTRACT Poverty is always associated with poor green infrastructure. Indonesia has a significant poverty rate and low green infrastructure investment. Therefore, this study uses fuzzy clustering with area weighting (FGWC-HHOP) and 2018 Potential Village Census (PODES) data to analyze green infrastructure risk and poverty in Indonesia. The first cluster, which is mainly urban, is vulnerable, while the second cluster has poor air quality and green infrastructure. Future government policies should encourage sustainable development, especially green infrastructure, to reduce social vulnerability. Consider green infrastructure and social vulnerability when planning urban expansion and poverty alleviation in Indonesia.

Inclusive value chain analysis of alligator meat in the Lago do Cuniã extractive reserve in Brazilian Amazon

PurposeThe aim of this paper was to analyze the role of the Cooperative of Farmers and Fishermen of the Lago do Cuniã Extractive Reserve (COOPCUNIÃ) in the inclusion of residents in the caiman meat value chain in Porto Velho, Brazil.Design/methodology/approachA total of six interviews were conducted with key actors to investigate the research problem in the Lago do Cuniã EXRES, namely the president and project advisor of the cooperative, two extractivist members of the cooperative and two non-member residents. The key actors were selected based on the following criteria: being over 18 years old, residing within the reserve and having participated in some stage of the caiman meat value chain.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the cooperative contributes to the inclusion of extractivist residents in the value chain, income generation and poverty reduction, enabling the production and marketing of caiman meat. Additionally, it overcomes challenges and improves the quality of life of the local population.Practical implicationsThis study emphasizes the social and economic benefits for isolated regions with low productive development. For public policymakers, the results demonstrate that inclusion has enabled access to technology and markets. For the cooperative, it showcases actions oriented towards development, social inclusion and quality of life.Originality/valueThe originality of the article lies in the analysis of the role of a value chain within an environmental protection area in the Amazon, balancing economic, social and environmental factors.

Changing carbon footprints and the consequent impacts of carbon taxes and cash transfers on poverty and inequality across years: A Peruvian case study

Carbon taxes are key policies to achieve climate goals. Yet, they increase prices especially in the short term, and can affect households’ income depending on their carbon footprints. Cash transfer programs can be used to address adverse social impacts and protect the poorest. However, because carbon footprints, and the consequent tax impacts, may change over time it is important to understand how to design and adapt such cash transfer programs accordingly. As the existing studies focus on single years, we address the gap in the literature in two steps. First, we estimate changes in carbon footprints and their drivers over time; second, we simulate the effects of a carbon tax in combination with cash transfers on poverty and inequality for the years 2004, 2007 and 2011 in Peru. We combine a bottom-up household carbon footprint estimation, and multiple scenarios simulation. We show that, in a context of rapid economic growth, footprints increase over time, particularly for lower deciles. Most importantly, the distributional impacts of a reform combining carbon tax and cash transfers change by year. The paper concludes that, to maximize poverty and inequality reduction, the design of cash transfer programs and tax levels need to be adapted over time.

Stochastic dominance testing of poverty in Mozambique

AbstractNational assessments produced regularly from 1996/97 to 2019/20 provide standard estimates of the evolution of poverty in Mozambique. Stylised facts point to significant reduction in monetary and multidimensional poverty until 2014/15, even though characterised by persistent urban–rural and regional inequalities in several dimensions, followed by worsening deprivation during 2014/15–2019/20. In this paper, we rely on first-order dominance (FOD) methodology to check the robustness of standard poverty estimates while providing deeper insights into what happened in this poverty-stricken country. Our main findings include that the capital city, Maputo, and surrounding areas progressively came to dominate all other provinces in terms of well-being, and the provincial rankings from spatial FOD analysis are very stable over time. Rural areas, mainly those in the northern and central regions, are, with a few exceptions, always at the bottom of the ranking. Moreover, our FOD temporal analysis reveals that 2019/20 dominates, with a high degree of confidence, the results from earlier years, pointing to positive development over time, but with one important exception. The comparison between 2019/20 and 2014/15 is indeterminate, indicating that no significant advancement took place during this period. What stands out is the compelling need for concerted policy action to address the strong and persistent spatial gaps in welfare and poverty, including the capacity to respond effectively to external and internal shocks.

