Chronic Poverty Report 2008-09
Following the first Chronic Poverty Report 2004-05, which examined the dimensions of the problem of chronic poverty, the Chronic Poverty Report 2008-09 looks at possible solutions. Through our research we identify five main traps that underpin chronic poverty – insecurity, limited citizenship, spatial disadvantage, social discrimination and poor work opportunities – and outline key policy responses to these.
We argue that the development of a ‘just social compact’ between citizens and states must be the focus for poverty eradication. We also argue that tackling chronic poverty is the global priority of our time and that eradicating poverty by 2025 is a feasible goal – if national governments and international organisations are willing to make the necessary political commitments and resource allocations.
It is our hope that this report will inspire deeper reflection on how to tackle chronic poverty effectively and – most of all – will stimulate action to make it happen.
Download the Report
The Report is free to download in its full version or individual chapters. There is also a Report Summary available in English and Spanish. The report comes with associated Policy Briefs and Background Papers which are also availble to download.
Contents
PART A: Chronic poverty as a key policy issue
Chapter 1: Foundations for understanding and challenging chronic poverty
Chapter 2: The policy and political challenge
PART B: Four sets of policies for poverty eradication
Chapter 3: Addressing insecurity through social protection
Chapter 4: Economic growth and chronic poverty
Chapter 5: Transformative social change
Chapter 6: Ending violent conflict and building a social compact
PART C: Conclusion
Chapter 7: Eradicating chronic poverty
PART D: Annexes
The Annexes are available to download separately if downloading the full report.
Annexes A-E: Background papers for The Chronic Poverty Report 2008-09, Glossary of key terms, Summary of selected social protection programmes in low(er) income countries, Summary information on selected conditional cash transfer programmes in developing countries, Estimates of regional and global numbers.
Annexes F-L: Chronic poverty statistics, Figures and trends in chronic poverty indicators, Methodological note for demographic and health survey data analysis, Trends in US$1/day poverty estimates and trends in the rural share of the poor, CPR2 country classification (1970-2003), Comparison of country classifications, Life history summaries.
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"Once again, the Chronic Poverty Research Centre have issued a timely reminder that chronic poverty is a global emergency that we cannot afford to ignore. World leaders, NGOs, faith groups, the private sector and civil society as a whole must heed this warning as we work together to achieve the Millenium Development Goals by 2015. The report reminds us that alleviating chronic poverty is not merely a question of economics. It is a moral imperative"
-Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, UK Prime Minister
"No person should live without hope: their loss is a loss for us all. We must go forward together, and this report shows us how."
"As we hit the mid-point for the 2015 Millennium Goals and world leaders meet to review progress on 25 September 2008 at the United Nations in New York, this report presents timely and valuable policy recommendations on what needs to be done to overcome poverty"
-Salil Shetty, Director, UN Millennium Campaign
"This is cutting edge thinking, seeking to match rigorous analysis of the causes of chronic poverty with both the politics and the policies required to address it. An invaluable contribution to the global effort to eradicate poverty, and reshape aid practices to support the combination of active citizenship and effective states that lies at the heart of development."
-Duncan Green, Head of Research, Oxfam
"Chronic poverty remains pervasive, and this report sets out concrete steps to ensure that those who live in poverty, together with their children, will see justice done"
-Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics 2001