Publication: Costa Rica Poverty Assessment : Recapturing Momentum for Poverty Reduction
Date
2007-02-12
ISSN
Published
2007-02-12
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
This study examines recent developments
on the poverty front in Costa Rica, with particular emphasis
on why poverty rates have not declined over the last 10
years despite consistent economic growth over the period. To
accomplish this, the report develops a dynamic profile of
poverty in Costa Rica to better understand the
characteristics of the poor. It analyzes recent patterns of
economic growth and the extent to which the poor have shared
its benefits. The study also examines the dynamics of the
labor market, including how recent labor market developments
have affected the ability of the poor to generate higher
incomes, particularly since 1994. It pays special attention
to the impact that immigration from Nicaragua has had on
poverty, and to the particular challenges faced by poor
female workers. Finally, it examines the role and
effectiveness of social sector spending and policies in
improving the welfare of the poor and providing enabling
them to escape poverty. The study is organized into three
main parts. The first part of the report (chapters 1-4)
focuses on the nature and evolution of poverty from 1989 to
2004. This includes presentation of a multi-dimensional
profile of poverty (chapter 2), an analysis of the links
between growth, income inequality and poverty reduction in
Costa Rica (chapter 3), and an analysis of the role of the
Costa Rican labor market in determining the earnings and
opportunities faced by the poor (chapter 4). Part I1
(chapters 5-8) examines the role of the social sectors and
social sector policies on poverty reduction in Costa Rica,
focusing on education (chapter 6), health (chapter 7), and
social protection (chapter 8). The final part of the report
focuses on recapturing Costa Rica's momentum in
reducing poverty. This part focuses first on strengthening
economic and social policies to reduce poverty (chapter 9)
and then on improving data for poverty monitoring and
results-based management of Costa Rica's poverty
reduction efforts.
Link to Data Set
Citation
“World Bank. 2007. Costa Rica Poverty Assessment : Recapturing Momentum for Poverty Reduction. © Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/7678 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”