Poverty Alleviation Strategies Research Articles

Design-Driven Sustainable Poverty Alleviation: A Case Study of Precise Identification and Resource Optimization in Rural Areas

China’s transition from precise poverty alleviation to rural revitalization represents a critical development stage. This study aims to explore how a design-driven approach can achieve sustainable poverty alleviation and development by addressing challenges such as relative poverty, imprecise targeting, insufficient endogenous motivation, and the risk of returning to poverty. Understanding the inherent relationship between poverty alleviation and sustainable development is crucial for deepening precise poverty alleviation strategies and promoting rural revitalization. This study employs the TOPSIS method to accurately identify target groups for poverty eradication and select optimal poverty alleviation strategies based on multidimensional poverty governance criteria. A case study of Village M in Guangdong Province is conducted, where questionnaire surveys and sampling methods are used to establish the TOPSIS model for precise identification and the design of targeted interventions to support poverty eradication. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are applied to ensure comprehensive analysis and results. The findings indicate that targeted design interventions, particularly those leveraging local bamboo resources, led to a significant increase in the annual per capita income of identified families by approximately 176.32%, from RMB 3146 (approximately USD 431) to RMB 8700 (approximately USD 1192). This design-driven approach effectively stimulated the innovation consciousness of impoverished farmers, demonstrating the critical role of sustainable design strategies in optimally matching resources to the needs of the poor. This study contributes to the development of a novel framework integrating design methodologies with poverty alleviation strategies, providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings highlight the importance of user-centered design in promoting sustainable development and underscore the need to incorporate design-driven methodologies in poverty alleviation efforts.

Engendering Rural Tourism as a Viable Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Rural Development in the Southern Tourist Circuit of Tanzania

This article employs a systematic literature review to present the need to innovate and engender rural tourism as a viable strategy for poverty alleviation in the Southern Tourism Circuit of Tanzania—one of the regions with many rural tourist opportunities that are unexplored and yet to be utilized to transform local peoples’ livelihoods. The study explores why the circuit is underdeveloped in terms of rural tourism as compared to other tourist circuits and maps the existing rural tourism opportunities in the region. The impacts of colonial legacy, limited financial capability, policy issues and poor infrastructure are the main factors for the under-exploitation of tourist resources in the southern circuit. Rural tourism assets such as natural, cultural, agritourism/farm-based, and culinary assets in this circuit still need to be utilized. Innovation and utilization of these rural tourism opportunities could be one of the appropriate strategies to improve residents’ livelihoods. Rural tourism could help to boost individual economies and government revenues and enhance community development. The study highlights the importance of effective collaboration among stakeholders and multisector linkage while putting the local community at the core of rural tourism.

Does younger children's social health insurance alleviate household impoverishment due to illness?

The ambitious expansion of social health insurance in China has played a crucial role in preventing and alleviating poverty caused by illness. However, there is no government-sponsored health insurance program specifically for younger children and inequities are more pronounced in healthcare utilization, medical expenditure, and satisfaction in some households with severely ill children. This study assessed the effectiveness of child health insurance in terms of alleviating poverty caused by illness. Data were collected from two rounds of follow-up surveys using the China Family Panel Studies 2016 and 2018 child questionnaires to investigate the relationship between child health insurance and household medical impoverishment (MI). Impoverishing health expenditure (IHE) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) were measured to quantify "poverty due to illness" in terms of absolute and relative poverty, respectively. Propensity score matching with the difference-in-differences (PSM-DID) method, robustness tests, and heterogeneity analysis were conducted to address endogeneity issues. Social health insurance for children significantly reduced household impoverishment due to illness. Under the shock of illness, the incidences of IHE and CHE were significantly lower in households with insured children. The poverty alleviation mechanism transmitted by children enrolled in social health insurance was primarily driven by hospitalization reimbursements and the proportion of out-of-pocket medical payments among the total medical expenditure for children. Children's possession of social health insurance significantly reduced the likelihood of household poverty due to illness. The poverty-reducing effect of social medical insurance is most significant in rural areas, low-income families, no-left-behind children, and infants. Targeted poverty alleviation strategies for marginalized groups and areas would ensure the equity and efficiency of health system reforms, contributing to the goal of universal health insurance coverage in China.

