Poverty alleviation in Asia: future directions in measurement, monitoring, and impact evaluation

Abstract

This essay introduces a special issue focusing on poverty alleviation in Asia. We argue that expanding the conceptualization and measurement of poverty and using a variety of methodologies to study poverty issues can help inform more effective, sustainable policy solutions in Asia and globally. Drawing on a set of new empirical studies across various Asian countries and regions, we suggest several concrete directions in monitoring poverty trends and dynamics, evaluating the effectiveness of poverty alleviation policies and programs, and proposing new policy solutions to address poverty in Asia and beyond.