Brazil : Measuring Poverty Using Household Consumption

Abstract

This report on measuring poverty using household consumption summarizes the work undertaken as part of the Brazil Poverty Measurement Study (BRAPOV) that supported a program of analytical work and technical support via an in-depth assessment of the measurement of poverty and inequality in Brazil. The survey not only presented an opportunity for in-depth analysis, but also for collaboration between the World Bank and partners in Brazil. Emphasis thus was placed also on process as a key input for impact, while at the same time balancing this objective with the need to deliver quality and timely analytical work. Specifically, the analysis in this report builds on earlier studies on the methodologies for constructing consistent poverty profiles and poverty lines (e.g. Bidani and Ravallion, 1994, Ravallion, 1998 and Kakwani, 2003) and on the measurement of poverty in Brazil in order to construct poverty lines for the different regions of Brazil; detailed spatial price indices to capture spatial variation in the cost of living; an updated poverty profile; and micro-area maps of poverty and inequality for Brazil.