Reducing Rural Poverty in Asia

The majority of the world's poor live in Asia, and most of these live in rural areas. These areas are also infamous for the food insecurity and malnutrition associated with poverty. Making even a modest dent in rural Asian poverty has the potential to realise large gains in global human development. "Reducing Rural Poverty in Asia" provides evidence-based guidelines for policymakers in developing countries, for researchers focusing on development problems, and for the international development assistance community in the continuing search for ways to effectively reduce poverty in the developing world. Detailed examinations are clearly presented on the efforts for poverty alleviation through micro-enterprise development and rural public employment programs that focus on public works and household/small-scale industries. Asia-based case studies of various micro-enterprises and rural public employment projects reveal important policy mechanisms and the effectiveness of each poverty reduction measure. Tables, figures, and relevant glossaries make unfamiliar terms and difficult information easy to understand. Part I of "Reducing Rural Poverty in Asia" presents a framework for the analysis of rural micro-enterprises with a focus on micro-finance; highlights the main findings of country-specific case studies; suggests guidelines for an appropriate strategy for the provision of micro-finance to reach the poor, alleviate poverty, and create financial stability; analyses the issues relating to public wage employment schemes and the principal findings of the case studies; draws policy conclusions for the formulation of effective public employment schemes. Part II of "Reducing Rural Poverty in Asia" presents case studies conducted in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines - along with revealing conclusions. "Reducing Rural Poverty in Asia" is a concise overview of the crucial research undertaken at the request of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and makes this a vital resource for researchers, educators, students, policymakers, and development experts working towards the goal of poverty reduction.