ASSESSMENT OF POVERTY STATUS OF CASSAVA COOPERATIVE FARMERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

The study assessed the poverty status of cassava cooperative farmers in South-South Nigeria, utilizing a multi-stage sampling technique to select 300 members from Delta, Edo, and Akwa Ibom states. The majority of members fall within the 41-60 age range, which accounts for 66% of the total membership. This suggests that middle-aged and older individuals are more likely to participate in cassava cooperatives. There was also a higher representation of female members (58.33%) compared to male members (41.67%). However, majority (75.67%) of the cassava cooperative members were married while 2% were divorced, 10.33% were separated/divorced, and 12% were widowed. Furthermore, majority (51.67%) of the farmers had been in a cooperative for 1-5 years. The result shows that 46.33% of households consist of 1-4 members and most (82%) of the members identify cassava farming as their primary occupation. The relative poverty line was determined based on consumption expenditure, and the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) index was employed to assess poverty status. The results indicated that over one-third of members lived below the relative poverty line of ₦882.29, although the depth (8.52%) and severity (3.13%) of poverty were relatively low. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted poverty reduction programs, strengthening cooperative structures, enhancing access to finance, promoting value addition, investing in infrastructure, empowering women and youth, and further research to develop effective poverty alleviation strategies.

Geospatial determinants of urban poverty in Nigeria: an analysis of locally weighted factors

ABSTRACT Determining the factors that influence poverty has been seen as one of the ways of identifying appropriate poverty alleviation strategies in cities. This has been done, in most cases, through the application of ordinary least squares (OLS), which assumes homogeneous influence without considering the spatial heterogeneity that may occur in this influence. This study aims to determine the spatial heterogeneity in the influence of public infrastructure, economic, environmental, and social factors on poverty, by carrying out comparison analysis using OLS and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) in ArcGIS Pro 3.0.1, with a view of proffering poverty alleviation strategies for each section of an urban area. A questionnaire in Geographic Open Data Kit (GeoODK) was administered to 366 urban residents across the twenty wards in the selected city in Nigeria. The results reveal that factors that influence income poverty are spatially varying in direction and weight across a city. Spatial heterogeneity of poverty’s determinants should be considered in the formulation and implementation of effective poverty alleviation policies and programs.

How Does Small-Scale Mining Stabilize Rural Livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa? The Case of Mozambique

This paper examines the linkages between subsistence farming and artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) – low-tech, labor-intensive mineral extraction and processing – in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the case of Mozambique. While the body of literature on this subject is burgeoning, it is comprised mostly of conceptual pieces and country case studies that rely heavily on qualitative data. Focusing on Manica Province, long an epicentre of small-scale gold mining activity in Mozambique, the paper showcases the value of including complementary quantitative data in analyses of ASM-farming linkages in rural sub-Saharan Africa. In particular, quantitative data that provide detail on the demographical composition of communities engaged in both ASM and agriculture, and which shed light on the spending patterns of households involved, could go a long way toward enriching dialogues on this subject, and, in the process, yield more effective (and, indeed, representative) rural development and poverty alleviation strategies in the region. The data gathered in Manica Province provide a more nuanced picture of how the ages and educational levels of household heads, and the sizes of their families, shape views on ASM and agriculture in gold-rich sections of Mozambique. Studies exploring the linkages between ASM and agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa that feature both qualitative and quantitative data provide greater clarity on the role each activity could play in tackling some of the region’s broader development challenges, including food insecurity and (building) community resilience.

Peran Zakat dalam Perekonomian di Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the role of zakat in Indonesia's economy, particularly as a strategy for poverty alleviation. Zakat, as one of the instruments in Islamic economics, has significant potential to support economic and social development. Although zakat plays an important role in societal welfare, its realization and management still face various challenges. This study uses a qualitative method with a literature review approach, analyzing literature from various sources related to fiscal policy, zakat, and Islamic economic concepts. Through this research, it is hoped that a deep understanding of the effectiveness of zakat policies and their contribution to poverty alleviation in Indonesia can be obtained. The findings of this study are expected to provide recommendations for improving the optimization of zakat management in Indonesia.