Integrative cultivation pattern, distribution, yield and potential benefit of rubber based agroforestry system in China

Rubber trees are the most widely cultivated natural rubber crops globally. Although commercial cultivation of rubber trees occurs in Hainan, Yunnan and Guangdong provinces in the tropical regions of southern China, adapting rubber plantations to global sustainable development remains a challenge. Particularly within rubber plantations, sustainability and efficiency in production and managements often suffer due to soil degradation resulting from monoculture land use and poor management practices. Rubber based agroforestry systems offer a sustainable approach to mimic natural ecosystem. This study aims to explore the patterns, distribution, yields and potential benefits of rubber agroforestry system. The results show that there were 15 types of rubber agroforestry patterns, including Rubber–Banana, Rubber–Pineapple, Rubber–Cassava, Rubber–Passionfruit, Rubber–Flower plants, Rubber–Ficus hirta, Rubber–Corn, Rubber–Edible fungus, Rubber–Alpinia oxyphylla, Rubber–coffee, Rubber–Phrynium hainanense, Rubber–Amomum villosum, Rubber–Amorphophallus, Rubber–Tea, Rubber–Pandanus amaryllifolius. These patterns are distributed across 17 counties in Hainan Province and 10 counties in Yunnan Province. The total area of rubber based agroforestry exceeds 79,520 ha, comprising 35,998 ha of young rubber agroforestry systems and 43,522 ha of mature ones. The total annual output value benefit of rubber agroforestry systems surpasses 834 million US dollars. Young agroforestry systems yield an annual output value of 269 million US dollars, while mature agroforestry systems contribute 110 billion US dollars from dry rubber and 455 million US dollars from integrative crops. Yunnan Province's economic output value for rubber agroforestry systems exceeds that of Hainan Province due to higher output values of passionfruit from young rubber plantations and Amorphophallus from mature ones. These results indicate the widespread acceptance of rubber agroforestry systems in China's rubber planting practices and their significant potential for output benefits. As environmentally friendly and sustainable production patterns, rubber agroforestry systems have the potential to enhance the sustainable livelihood capacity of smallholders and contribute to poverty alleviation efforts in China and globally. These findings enrich agroforestry systems science and provide valuable insights for optimizing industrial policies and technology transfer.

Integration of Artificial Intelligence into Sustainable Development Goals in India

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) with legal mechanisms emerges as a potent force for transformative change. This paper delves into the intricate interplay between AI technologies and the legal framework, elucidating their collective capacity to address multifaceted challenges and propel progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the forefront of environmental stewardship, AI-driven solutions offer unprecedented capabilities in pollution monitoring, waste management, and climate change adaptation. From predictive analytics for air quality assessment to real-time monitoring of deforestation patterns, AI empowers stakeholders with actionable insights to mitigate environmental degradation and foster resilience. Simultaneously, AI applications hold promise in addressing socio-economic inequities through innovative approaches to poverty alleviation, financial inclusion, and inclusive growth strategies. By leveraging predictive modelling and data analytics, AI facilitates targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of marginalized communities, thereby fostering sustainable development trajectories. However, the ethical and regulatory dimensions of AI deployment necessitate careful consideration within the legal framework. Ensuring data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and equitable access emerges as imperatives in harnessing the full potential of AI for societal benefit. Through the formulation of robust regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines, the legal system plays a pivotal role in safeguarding against potential risks and maximizing the societal dividends of AI innovation. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement are paramount in navigating the evolving landscape of AI governance, fostering dialogue, and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders. Thus, this paper advocates for a holistic approach to sustainable development, synergizing the transformative potential of AI with the protective mechanisms of the legal system. By fostering innovation, inclusivity, and accountability, this symbiotic relationship serves as a catalyst for advancing the global agenda towards a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable future. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change Adaptation, Deforestation, Education, Healthcare, Legal System, Pollution, Poverty, Sustainable Development Goals, Water and Waste Management.

