Revisiting Extreme Poverty and Marginality in Bangladesh: How Successful are the Policies and Programs in Reaching the Extreme Poor? Shiree Working Paper 30
Abstract
The paper explores the current state of extreme poverty and marginality in Bangladesh both conceptually and empirically. It also tries to make comparisons between the two in the context of Bangladesh. In addition, the paper also tries to examine whether and to what extent the existing antipoverty programs have been successful in reaching out to the poorest in the country. Finally, the paper came up with some suggestions as to how to target the poorest of the poor effectively and help them to overcome extreme poverty.
Traditionally development programs have not differentiated between the severity levels of the poor, treating the poor as a group with similar characteristics and needs that require homogenous forms of assistance. It is now widely recognized that effective poverty alleviation efforts require more than a unidirectional approach, and must be adapted to the specific needs and capacities of people at different levels of poverty. The complex and interconnected nature of the factors that cause, contribute to, and perpetuate extreme poverty suggest that the value of holistic perspectives in unpacking the dynamics of extreme poverty if significant improvement in any aspect of their lives is to be made. This seems to be one of the opportunities as well as challenges of targeting extremely poor households in Bangladesh.
Citation
Zulfiqar Ali; Mujeri, M.K. Revisiting Extreme Poverty and Marginality in Bangladesh: How Successful are the Policies and Programs in Reaching the Extreme Poor? Shiree Working Paper 30. Shiree, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2016) 19 pp.
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