Conquerors of poverty – a case study of Colombo slum dwellers

PurposeWhile extensive research has explored poverty in various dimensions, there remains a notable dearth of studies focusing on success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity. This research seeks to address this gap by investigating the strategies employed by individuals to transcend poverty. Moreover, it evaluates the practicality and effectiveness of existing theories in real-world contexts through careful interpretation.Design/methodology/approachData were gathered from two distinct cases through comprehensive, in-depth interviews. These narratives were subjected to scrutiny employing the Description Analysis Interpretation method. Subsequent interpretation and theoretical exploration were guided by Bourdieu’s class theory. The overarching goal was to shed light on the remarkable journeys of specific slum residents who surpassed the constraints of poverty. This endeavor not only highlighted the practical efficacy of these theories but also underscored their relevance in illuminating real-world scenarios through interpretation.FindingsThe findings underscore the capacity of slum dwellers to rise above poverty, thereby emphasizing the practical utility of specific theories aimed at poverty alleviation in elucidating their experiences. Notably, social capital, a cornerstone of Bourdieu’s class theory, emerges as equally pivotal as economic capital in shaping individuals' trajectories.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s scope is confined to narratives within the Colombo slums, offering a platform for future researchers to extend their investigations beyond this context. By employing alternative methodologies and exploring diverse geographical regions, scholars can broaden their understanding of poverty alleviation strategies and their applicability across varied socioeconomic landscapes. This calls for wider research for comprehensive exploration and comprehension of poverty dynamics beyond singular locales.Practical implicationsThe study provides invaluable insights for policymakers, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations, urging them to reconsider and reformulate policies, educational strategies and community development programs tailored to the needs of slum dwellers and their children. These insights offer a pathway toward more effective interventions aimed at fostering sustainable upliftment within these marginalized communities.Originality/valueThis research fills a critical gap in poverty literature by exploring success stories of slum dwellers overcoming adversity, an area often overlooked. It uniquely investigates the strategies these individuals employ to transcend poverty, offering fresh insights into the practical application of poverty alleviation theories. Utilizing Bourdieu’s class theory, the study highlights the importance of both social and economic capital in these success narratives. By focusing on real-life experiences, it underscores the relevance and utility of these theories in real-world contexts, enriching the theoretical discourse and providing valuable perspectives for policymakers and practitioners.

Inequality of rural residents’ income in China since the targeted poverty alleviation strategy: New trends, causes, and policy implications

Poverty and income inequality are problems faced by many countries including China. Since the implementation of Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA), absolute poverty has been eradicated, meanwhile, Chinese rural residents' income and inequality have experienced unprecedented new dynamics, but still, very few studies have focused on them. Hence, we attempt to examine the new trends in Chinese farmers' income inequality and to understand its causes during this period. We observe that China's urban-rural income ratio has been shrinking and the urban-rural inequality has been decreasing from 2014 to 2021. The reduction in the Theil index indicates a decrease in the regional inequality of farmers' income as well, and the decline in inter-regional inequality among eight economic zones contributes about 80% to increased equality. These new trends are caused by the fact that, with the TPA, the incomes of rural residents especially that in destitute areas, grew faster than that of urban residents and farmers in prosperous areas. The higher share of non-agricultural industry and agricultural mechanization level have significant positive impact on regional equality of farmers' income, while urban-rural dual structure has significant negative inhibitory effects. The lowest farmers' income and the highest inequality in the Northwest, and the slowest growth in the Northeast deserve more attention in rural Revitalization. From these findings, we propose four policy implications that would be applied to improve Chinese farmers' income equality, govern relative poverty, and achieve common prosperity in the post-poverty era.

Yoksulluk ve Afetlerin İnsan Güvenliği ve Refahı Üzerindeki Etkileri: Türkiye Örneği

Poverty and disasters are complex issues that directly impact the quality of life and security of people worldwide. Poverty makes communities more vulnerable to disasters, thereby increasing the risks of catastrophes. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, unplanned urbanization, and resource limitations exacerbate the effects of poverty, potentially escalating the frequency and severity of disasters. Moreover, low educational attainment and insufficient pre-disaster risk management can adversely affect post-disaster crisis management, hindering swift recovery efforts for communities. Impoverished communities often struggle to access essential services such as emergency medical assistance in the aftermath of disasters. This difficulty significantly impairs post-disaster response and recovery efforts, deepening the impact of disasters on impoverished societies and prolonging the return to normalcy. Economic losses, asset depletion, and decreased labor productivity further push already impoverished populations into long-term cycles of poverty. Restrictions in accessing basic necessities also pose significant barriers during post-disaster recovery processes; challenges in transportation, housing, and nutrition can contribute to worsening poverty conditions. In this context, the role of poverty in disaster preparedness is crucial. It is vital for countries like Turkey to strengthen the capacities of all local communities and develop effective disaster strategies. Integrating poverty alleviation strategies with disaster management systems is essential to mitigate disaster risks, minimize post-disaster impacts, and facilitate faster community recovery. This study aims to underscore the importance of poverty in disaster preparedness processes and develop strategic recommendations by focusing on the relationship between poverty and disasters in Turkey. Keywords: Disaster, Disaster Management, Poverty, Security, Turkey

Poverty-free urbanism: six qualitative normative factors and 36 procedures for measuring urban poverty from a deprivation perspective

