This report presents nine case studies of recent Asian Development Bank projects in Mongolia, Nepal, the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, and Viet Nam. The case studies highlight innovative interventions and common effective approaches used to reduce poverty: (i) providing broader access to economic opportunities, (ii) promoting resilience, and (iii) empowering communities through improved governance. By sharing experiences gained from the successful implementation of these projects, this report aims to contribute to international efforts to develop and adopt better policies and practices toward eradicating poverty.

This book looks at the major policy challenges facing developing Asia and how the region sustains rapid economic growth to reduce multidimensional poverty through socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable measures. Asia is facing many challenges arising from population growth, rapid urbanization, provision of services, climate change and the need to redress declining growth after the global financial crisis. This book examines poverty and related issues and aims to advance the development of new tools and measurement of multidimensional poverty and poverty reduction policy analysis. The book covers a wide range of issues, including determinants and causes of poverty and its changes; consequences and impacts of poverty on human capital formation, growth and consumption; assessment of poverty strategies and policies; the role of government, NGOs and other institutions in poverty reduction; rural-urban migration and poverty; vulnerability to poverty; breakdown of poverty into chronic and transitory components; and a comparative study on poverty issues in Asia and other regions. The book will appeal to all those interested in economic development, resources, policies and economic welfare and growth.

Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis and rising food, fuel, and commodity prices, addressing poverty and inequality in the Philippines remains a challenge. The proportion of households living below the official poverty line has declined slowly and unevenly in the past four decades, and poverty reduction has been much slower than in neighboring countries such as the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Economic growth has gone through boom and bust cycles, and recent episodes of moderate economic expansion have had limited impact on the poor. Great inequality across income brackets, regions, and sectors, as well as unmanaged population growth, are considered some of the key factors constraining poverty reduction efforts. This publication analyzes the causes of poverty and recommends ways to accelerate poverty reduction and achieve more inclusive growth. it also provides an overview of current government responses, strategies, and achievements in the fight against poverty and identifies and prioritizes future needs and interventions. The analysis is based on current literature and the latest available data, including the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey.

"The objectives of the RETA [regional technical assistance project], a study based on a literature and project review and on field research in three Asian countries [People's Republic of China, Thailand and India], were to enhance current understanding of how transport and energy infrastructure contribute to poverty reduction, to fill knowledge gaps, and to identify lessons learned and good practices."--P. 1.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports inclusive growth in the Asia and Pacific region by giving attention to the poverty impact and social dimensions of its operations. This publication contributes to this endeavor by providing practical guidance to ADB staff, government officers, project stakeholders, and consultants involved in programming, preparing, and implementing activities for them to effectively address poverty and social dimensions in ADB-financed operations. The handbook provides a road map to specific ADB policies and procedures related to poverty and social analysis, with the end view of achieving inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development outcomes.