Measurement and Nature of Absolute Poverty in Least Developed Countries

Abstract

This paper provides new national accounts consistent poverty estimates for low-income countries. The properties of the new estimates are compared to the existing estimates by the World Bank based on household survey means. We also use the new estimates to reflect on the recent controversies regarding the relationship between economic growth and poverty reduction. It is argued that the controversy is mainly due to the lack of distinction between what one can refer to as ‘generalized extreme poverty’ in low-income countries and the more ‘normal’ poverty situations in higher income economies.