PurposeThis review article advocates for a holistic approach to interpreting and addressing urban poverty through the proposal of “poverty-free urbanism” (PFU). By introducing PFU as a holistic approach to measuring poverty from a deprivation perspective, this article confronts the multifaceted challenges of urban poverty, transcending mere material limitations.Design/methodology/approachThrough an exhaustive qualitative literature review and content analysis, the study identifies six qualitative normative factors: availability, productivity, innovativeness, diversity, fairness, and well-being.FindingsWhile promising, the applicability and effectiveness of PFU across diverse urban contexts necessitate further refinement and empirical validation. Future research endeavors should prioritize clarifying the concept of PFU, exploring its practical implementation in varied urban settings, and offering actionable recommendations for fostering inclusive and equitable urban development.Originality/valueThese factors, rooted in critical processes such as ensuring essential services, promoting entrepreneurial activities, fostering bottom-up community development, facilitating dynamic typo-morphological transformations, addressing social exclusion and inequality, and promoting healthy communities, offer a holistic approach for policymakers and practitioners in devising sustainable poverty alleviation strategies.

MIXED GEOGRAPHICALLY WEIGHTED REGRESSION (MGWR) WITH ADAPTIVE WEIGHTING FUNCTION IN POVERTY MODELING IN NTT PROVINCE

Poverty modeling is a crucial economic and social development issue in various regions, including in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. This research proposes using the Mixed Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) model with an adaptive Bisquare weighting function to analyze variables influencing poverty levels in NTT Province. The MGWR model is an extension of the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), which allows some variables in the model to have local effects while others have global effects. The adaptive weighting function in the MGWR model enhances the analysis by providing different weights at each location according to its local characteristics, thus making the results more accurate and representative for each area. The data includes economic, social, and infrastructure variables from 22 districts/cities in NTT Province for 2023. The MGWR model with an adaptive weighting function is applied to model the relationship between these variables and poverty levels. The analysis integrates statistical software to manage and analyze spatial data. The study findings show that the MGWR model with an adaptive weighting function offers better estimates than the global regression and GWR models. The results revealed the smallest AIC value for the MGWR model at 104.1888, compared to the global regression model at 140.1427 and the GWR model at 117.6174. This model successfully identifies significant local and global variables and shows variations in influence at different locations in NTT Province. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in designing and implementing more effective poverty alleviation strategies tailored to local conditions in NTT Province.

Alleviating poverty for common prosperity: The role of Fupinguan in an E-tailing supply chain

To alleviate poverty, e-tailers in China have established special web portals or channels, known as Fupinguans (FPGs), to sell products from poor suppliers in rural areas. This paper investigates the underlying mechanism of FPGs in poverty alleviation (PA) and explores their implications for the common prosperity of stakeholders. We consider an e-tailing supply chain where an e-tailer sells substitutes from a poor supplier (characterized by production inefficiency and capital shortage) and a normal supplier to PA-conscious consumers. The benchmark analyses show that the poor supplier faces hurdles in participating due to cost disadvantages in competition. The traditional PA strategy of loan interest subsidies, employed by the e-tailer, can involve the poor supplier in the supply chain by reducing its costs. However, this strategy can mitigate (not eliminate) the poor supplier's cost disadvantage while hurting the normal supplier. Instead, the FPG strategy will provide the poor supplier with a market advantage while indirectly triggering a spillover effect on the normal supplier's product. In this light, the FPG strategy can eliminate or even reverse the poor supplier's competitive disadvantage while benefiting the normal supplier and all stakeholders. Consequently, it can dominate the traditional strategy when the e-tailer has an insufficient financing capability or efficient FPG investment. The e-tailer's FPG investment incentive decreases with the cost disadvantage, whereas competition can strengthen this incentive when the cost disadvantage or competition intensity is sufficiently low. These findings position FPGs as novel business opportunities that align with the ethos of doing well by doing good.

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.

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.

Zakat literacy index in Aceh

To enhance zakat collection, a policy based on community literacy about zakat is necessary. This research aims to evaluate the fundamental and advanced knowledge of zakat among Aceh Province residents, serving as a foundation for economic growth post-Covid-19. The study utilizes the Zakat Literacy Index technique, employing a quantitative descriptive approach to assess the zakat literacy level of Muslim communities in Indonesia. By employing the zakat literacy indexation model developed by Saoqi et al. (2019), the study provides a comprehensive description of zakat literacy in Muslim communities, particularly in Aceh Province. The findings will facilitate the evaluation of poverty alleviation strategies and inform policies for increasing zakat literacy and empowering the economy to address poverty issues in Indonesia. This research can influence government regulations on improving zakat collection, specifically in Aceh Province

The Sustainable Development Model of China’s Tourism-Based Poverty Alleviation Industry: Analysis of the Configuration of an Active Government, an Efficient Market and a Caring Society

