Publication: Risk Management in South Asia : A Poverty Focused Approach
Date
2001-11
ISSN
Published
2001-11
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
In recognition that poverty and
vulnerability are mutually reinforcing, because the poor
lack the ability to insure against risks, often shaping
behavior and decision making to minimize exposure to risks,
even at the cost of economic efficiency, and long-term
interest, this paper reviews what is known about the
risk-coping, and risk-mitigating behavior of the poor in
South Asia. It examines the support received from the
governments, and nongovernmental organizations, as well as
the Bank's contributions, and, presents suggestions for
a strategy to reduce poverty, and efforts to overcome risk.
Analytical work classifies the risks that threaten different
vulnerable groups, or poor households, according to poverty
incidence and severity, and, a similar effort evaluates both
the risk-reducing impact of anti-poverty programs, and the
performance and potential of less traditional approaches,
such as micro-finance. On assessing government programs, the
study evaluates the role, impact, and potential of policy
mechanisms, or strategies commonly used in the region,
reviewing welfare programs in public works, transfers in
cash or kind, innovative programs for savings and insurance
services, and pension reforms, as well as how to expand such
programs. The study argues on the need for a comprehensive
social protection strategy that can address both poverty,
and vulnerability, identifying the priorities of vulnerable
groups, and specific risks, to then develop an
implementation structure, and institutional reforms that
expand market opportunities which facilitate formal
mechanisms for risk management.
Citation
“World Bank. 2001. Risk Management in South Asia : A Poverty Focused Approach. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/15449?show=full License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”