Optimization of Corporate Social Responsibility and Synergy with Government Policies in Overcoming Poverty

The research aims to examine the optimization of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and synergy with government policies in overcoming poverty in to realize justice. CSR is a form of accountability to society or society by a corporation or company. This accountability can be related to poverty alleviation, especially residents around the company who are directly affected by the company's activities that can be aligned with government programs. The problem that will be in this study is how to optimize corporate social responsibility and synergy with government policies in overcoming poverty to realize justice. The research method used is a normative research method related to CSR in the context of poverty alleviation by corporations and government using the statute approach and case approach and analyzed using content analysis.

Socio-economic Impact of Foreign Employment and Remittance in Household Activities in Besishahar Municipality

Remittances from foreign employment have played an important role in the household economy in Nepal. This article aimed to explore the socio-economic impact of foreign employment and remittances on household activities in the Besishahar Municipality. Following the purposive sampling procedure, I selected 30 households for the cross-sectional survey and administered a questionnaire to collect data. In addition to this, 10 participants were selected for in-depth interviews to collect qualitative information. The findings of the study revealed that foreign employment has improved the socioeconomic condition of a family and brought changes in the source of income, children's education, settlement process, and prestige and status of family members in society. I have suggested using the remittance in productive activities such as self-employment, financial investment, etc. rather than investing in unproductive sectors like building a house or purchasing land in urban areas. The findings of the study may be useful in policy making at the local and federal levels in Nepal as a large number of young people migrate every day for foreign employment abroad. Policymakers should be aware of the management of safe labour migratory flows both to the countries of origin and destination. Its implication can be an effective strategy for adaptation as it generates financial and human capital that contributes to the sustainable alleviation of poverty.

Building climate-resilient value chains in arid and semi-arid regions: a VC-ARID approach for rangeland adaptation in Kenya

AbstractClimate change has adversely impacted nature-based value chains in the arid and semi-arid regions. The study investigates the impact of climate change on nature-based value chains in arid and semi-arid environments. With an emphasis on rangeland adaptation in Kenya, the study used the VC-ARID (Value Chains for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions) approach, designed to build climate-resilient value chains in arid and semi-arid regions. The findings reveal that climate change poses significant risks to nature-based value chains, including reduced water availability, increased temperature variability, and changes in precipitation patterns. The study identifies several challenges to value chain development, such as limited access to climate information, financial resources, and supportive policies. It underscores the urgent need to integrate climate resilience into value chain interventions to achieve poverty reduction and food security goals in arid and semi-arid regions. This calls for active collaboration and investment in climate information services, research, and extension services to enhance the adaptive capacity of value chain actors and promote sustainable development in vulnerable regions. Given that climate hazards and changes are context-specific, strategies for improving value chains' sustainability must be customized to the unique ecological and socioeconomic setting in which the nature-based value chain operates. Consequently, to build value chains that are climate resilient, each actor along the chain must assess climate risks and manage the activities that make up the value chain adaptively.

The peer effects of corporate poverty alleviation behavior: Empirical evidence from China.

This study explores the peer and economic effects of corporate poverty alleviation behavior. Using the data of A-share non-financial listed corporates in Shanghai and Shenzhen of China from 2016 to 2020, the empirical analysis of this study finds that: corporate poverty alleviation behavior has significant peer effects; the guidance of local poverty alleviation policies weakens the peer effects of corporate poverty alleviation behavior; compared to private enterprises, the poverty alleviation behavior of the peer firms has a more significant impact on state-owned enterprises; and corporate poverty alleviation behavior can result in the backflow of economic benefits and achieve the organic unity of economic and social benefits. The purpose of this paper is to explore the peer effects of corporate poverty alleviation behaviors through empirical analysis using available public data. The results of the study not only increase the motivation of corporate to participate in poverty alleviation from a peer effects perspective, but also reveal key factors for sustaining corporate poverty alleviation behaviors.