2003年-世界发展银行全球_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina___Poverty_Assessment_Volume_1_Main_Report_162页_11mb

Bosnia and Herzegovina Poverty Assessment Summary

Core Content

This report presents a comprehensive poverty assessment of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), analyzing poverty incidence, vulnerability, characteristics of the poor, and the impact of public policies on poverty reduction. It is based on data from the 2001 Living Standards Measurement Survey (LSMS), and includes insights from various international organizations and local agencies.

Main Report Overview

Poverty Incidence

• Poverty Rate: About 20% of the population in BiH lives in poverty, defined as lacking adequate consumption.
• Entity Distribution: Poverty is equally distributed between the two Entities (FBiH and RS), with FBiH at 16% and RS at 25%.
• Poverty Depth and Severity: Poverty depth is 5% and severity is 2% nationally. These metrics reflect how far below the poverty line consumption levels are and the weight given to those furthest from the line.
• Comparison with Neighbors: BiH's poverty rate is higher than that of all countries of the former SFRY for which data are available, highlighting the need for targeted poverty reduction strategies.

Non-Income Dimensions of Poverty

• Education Poverty: 27% of adults are "education poor," indicating limited access to education.
• Health Poverty: 16% of the population is affected by health-related poverty.
• Housing Conditions: 11% of the population lives in housing conditions below the poverty standard.
• Rights Poverty: 29% of the population is "rights-poor," meaning they lack established property rights for their housing. Wider human rights issues, such as safety from violence and crime, are also significant.
• Multidimensional Nature: Poverty is not just income-related but also affects education, health, housing, and rights. A multidimensional approach is necessary for effective poverty reduction.

Vulnerability to Poverty

• Risk Factors: Vulnerability to poverty is widespread and includes:

  • Earning Sources: Reliance on a single earner household.
  • Health Risks: Uninsured medical costs and lingering post-conflict risks like minefields and violence.
  • Human Rights Issues: Discrimination, corruption, and lack of property rights.
  • Geographical Mobility: Limited ability to move.
  • Access to Safety Nets: Reliance on informal arrangements.
  • Asset Stock and Credit Access: Poor household assets and limited credit availability.

• Vulnerability by Group: Vulnerability is higher among:

  • Rural populations
  • Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees
  • Households with poor education
  • Women

• Perception of Poverty: Many people in BiH report feeling poor even if they are not currently in poverty, due to widespread vulnerability and lack of accurate information.

Who Are the Poor?

• Children and Families: About a third of all poor individuals are under 18, and 2/3 of the poor live in households with children.
• Employment Status: Most poor households have at least one working member, but their income is often insufficient or vulnerable to job loss.
• Education Level: The majority of the poor live in households where the head has only primary education or less, indicating a lack of adequate skills.
• Poverty Groups:
  • Group 1: A minority of the poor with multiple contributing factors.
  • Group 2: A majority of the poor with a single cause, often unique to their household. This group is more likely to benefit from economic growth and employment generation.

Key Policy Insights

Structural Reforms and Growth

• Economic Growth: Since 1995, BiH has experienced significant economic growth, but employment has not improved much since 1998.
• Business Environment: A poor business environment and low private sector investment hinder employment generation.
• Sustainable Growth: Sustaining growth is crucial to reduce poverty, but without major progress, the poverty rate could rise sharply.

Public Policies and Safety Nets

• Safety Nets: The report emphasizes the importance of improving access to formal safety nets and reducing reliance on informal networks.
• Pension System: The pension system in BiH is not effective in reducing poverty, and public transfers play a limited role in improving population welfare.
• Labor Market Policies: Improving labor market outcomes and employment opportunities is essential for poverty reduction.

Health and Education

• Health Access: Health insurance coverage is uneven, and out-of-pocket expenditures remain high, especially for the poor.
• Education Access: Education poverty is significant, with many adults not continuing their education due to economic and social barriers.
• Public Expenditure: Public education expenditure is low relative to per capita GDP, and there is significant inequality in access to education.

Challenges Ahead

• Understanding Causes: Poverty in BiH is caused by limited opportunities, lack of security, and powerlessness.
• Future Poverty Reduction: Economic growth alone may not be sufficient to reduce poverty if inequality increases.
• Prioritizing Actions: The report recommends a multifaceted approach to poverty reduction, including general economic policies, targeted support for vulnerable groups, and improved public services.
• Monitoring Poverty: Regular monitoring and better communication from the government about reforms are essential for effective poverty reduction.

Conclusion

The report underscores the need for a comprehensive, multidimensional poverty reduction strategy that addresses both income and non-income dimensions. It highlights the importance of improving the business environment, enhancing access to formal safety nets, and investing in education and health to reduce poverty and its associated risks. The Government is urged to prioritize poverty reduction and ensure that policies are inclusive and effective in supporting all segments of the population.