Free Access | June 2003

Pro-Poor Growth Strategies in Africa An elusive consensus: Definitions, measurement And analysis of Poverty

Authors/Editors: Economic Policy Research Centre

Abstract:

This chapter reviews 24 UNDP-sponsored studies under the Poverty Strategies Initiative (PSI) across 11 developing nations to examine how poverty is conceptualized, measured, and analyzed in capacity-constrained environments. It evaluates alternative definitions of poverty, contrasting traditional income-based poverty lines with multidimensional composite indicators that assess basic needs and social well-being. Additionally, the author analyzes measurement methodologies, emphasizing the value of integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques to capture poverty's dynamic, real-world impacts. Ultimately, May argues that national policy development benefits most when poverty tools are tailored to a country's specific context and information needs, even if such localized adaptations limit cross-country comparisons.