Policy responses to the spatial dimensions of poverty. CPRC Working Paper 168.

Abstract

The spatial dimensions of poverty should matter to policymakers. Why? First, because large numbers of people live in spatially disadvantaged areas. Second, because geography and location have been found to have considerable explanatory power when it comes to understanding this disadvantage. What, then, should policymakers do to address the spatial dimensions of poverty?

This Working Paper discusses policy responses to the spatial dimensions of poverty. Following an introduction, Section 2 examines spatiality in development discourse and policy. It does this by looking at policy documents from a number of developing country and donors, as well as the World Bank’s 2009 World Development Report, Reshaping Economic Geography. Section 3 of the paper outlines eight policy attempts to address spatial disparity, by looking at the policy problem, response and impact. Section 4 identifies lessons for policy and practice and Section 5 concludes. What, then, should policymakers do? How can and should public policy address the spatial dimensions of poverty?

Citation

Higgins, K.; Bird, K.; Harris, D. Policy responses to the spatial dimensions of poverty. CPRC Working Paper 168. Chronic Poverty Research Centre, London, UK (2010) 34 pp. ISBN 978 1 907288 13 5

Policy responses to the spatial dimensions of poverty. CPRC Working Paper 168.

Published 1 January 2010