The Political Economy of Poverty Reduction: Scaling Up Antipoverty Programs in the Developing World

60 Pages Posted: 3 Jan 2008 Last revised: 29 Aug 2014

See all articles by Raj M. Desai

Raj M. Desai

Georgetown University; The Brookings Institution

Date Written: November 2007

Abstract

Large-scale antipoverty programs have achieved significant and positive results in many developing countries around the world in the past decade. This paper explores the challenges of scaling up small-scale antipoverty programs - taken here to mean the processes by which successful efforts to raise the incomes of the poorest citizens in developing counties are expanded in coverage over time and across geography. In particular, I advocate supplementing approaches that highlight resource and program constraints with an expanded focus on the political dynamics involved in expanding pro-poor policies. Thus, greater emphasis should be placed on understanding the political factors that limit the expansion and survivability of antipoverty programs. A broader view along these lines highlights the bargaining strength of beneficiaries, the need to secure public support, the potential for political misuse of antipoverty programs, and how institutional fragilities affect their sustainability. Antipoverty programs can be effectively scaled up if attention is paid to addressing these political and institutional challenges. An agenda for future research is also identified.

Keywords: global poverty, developing countries, development, sustainable development, politics, scaling up

Suggested Citation

Desai, Raj M., The Political Economy of Poverty Reduction: Scaling Up Antipoverty Programs in the Developing World (November 2007). Wolfensohn Center for Development Working Paper No. 2, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1080349 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1080349

Raj M. Desai (Contact Author)

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