Tourism-based poverty alleviation strategies have played an important role in China’s efforts to eliminate poverty. In the post-poverty-alleviation era, the mechanism by which the government, market and society jointly promote the sustainable development of the tourism-based poverty alleviation industry requires further research. Based on data from 33 tourism-based poverty alleviation demonstration counties in China, this paper uses the fsQCA method to explore the role positioning and function of the three major entities of government, market and society. The results show that no single condition can promote the long-term development of tourism-based poverty alleviation. Four modes are proposed: government financial support, resource endowment, ecosystem tourism and multisubject coordination. The government provides a diverse and sustainable “haematopoietic” mechanism by focusing on different elements in each path. In addition, public tourism services are crucial to the long-term mechanism of tourism-based poverty alleviation.

Implementation of the K-Means Method for Clustering Regency/City in North Sumatra based on Poverty Indicators

Poverty has many negative effects on people's lives, such as difficulty meeting basic needs, limited access to adequate health and education services, and limited economic opportunities. North Sumatra faces significant poverty problems as one of the largest provinces in Indonesia. This requires special attention and a thorough investigation. Reducing poverty is a very important issue for the government of North Sumatra Province. Poverty-alleviation strategies can no longer be applied uniformly. Instead, it is necessary to consider all the factors that cause poverty in each region. This means that the approach that must be given to each regency or city based on its poverty level must be adjusted. To overcome this problem, clustering must be carried out to identify areas with different levels of welfare. The aim of this research is to cluster regencies and cities in North Sumatra Province using the K-means method based on poverty indicator variables. This research only uses three poverty indicators: gross regional domestic product, human development index, and unemployment rate. The optimal number of clusters is determined based on the results of the silhouette coefficient. The research method begins with dataset collection, exploratory data analysis, data preprocessing, and k-means clustering. The value k = 6 produces a silhouette coefficient of 0.4135. This research produced six regency/city clusters. Cluster 1 consists of 11 regencies and 1 city; cluster 2 consists of 1 regency and 2 cities; cluster 3 consists of 4 regencies; cluster 4 consists of 7 regencies; cluster 5 consists of 4 cities; and cluster 6 consists of 2 regencies and 1 city. The variables gross regional domestic product, human development index, and unemployment rate have a big influence on the cluster results. This will enable the government to adopt policies to tackle poverty quickly and effectively.

Targeted poverty alleviation promotes sustainable socio-economic and ecological development in China's poor areas

Ending extreme poverty and achieving sustainable development by 2030 poses a significant challenge for developing countries. In the past decade, China has pioneered the Targeted Poverty Alleviation (TPA) strategy and implemented a range of anti-poverty programs, aiming to reconcile poverty reduction with environmental restoration. However, the effectiveness of the TPA strategy in facilitating sustainable development in the poor areas of China (PAC) remains unclear. Drawing on a perspective of systems, this study compiles a panel dataset of 832 nationally designated poverty-stricken counties in China from 2013 to 2020 and employ the coupling coordination degree model to examine the coupling and coordination relationships among economic, social, and environmental systems in the PAC. We find that during the TPA period, the socioeconomic level developed rapidly, while the environmental quality was slightly improved in the PAC. The TPA strategy promotes the coordinated development of social, economic, and ecological systems in the PAC, shifting the relationship between human and environment from imbalance to coordination. Our findings underscore the necessity for the Chinese government to persist in its environmental restoration efforts in the PAC to guarantee a sustained development progress.

Economic performance of the pairing-off poverty alleviation between China’ cities

This study evaluates the economic performance of China's East-West pairing-off poverty alleviation, a policy enacted in 2016 aiming to eradicate absolute poverty by 2020 through substantial fiscal transfers from the assisting cities to the assisted impoverished counties. Employing a counterfactual framework and analyzing data from 2013 to 2018, this research assesses the economic performance of China's East-West pairing-off poverty alleviation. Our findings reveal a negative impact of the fiscal pressure burdened by the assisting cities on their economic performance. Meanwhile, the allocation of anti-poverty funds to the assisted counties does not exhibit a significant impact on their economic outcomes. The mechanism analysis suggests that the fiscal pressure experienced by the assisting cities shows negative impacts on fixed assets investment, innovation activities, and economic growth expectations. Further analysis indicates a negative relationship between the policy and the growth of secondary industry and rural income in the eastern regions, while simultaneously identifying a positive impact on the enterprises' financial burden. These results underscore the complex economic trade-offs inherent in poverty alleviation strategy transferring fiscal funds from developed regions to less developed regions and call for a global understanding of pure cash transfer programmes' impacts.